
Grownup Back-to-School Supplies for Studious Creators

According to former BlogHer speaker Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche, a “buffet business” is one where multiple revenue streams are managed by a singular creative. If you’re not one of these people, you definitely know one, whether they be part of your inner circle or someone you admire from afar. Long story short—we’re all multitasking to some degree and for many, that includes school. Should you be a student juggling classes and a brand, adult-approved back-to-school supplies are probably on your list of things to tackle.
As an entrepreneur and student, it’s important you invest in products that are portable, multiuse, and long-lasting.
These standout finds may not check every item off your list but we think we got pretty close.
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Unless you prefer keeping your to-do lists electronically, these Papier List Notepads are not only stylish, but complete with bullet points and space for free-form notetaking at the bottom of each page. Plus, you can have these customized with your name…just in case they get left behind in one of your classes.
$28.99 at Papier

Even if you’re not a student, Tumi’s Essential Backpack is pretty enough for your Instagram flatlays and functional enough for all of your on-the-go needs. It includes an internal padded laptop pocket, an external slip pocket that you can attach to luggage, backpack straps, a top handle, zipper closures, and a monogrammable key ring.
$295 at Nordstrom

The best notebooks are ones that don’t just store paper. This Poppin Spiral Notebook also houses a folder for loose papers, comes in bright colors, and is small enough to fit in a purse or backpack.
$12.10 at Amazon

When you’re on-the-go, you never know what kind of surface you’ll be forced to work with. A portable laptop stand ensures that you can work and view your screen comfortably, whether you’re standing at a table in Starbucks or tucked away in the library.
$37.99 at Amazon

And if you’ve got multiple tabs open and your fingertips are starting to numb from all the sliding and swiping on your laptop surface, keep an LED wireless mouse in your bag for when you have the tabletop space to spare.
$13.99 at Amazon

Once that weather cools down, the thought of putting chili or soup inside your backpack (and next to the laptop) will become a recurring nightmare. Instead, avoid catastrophic spills by placing your liquids inside the infamous and insulated Yeti tumbler.
$29.98 at Amazon

There’s nothing worse than being stuck on campus with a dead phone or worse: a dead laptop. On those days when all of the outlets are taken, your battery pack will swoop in to save the day.
$22.99 at Amazon

Back up your work, whether it’s school papers or the financials for your online business. While there are plenty of ways to save your content on the computer, a back-up external hard drive is great to keep on hand…just in case.
$59.99 at Amazon

Making your lunch is a small and easy way to be more budget-conscious. And putting it inside a reusable lunch bag is a small and easy way to be more eco-conscious. This Calpak Insulated Lunch Bag comes with multiple pockets, a waterproof interior and drawstring closure that makes it look like a stylish clutch.
$42 at Calpak

Ask any creative what they never leave the house without, and it’s probably a working pen. When that genius idea comes up or a physical contract finally comes through, you want to be ready. These BIC Intensity Marker Pens come in bright colors that may inspire your most creative ideas yet.
$7.01 at Amazon
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