It’s that time of year again. Back-to-school season is here, and it’s time to get the students prepped and ready. I’ve put together a few of my favorite products that stand out for the success of our students, no matter their age.
LAMY AL-Star Fountain Pen
Price: $42
Amazon
Fountain pens are something I use to add a bit of whimsy to my life. LAMY fountain pens are some of my favorites. Their AL-Star line has a special place in my collection because it is on the more affordable side of the hobby. They come in a wide range of colors as well as extra-fine, fine, medium, broad, and left-handed nibs (you can swap the nib pretty easily).
Be warned that once you enter the fountain pen world, you are a permanent resident. Being able to use fun, shimmer, and color-changing inks can be addictive.
POSCA Art Supplies
Price: Varies
POSCA Markers (Amazon)
POSCA Pencils (Amazon)
If art supplies are on your list, I highly recommend anything by POSCA. Their markers are a particular favorite of mine. I’ve used other brands in a lower price range, but I always go back to my POSCA because the quality is hard to beat. The markers come in eight tip sizes and five different tip shapes. I use mine when doing detail work on my resin figures or when I need more control than what a paintbrush can give me.
Uni-ball One F Gel Pens
Price: $16
Amazon
The Uni-ball One F Gel Pens deliver a smooth, fine-point writing experience that works well for taking notes, filling out planners, or tackling everyday assignments. The ink glides across the page cleanly, making long writing sessions feel comfortable and controlled. The sleek, lightweight design is ideal for throwing in your backpack before heading out for the day. The dark ink colors give handwritten notes a crisp and easy-to-read look.
A Brighter Year Coloring Pads
Price: Starts at $9
A Brighter Year
A Brighter Year Coloring Pads are portable and quick to color. At only three inches by three inches, they are perfect for taking a short pause to refocus. The images are made with bold lines, and the paper is thick enough that my alcohol markers don’t bleed onto the next page. Each pad has 50 pages to color and helps bring a sense of calm to your day.
Limitless Ultra 15,000mAh Power Bank
Price: Currently on Sale for $59.98 (regularly $73)
QVC
Of all the power banks I’ve checked out, this is easily one of the best. It’s on the heavy side, but the extra weight is worthwhile when you need enough power and connections to get through a long day. The charger has two USB-C cables, a MagSafe charging spot, two USB ports, and a flashlight. It also has a stand to hold your phone while it charges if you want to keep watching your reels. I appreciate the built-in wall charger so I don’t have to keep up with another cable.
Epson EcoTank ET-2980 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer
Price: $271
Amazon
If you are looking for a new printer, Epson’s line of EcoTank printers should be on your radar. Epson’s EcoTank printers use ink bottle refills instead of expensive print cartridges. I have the EcoTank ET-2980, and individual refill bottles cost around $20. Epson estimates that the included ink can print up to 6,600 black pages or 5,500 color pages, although your actual results will vary depending on page coverage. In comparison, my previous printer cost about $65 for a color cartridge and got me at most 160 pages in color. The savings in ink means more money for snacks while you study.
Ohuhu × Coco Wyo Cozy Mood Coloring Kit
Price: $59.99
Amazon
I love an all-inclusive kit, and the Ohuhu × Coco Wyo Cozy Mood Coloring Kit gives you everything you need to start coloring, along with a few fun extras. The coloring book features 40 fan-favorite Coco Wyo designs and five new designs created exclusively for this collaboration. It also comes with a protective sheet to place behind the page when using Ohuhu’s signature Honolulu B alcohol markers. My organizing-geek side appreciates the included color chart, which has a designated spot to swatch each of the 48 markers so you can easily keep track of every shade. Each marker has a fine tip on one end and a brush tip on the other.
Nimble PODIUM 3-in-1 Wireless Charger for Apple (15W)
Price: $130
Amazon
Your desk has enough on it without adding a dozen cables to charge your headphones, phone, watch, and everything else you’ve got going on. The Nimble PODIUM 3-in-1 Wireless Charger gives you a spot to keep them all charging and out of the way. You can keep your phone up and visible to take advantage of the nightstand mode or lay it flat on the charging station to keep the screen out of sight and out of mind.
Period Kit
Price: $27.99
Reddrop
The Scarlet by RedDrop Period Kit helps young people feel prepared for their first period. The kit has everything they need, including comfy pads in multiple sizes and a puberty guide. Put everything in the included reusable pouch and toss it in your backpack or purse for on-the-go readiness. There is also a Period Kit+ that includes a menstrual cup and tampons for those who want to explore those options.
Epomaker Glyph Keyboard
Price: On sale for $125.10 (reg. $139)
Epomaker
I’ve reviewed a few of the Epomaker keyboards, and the Glyph sits at the top of my list for being fun and functional. The slot at the top gives you a place to put your phone or iPad and switch between answering texts and doing your book report (are those still a thing?). The customizable screen is a good place to put a graphic to keep you motivated.
Disclaimer: GeekDad received a sample of some of the items included on this list.
