THE EDIT: Clever back to school/home office essentials
We've sourced our favourite space-saving, sustainable and multifunctional buys that will make the transition back to school/work life that bit easier
All products in this newsletter have been independently chosen by us. If you do buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
I love this time of year. For me, September has always felt like an opportunity for a fresh start – more than January in some ways (and with less pressure to keep resolutions). I always adored buying new stationery as a kid; beginning a new exercise book and having a shiny new pencil case (the geek in me I suspect), but not much has changed. I’m now getting an urge to sort through drawers before the school term starts, have a major declutter and reorganise my work from home space.
Whether you feel the same and relish the return to normality or you’re still living in blissful ignorance on a sun lounger somewhere, we’ve got your back to school/office essentials sorted so you can return to school/work life in a more orderly fashion (we can dare to dream can’t we?!)
We’ve tried to select some clever, multifunctional and sustainable buys that should appeal to both kiddies and grown-ups alike.
A wireless lamp – that’s also a pencil pot
We love this smart design from Dunelm as well as the price tag (£20) – not only is the lamp rechargeable, but it also comes with a handy pencil pot. We love the fact you can simply move it around, whether the kids need it at the dining table to do their homework, or at a desk in their bedroom – fab if you don’t have a socket close to hand. It also has a dimmer setting so you can adjust the brightness and it comes in six different colours.
A space-saving, folding desk
Let’s face it, space is often at a premium and we don’t always have oodles of room for a permanent home office setup. We love this Anzio folding wall desk design from La Redoute as it can utilise a small area of untapped wall space, taking up very little room with its fold-down design. Not only does it pack up neatly, it also has secret compartments to stash files and stationery, plus it has a magnetic background so you can use it as a pinboard. There’s also a cable hole to allow for easy access to wires.
Smart slimline storage
If you’re not familiar yet with the Mustard brand, now’s the time to get acquainted. The retro-style lockers come in an array of different shapes and colours, but we really love the Skinny Locker thanks to the fact it provides plenty of storage capacity but takes up very little space – ideal for kids’ rooms or that boxy home office.
Lunch and snack-time staples
Liewood delivers again, serving up another lovely food storage range with these latest designs. We like the Clemence bottle, £14, and the Driss lunchbox, £14.50, from Liewood, which has three handy separate compartments to stow your child's favourite food, plus it’s made from 75% recycled plastic, it’s BPA-free and dishwasher friendly, so you’ll love it too.
Stylish, sustainable stationery
Anyone else like me and love starting a new diary? UK-based Aim Studio Co has gorgeous stationery ranging from planners and calendars to notebooks and journals, crafted from FSC-certified paper and a tree is planted for every order made. We like the Today’s Plan Daily planner pad, £9, and the 2025 Personalised Diary in Lilac & Green, £25 (launching 26th August).
A Pretty pinboard
As soon as school starts you’re going to have plenty of party invites, school notices and artwork to hang up. So why not pin up your paperwork in style using Dunelm’s Remi Scalloped Edge Peg Board, £18? We love the pretty scallop design in a stylish sage green.
Essential storage
Start the school year off with a tidy space = a tidy mind approach by investing in essential book and craft storage. We love the Great Little Trading Company Blake Storage Shelf Unit, £225, available in a choice of durable paint finishes including Ocean Blue, White and Chalk Pink. Incorporating low storage items which are easy to reach will (hopefully) encourage your little ones to put things away, which will help promote independence as well as valuable organisational skills! For more storage advice, check out our recent post: How to design a playroom that appeals to both kids and parents in 6 easy steps
We would love to hear your thoughts on this week’s newsletter as well as find out what other shopping features you would find useful for your family home. Please do share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below and don’t forget to tap the heart icon if you enjoyed the newsletter!