As soon as I was old enough to venture off on my own, I started going to Staples in mid-July while my mom went grocery shopping next door. I’d walk up and down the aisles, dreaming about the different school supplies I’d hope to get. I’d begin to strategize how I could justify asking my parents for different things, and thinking about how much of my own money I’d be willing to part with as well.
While I sadly I have no reason to go back-to-school shopping anymore, I can salvage some pleasure by helping you with your back-to-school shopping list.
Here are some of the gear, gadgets, and apps I would look to arm myself with if I were heading back to school this fall:
Free and almost free
Microsoft OneNote
This has been my favorite desktop app for the last 10 years. It baffled me then, and it baffles me now that it’s not more popular. Before you had to purchase it with the Microsoft Office suite, but now it’s free!
What is it?
- Note taking software that compiles users notes (typed or handwritten with a stylus), drawings, screen clippings and audio commentaries.
- Builds on the functionality of a word processor by allowing users to write anywhere on a virtually unbounded document window by just clicking there.
- Has no enforced uniform page layout or structure but is still able to keep a flood of information neat and tidy.
Why is it useful?
- Replaces your notebooks, random post-it notes, scrap pieces of paper, to-do lists, brainstorming notes.
- Allows you to instantly search through all of your notes – even words and pictures are searchable inside OneNote.
- Is more comprehensive and better suited for school than other note-taking products like Evernote.
- Integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, Excel).
- Helps keep you organized in school and other areas of your life (e.x. sports, committees, travel, shopping, books, passwords, to do lists).
How much does it cost?
- Free!
Where can you get it?
- Apple, Android and Windows App stores
- Mobile and tablet versions are also available
Where can you learn more?
Forest App
I’ve just recently started using this productivity app to help me maintain focus.
What is it?
- A mobile app that incentivizes competitive people like you and I to keep our attention focused on what’s important to us.
- You select the amount of time you want to stay focused for and the timer begins counting down. At the same time, a virtual tree begins to grow. If you don’t leave the app for that pre-set amount of time, the tree will blossom. If you leave the app, the virtual tree will die.
- The objective is to create a forest full of trees by the end of the day. You can then see the forest you created that day and compare it with past days and those of your friends.
Why is it useful?
- It prevents you from getting distracted by facebook, instagram, email and every other app on your phone that you use to procrastinate.
- It turns productivity into a game that you can compete in against both yourself and others.
How much does it cost?
- $2.99
Where can you get it?
- Apple and Android App stores
Where can you learn more?
Less than $50
One Touch Stapler
You probably already have a stapler, but almost certainly don’t have a stapler that causes an uncontrollable smirk of satisfaction to surface on your unsuspecting face.
I discovered this undercover toy back when I was mindlessly ringing customers through a till at a shoe store years ago. I never tired of watching the child-like excitement that would overcome a customer or co-worker as they stumbled upon its magic for the first time.
What is it?
- This is the sports car of staplers. Softly nudge the top handle and experience a jolt of satisfaction as the machine explodes through 20 sheets of paper! (up to 60 on the more expensive model)
Why is it useful?
- Turns a mundane, and often frustrating task into one of pleasure and ease.
How much does it cost?
- $11.49 (20 sheets and compact size)
- $29.99 (60 sheets)
Where can you get it?
Where can you learn more?
ZAAG Invisible Shield HDX screen protector
If you don’t already have a screen protector for your phone and tablet, you should seriously consider getting one.
I’ve turned to ZAGG to protect my last couple of phones, and have yet to get so much as a scratch on the screen
What is it?
- A heavy duty screen protector for your phone and tablet.
Why is it useful?
- Screen protectors are essentially a preventative insurance policy for your phone. Buy one now for $25 so that you don’t have to live with irritating scratches, cracks or a replace a broken screen later for $100+.
- The Invisible Shield products are made of the same military-grade film that is used to coat helicopter blades. Since the military trusts this stuff to keep their multi-million dollar choppers in the air during their multi-billion dollar missions, you can trust it to protect your phone in relatively civil circumstances.
- The HDX model combines shatter protection, a shock resistant layer and advanced clarity at a reasonable price point. Not that I’ve tested them, but the more expensive glass models seem to return diminishing marginal value in my opinion.
How much does it cost?
- $24.99
- They’re a little more expensive than most, but I feel that the extra peace of mind is worth it.
Where can you get it?
- Invisible Shield online store
- Amazon, Staples, Best Buy, Walmart
Where can you learn more?
Compression calf sleeves
For those of you who are unfamiliar with compression socks/sleeves, admittedly these may look like either:
- A nerdy running accessory that you might expect to find on a middle-aged Saturday morning jogger that you vow to never become; or
- A fashion statement made by NBA players.
