I distinctly remember the glossy Lisa Frank dolphin folder that I carried around for the duration of third grade. Despite the inevitable stressors throughout that school year (pop quizzes and unrequited crushes) the bright colors of my beloved dolphin folder always
brought me joy. And so each year, when it was time to go school-supply shopping again, I kept that dolphin folder in mind, planning to find the next best thing that would bring me joy. One year it was a holographic notebook cover, another year it was a pen that had six interchangeable colors.
As an adult, I have missed the feeling of curating a year of new "school supplies," so in an attempt to recreate that feeling, I'm upping my planner game, as well as properly outfitting my home office. Ahead, you'll find some items that brought me joy, not unlike the joy that I had when I went back-to-school shopping many moons ago. Ultimately, you're never too old for a back-to-school shop.
Shop Adult Back-to-School Essentials
I love highlighting things — probably too much — but nothing brings me greater satisfaction than a highlighted calendar or list. In addition, note taking is 10 times more fun when your writing looks like a pastel rainbow.
Muji Clear Tip Double Ended Highlighter ($3)
A double-sided highlighter is never a bad idea!
Muji Compact Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen Knock Type 0.5 mm ($3)
It's difficult to walk past a Muji store without picking up at least one small item. In my case, it's usually a cute pen. This one is perfectly sized for both at home and on the go.
Sharpie Pocket Highlighters ($13)
Going HAM on highlighting your notes, journals, planners, books, etc. helps not only add color, but keeps you organized as well. Color coding anyone?
Sanrio Friction Ball Knock 3-Pen Set 0.5mm ($15)
I'll never miss an opportunity to include a Hello Kitty item in my space in an effort to conjure a bit of nostalgic joy. The cup of pens currently on my desk is filled with various Sanrio character pens, and they do make me happy!
LePen Set 10pc Pastels ($23)
I've been buying Le Pen since early college. It used to be my little splurge item that made note-taking in lecture hall a bit more fun.
"This is the year I finally use a planner" is what I tell myself every single January and September, but this time, I'm serious! Seeing a colorful array of journals and planners to choose from motivates me, not to mention the polka-dot Damson Madder x Papier wellness journals that just look good.
Muji A6 Monthly/Daily Planner Undated ($6)
The clear case on this otherwise simple Muji planner makes it look incredibly chic (and easy to customize with stickers!). In addition, the pages include layouts with calendars and spaces for bullet journaling.
Muji Compact Notebook A7 ($10)
Muji is truly the best when it comes to adorably-sized items. This red compact notebook is perfect for last-minute thoughts and doodles while commuting.
Moleskine Classic Notebook ($22)
If you haven't filled up an entire Moleskin journal, now is your chance to do so with this tiny chartreuse green edition that is perfect for both deskside and on the go.
Papier Dotted & Spotted Wellness Journal ($35)
Damson Madder x Papier is the dream. I have loved Damson Madder's whimsical brand a lot the past few years, and I'm thrilled to see them expanding into stationery with their signature butter yellow-and-brown polka-dot pattern.
Diarpell Spa Smooth Calfskin Light Blue Leather Journal with Lobster ($40)
You can channel your summer spent on the Cape via this adorable blue leather lobster journal with red live edges. Chic!
Louise Carmen Honoré The Leather Notebook ($164)
Louise Carmen is a feel-good splurge item that will last for a lifetime of journaling with customization options and replenishment of pages.
I will simply never have enough lamps. Like handbags, there is always going to be a lamp that I feel like I need. It's a very simple way to literally brighten up your space in the form of functional art.
Spetsboj Table Lamp ($15)
Butter yellow continues to thrive, not only in our wardrobes but also via our homes with this cute dimmable lamp.
Fado Table Lamp ($30)
Several years ago, I was on the hunt for a vintage murano lamp, which I ended up finding on Etsy. While I still encourage shopping vintage when you can, this lamp is a great option that gives the same whimsical look and feel.
Varmblixt LED Table/Wall Lamp ($90)
This iconic Varmblixt lamp was routinely sold out at Ikea when it first hit stores, but I'm happy to report that it has consistently been back in stock, so now may be your time to finally take it home to add a bit of quirk to your space.
Emma Chamberlain Pleated Table Lamp (18") ($159)
Emma Chamberlain x West Elm was one of the smartest collaborations I've seen this year, and I hope they plan to keep creating fun pieces (like this playful lamp!) together.
Herman Miller Matin Table Lamp ($184, originally $245)
I may be biased because I own two of these lamps, but I do think they are an easy way to elevate a space, and I love the dimmable feature. Fun fact: it was also the same lamp that Zendaya's character Emma had on her nightstand in "The Drama," so do with that information as you please.
If it wasn't already abundantly clear, I love stuff, and so it helps to have a place to put said stuff via storage solutions such as pouches (again, you can never have enough pouches) or bins. And if we can help it, why not also make sure that our storage options look cute?
