Back-to-school shopping is supposed to be fun, right? But after all the retail novelty has worn off, classes have started and your wallet is empty you realize everything you bought is in the form of ugly textbooks, expensive colored pens and those tacky posters that everyone had in their freshman dorm. Where’s the excitement in that? So I decided to do make a wishlist of delightfully awesome (and a few practical) things you shouldn’t go through college without. Oh, and everything’s under $50!
Electric Garden Charging Station-$25 from Modcloth.com
No more messy wires or forgetting/losing your phone/camera/iPod charger. It’s like an electrically brilliant Chia pet.
2 x 3 Rug– $18 from Urbanoutfitters.com
While we’re on the subject of forgetting things, you’ll forget what forgetting is with this helpful rug! If only they could fit lip gloss, hair ties and sunglasses on there too.
Personal Banker Organizer– $14 from Modcloth.com
This little green giant is an accountant that fits in your handbag. Complete with little folders for your receipts and a notepad to write down all your purchases. Great for shopaholics and the mathematically challenged (me).
POP Phone– $30 from Nativeunion.com
Give your smart phone and old school kick with this genius retro phone receiver.
Drinkin Party Banner– $14 from Urbanoutfitters.com
Let’s face it, no matter whether you’re in a dorm or a party house it’s very likely that you’ll host a shindig or twenty this school year. So what better way to decorate your walls than with banners that support your drinking habits?
Embarrassing Photo Protective Glasses– $12 from Urbanoutfitters.com
There’s bound to be multiple trigger happy guests at all these parties you’ll be having. So, instead of saving face the next morning you can save yourself with these identity disguising glasses. You’ll never dread the “you’ve been tagged in 24 photos” notifications again.
F in Exams Book– $10 from Amazon.com
The next time you walk out of an exam feeling like the world and your academic career is over, read this hilarious book of ridiculously bad test answers and you’ll instantly feel like a genius.
Chalkboard Paint– $10 from Homedepot.com
Forget the confusing wall decals and hammering in framed photos. Chalkboard paint is the simplest and most entertaining wall decor you can buy. Paint a small square in the kitchen for your grocery lists or cover an entire wall and create a chalktastic mural with your amigos.
Little Victories Table Tennis Set– $46 from Modcloth.com
Because you just never know when or where a spontaneous game of pong is going to occur!