However, in both cases, there is a method to the madness (see below for why they are useful)
I prefer the calf sleeves over the socks for several reasons:
- They don’t take 5 frustrating minutes to put them on;
- You can combine them easily with whatever style and length of socks you normally like to wear or go barefoot in sandals;
- They’re easier to hide under pants;
- They’re not as hot in warmer environments; and
- They cost less.
What are they?
- Compression gear helps prevent injuries by:
- Increasing and regulating blood flow, which helps flush out lactic acid, which helps your muscles recover quicker; and
- Reducing muscle vibration by holding your muscles in the exact spot they need to be to perform optimally.
Why are they useful?
- I primarily use them after exercise and while sleeping to help me recover, and get more out of my next workout.
- CEP is widely regarded as the top compression sock brand in running community due to their strength (amount of compression), durability, scientific design, and precision fit.
How much do they cost?
- $40.00 CAD
Where can you get them?
- CEP online store
- Running Room, [Specialty running stores]
Where can you learn more?
Greater than $50
Rumble Roller
I’ve tried a lot of foam rollers over the years, and this is by far my favorite!
Non-athletes look at me like I’m crazy when I show them a picture of this thing, but anyone who takes recovery half as seriously as I do exclaims “OHHH DAAAMN!”
I credit this foam roller with keeping me injury free in my last year of competitive running.
What is it?
- A deep tissue massage tool to stretch even the hardest to stretch muscles and help you minimize the risk of getting injured.
- A thoughtfully crafted mix of shape, firmness, and durability.
- Use it to stretch out your muscles after exercising and while you’re watching TV or chatting with friends and family at home or on the road.
Why it’s useful?
- The problem with most foam rollers is that they are far too soft and create too large a contact patch with your skin to have any real impact on athletes’ muscles. They also tend to break down easily over time and lose their shape.
- PVC pipes and other hard rollers are too inflexible to really dig into the muscle and are too hard on bones.
- The rumble roller’s high profile bumps dig deeper into your muscles, and the spaces between them give your soft tissue and skin room to get of the way.
How much does it cost?
- $63.95 CAD
- The compact size is all you need and is much more travel-friendly.
- If you haven’t done much foam rolling in the past, I’d recommend the blue original model. The XFIRM black model is for foam rolling veterans and the foolishly brave.
Where can you get it?
- Rumble Roller online store
- [Fitness stores]
Where can you learn more
Logitech MX Anywhere 2S mouse
The Logitech MX Anywhere 2S is the best compact and travel-friendly wireless mouse in the business.
I’ve used the original MX Anywhere mouse for the last 3 years and loved it.
What is it?
- A portable wireless mouse that increases your productivity.
Why it’s useful?
- Tracks on any surface (no mouse pad required, even on glass).
- Compact, easily fits in your bag.
- USB chargeable – can get a full day’s charge in 3 minutes and a full charge lasts 2 months.
- Hyper-fast scrolling wheel – super useful when trying to quickly scroll down documents, spreadsheets, and websites.
- It can connect to a computer over Bluetooth, as well as a tiny USB hub.
- Can link the mouse to up to 3 devices (laptop, tablet, desktop; windows and mac) and seamlessly switch between them – and you can then copy and paste text, images, files and folders between computers (I’m not sure how often I would actually use this, and don’t know that’d I’d pay extra for the feature, but it could be useful).
How much does it cost?
- $79.99 CDN (on sale, regularly $99.99)
Where can you get it?
- Amazon – on sale now
- Staples, London Drugs, Best Buy
Where can I learn more?
Osprey Radial 34 backpack
Of the 6 different backpacks that I use on a somewhat regular basis (my traveling one less so), this is my favorite and the one I use on a daily basis.
What is it?
- Although this is designed as a cycle commuting backpack, student-athletes will also fall in love with many of its features.
Why is it useful?
- This may be the only backpack on the market to offer both a fully ventilated back panel and laptop sleeve (tablet sleeve is also included). The ventilated panel keeps your back from getting sweaty when you’re cycling, hiking, walking around in hot weather, or just running late to class or practice.
- Integrated kickstand – so it stands up by itself, and won’t tip over in class and spill your stuff everywhere.
- Separate shoe compartments – your old history textbook already has its own musky scent, no need to add yours to the mix.
- Integrated waterproof rain cover.
- Cycling friendly features – easily store your U-lock and helmet and also stay visible while riding in the dark.
How much does it cost?
- $220
Where can you get it?
- Osprey online store
- Atmosphere, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, REI
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