It's Time for Back to School Shopping! Shop Our Editors' Top 15 Essentials for the New Semester
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Once a week, we ask our editors to share the items they've been loving or lusting after—whether it's a new skincare product we're dying to try or a travel essential we can't live without. Consider " The Weekly Covet "your editor-approved wish list for beauty, travel, fashion, and everything in between.
Z5 II Mirrorless Camera
"iPhones are so last year; digital cameras are very much in for the younger generation. Nikon's newest model, the Z5II, is definitely worth the splurge, and makes an incredible gift for any student in your life." —Emily Burack, Senior News Editor
Slim Briefcase with Zip Front in Ludlow
"I've tried to do the backpack thing; it just isn't for me. Instead, I prefer to carry a bag. This fall, I've got my eye on this smart briefcase from Smythson, which is big enough for my laptop and other necessities but doesn't feel hulking or unwieldy. With a bag like this, I think I could finally be the organized, polished student I always hoped to be. Fingers crossed." — Adam Rathe, Deputy Features Director
Colette Notebook in Spruce
"Tis the season for new notebooks! I just bought this one, from my favorite stationery line, Dear Annabelle." —Danielle Stein Chizzik, Deputy Editor
Stainless Steel Mug
"My kids' water bottles take quite a beating throughout the school year during sports, clubs and musicals and an occasional accidental drop from the lunch table. I've been getting these Zojirushi stainless steel ones for years. They are very light compared to the other stainless steel water bottles out there which is very important to my kids since they already have to carry extremely heavy backpacks during their long commutes. Also, they keep the water very cold for extended periods which is another great quality that my kids love!" —Chiun Lee, Design Director
Kindle Scribe
"If I had the Kindle Scribe in college, I would've been unstoppable. The e-reader lets you annotate books, take notes, and read any type of document (plus books, of course). *Whispers* it's better than an iPad." —Emily Burack, Senior News Editor
Heartburn by Nora Ephron
"Is there anything better than a bunch of freshly sharpened pencils? Probably not, but in the fall I find myself returning to the works of Nora Ephron (including You've Got Mail , from which I stole the pencil bit). If you're looking for a bit of literary inspiration, nothing is as transportive as a cozy night in with Heartburn ." —Dorothy Scarborough, Editorial Asssistant
Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
"I absolutely cannot wait until September, for that fresh back-to-school energy to zip me out of my summer daze. The excuse to upgrade a few things helps, too: Top of my list is this Coach shoulder bag, which is a perfect size to hold my laptop for workdays and, when traveling, a good book and other in-flight essentials." —Leena Kim, Editor
High Waisted Weekender Skimp
"Back to school shopping always meant a new pair of jeans for me, and I like to keep that tradition alive even though I'm no longer in school. I love a classic boot cut jean for the fall, and I've been eyeing these ones from Mother for this year!" —Tess Donlevie, Senior Designer
Calendar
"The back to school season means back to scheduling, and with all sorts of activities, projects, and obligations to juggle, this digital calendar and organizer can get your whole family off on the right foot. It can track and sync to work and phone calendars for multiple people, can set up chores lists, meal planning, and more to make this your school year of actually getting it all done." —Lauren Hubbard, Contributor
Panama Notebook
"There's nothing quite like a fresh, new notebook to start the year off right. I recently splurged on the Panama Notebook from Smythson—and quickly fell in love with it. Its compact size means I can take it anywhere, and it comes in the chicest colors!" —Natalie Boyce, Visual Assistant
Lima Phone Strap Set
"There's no device a student wants to protect more than their phone. That makes me think of my one must-have iPhone accessory: a case with a crossbody strap because I am prone to both dropping and losing things. The extra little detail on this one fancies it up a bit." —Rachel King, News Writer
Captain Cook Over-Pole Limited Edition
"When the bell rings, and phones are put away, keeping time just got much cooler. This watch from Rado is a new classic all the other students will want." —Dania Ortiz, Fashion & Accessories Director
Paradise Necklace
"Back to school means cool new jewels that show that you took H.A.G.S. (have a great summer) to heart. Martha Calvo has such playful pieces—and is heartthrob approved (Justin Bieber is a fan)." —Hannah Morrolf, Assistant Fashion Editor
2026 Daily Journal
"My mom swears by the Graphic Image planner, and I think she's finally influenced me for 2025-2026. What I like about it is that it has month-at-view pages where I can jot down appointments, as well as day-at-view pages where I can fill out my daily to-do tasks in great detail. The pop of color in my bag is a bonus." —Sophie Dweck, Shopping Editor
Riviera Sneaker
"There's no better time for a sleek new pair of sneakers than back to school season. Case in point, these perfect slimline shoes that I can pair with a frock, denim, skirts, and shorts galore. I am obsessed."— Roxanne Adamiyatt, Digital Lifestyle Director
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