Muji Side Mesh Toothbrush Pouch ($6)
My toothbrush is often floating around in a bag that it shouldn't be in, and I can't wait for it to finally have a home of its own in this cute mesh storage pouch.
Herman Miller Recycled Colour Crate ($6, originally $8)
Style and functionality is everything that HAY design encompasses, and even at the smallest level — something as simple as a storage basket — still maintains that ethos. With an array of sizes and colors to choose from, you can go HAM on your storage game. I literally use mine to store onions and root vegetables in my kitchen pantry, but have repurposed the same baskets to store other items such as all of my Baggu bags.
Muji Polyester Gadget Pouch ($12)
If I have to scrounge through the deepest depths of my carry-on bag one more time to find my phone charger, I may scream. A pouch to specifically organize my plethora of cords and chargers will finally (hopefully) resolve that never-ending headache.
Muji Passport Case With Pocket ($12, originally $24)
I currently have a billfold-style wallet for my passport, but have been in need of an upgrade, and this pouch is perfect for just that. I love the clear pouch for cash, holder for a pen, and multiple slots for credit cards.
Pleated Baggu in Azalea Pink Tartan ($32)
Baggu is always going to be a ride-or-die brand for me. The bags are washable, reliable, and playful, and this pattern and pleated texture is bringing me the fall plaid energy that I am currently seeking right now.
Baggu Flat Pouch Set in Polka Dot Mix ($40)
Ditto my above sentiment, plus polka dots! These pliable pouches are the perfect storage vessels for the smallest treasures in your desk, handbag, suitcase and more.
For the whimsy girl who also needs to be functional, we are in our bedazzling era, so why not add some rhinestones to the office supplies of your choice? In addition, it's never a bad idea to DIY a polka-dot pattern onto an item with some stickers.
Muji Stapler ($4)
I hope to customize this stapler by bedazzling it with rhinestones, per the recent trend of doing so for everything from your coffee cup to your face mask.
Muji ABS Tape Measure ($5)
Small and chic is the name of the Muji stationery game. I plan to customize this tiny measuring tape, as well as the above stapler, with stickers.
Orizulink Writable Colored Dot Stickers ($5)
As an art history minor, these colorful dot stickers will always remind me of John Baldessari's work. However, it dawned on me that they are the perfect way to put a polka-dot pattern on just about anything, from your filing cabinet to your trash bin. Happy polka dotting!
Sopeiouo Gem Stickers ($12)
Stickers are never going to be a bad idea, as they are an affordable (and simple) way to customize anything you'd like. I can't wait to bedazzle my office supplies this fall.
Lisa Frank x Kitsch Glitter Hair Clip ($12)
I had to include this Kitsch x Lisa Frank dolphin clip as an homage to my third grade self and her favorite dolphin folder.
Emma Chamberlain Icon Candles ($50)
The Emma Chamberlain x West Elm collab lives on via small decor items such as this candle, adorned with an apple reminiscent of our back-to-school days and teacher-appreciation gifts.
Herman Miller Girard Throw ($244, originally $325)
Everyone needs an office blanket, not only to warm up from the unpredictably cold office air conditioning, but also to add a touch of cozy to your space. Pink and green will forever be a favorite color combo of mine, and this throw encapsulates just that.
A boring desk chair is a sad desk chair, and I feel strongly that there are cute and colorful desk chair options out there. Here are some favorites at different price points that cover both ergonomics and style.
Sweetcrispy Small Armless Desk Chair ($32, originally $40)
Chartreuse green was evidently the color of everyone's bedroom walls in the early 2000s. To pay homage, this chair channels that color memory perfectly.
Orange Factory Criss Cross Chair With Wheels ($108)
Wide crisscross chairs blew up on TikTok Shop during the pandemic, and I totally understand why (comfort!). I'm happy to see that this style of chair has now expanded in color palette with this sky blue bouclé-like fabric iteration. A Cinnamoroll throw blanket would complete the look.
West Elm Contract Grade Ronan Leather Office Chair ($449-$549)
This chair is giving director's chair, but make it stylish. The shiny chrome (wheeled!) legs with light-toned leather would also make for an incredible glam-room chair. Food for thought!
Herman Miller Mirra 2 Chair ($1,800)
I've gone 34 years without getting a proper ergonomic office chair for myself (I know). Herman Miller has mastered the art of not only the ergonomics of office chairs, but also the timeless style of them. I love the clean white structure paired with the warm, rust-like color, and I can't wait to drape a throw over the back of it for the chilly fall days ahead.
Emily Zirimis is the associate creative director at Popsugar. Before joining the PS team, she worked as Creative Design Director at Teen Vogue for nearly six years. She holds a BFA in Communications Design with a minor in Art History from Pratt Institute and has been working in the digital media space since 2014.
