When I was younger, back to school shopping meant buying new school shoes, a new pencil case, and maybe a lunch box. Now that I’m a veteran teacher, my back to school shopping looks a little different. Here are a few of my favorite things that are in my in-box or have already arrived in advance of the new school year. To make things easier, I’ve included links to access the products with discount codes wherever possible.

Travel Coffee Mug – Hands down this is the best travel coffee mug I have EVER used. I make a coffee in the morning, screw the locking lid and throw this in my school bag. The Fellow Carter Move mug comes with a  ‘your-bag-is-not-getting-wet’ guarantee and I can vouch for that! I’ve bought these mugs as gifts for family members and recently treated myself to a new one in a fresh color. These mugs keep drinks hot for 12 hours – perfect for my second coffee of the morning. Fellow offers teachers a 15% Heroes discount! I also have my eye on their water bottle which looks very stylish.

Classroom Timer – My science teacher wife swears by this timer from TIME TIMER, which helps students to stay on task and assists with classroom organization and concentration during study time. Over 2.5k 5 star reviews can’t be wrong! I am also eying up these colorful sand timers. Not necessarily for classroom use, but more for my own use. I know I’m going to have a busy year, and I want to be more intentional about using my own time for planning (or meditation).

3 in 1 Folding Charger – I’ve recommended many chargers in the past, and this portable one is great. It sits on my desk at work, and travels with me to conferences because it’s so versatile. It charges my Apple Watch, my AirPods and my iPhone at the same time…and when it’s not charging my devices…it’s charging my co-workers devices! I WILL be bringing it to the NYSAHPERD conference in November where I will be delivering two sessions and a keynote address. Will I see you there?

Wireless Bluetooth Speaker – The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 portable speaker has great 360 degree sound, is dustproof, can handle immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, can survive a 5-foot drop onto concrete, and it floats. It might be the most expensive item on this list, but storing this in your school bag means you don’t have to hunt around for the generic departmental speaker (that is banged up and probably out of power). Keep an eye on the prices of these. You should be able to pick these up for around $50.

Sleep Mask – Everything you do, you do better on a full night of sleep, and since reading Dr. Matthew Walker’s ‘Why We Sleep‘ I have made sleep a non-negotiable. This Nidra luxury sleep mask is lightweight, breathable, contoured, comfortable and blocks light. Affectionately referred to as my ‘eye bra’, the molded cups curve away from your eyes and eyelashes with a snug, non-compressing fit around your face. Trust me when I say that this sleep mask is outstanding. Here’s your guide to getting your sleep routine back in line with your back to school needs.

Glass Candy Jar/Student Motivator – Another recommendation from my wife who maintains that her freshman students will do anything for candy. I was never one for candy in the classroom until we had a guest speaker offer Jolly Ranchers to those who participated in discussions. I’ve never seen so many raised hands! This 2 gallon glass jar is exactly that. It’s a jar, made of glass, with a lid.

Charitable Donation – Perhaps you already have what you need and would rather start the school year helping others. The organizations that I support include – SHAPE America, because I believe that all children deserve quality physical education. I’ll also support Answer, because young people need high-quality sex education.

Make a donation to SHAPE America here.

Personalized Notebook/Planner – I get positive comments on my personalized books from Papier, all of the time. With space to add name or initials, in a color of your choice or fancy foiled letters, there’s a notebook to suit any style. Hardback, softcover, spiral or leather – the decision is yours. Here’s a code to give you $10 off your next purchase! This year I ordered a notebook in my school colors of blue and green. Did you know I designed my own notebook to be used at conferences?

Highly Recommended Pens – Selected by Wirecutter as the best pen option, the Uni-ball Jetstream RT has quick drying, dark ink that flows smoothly and evenly. The ink is water-resistant, fade-resistant, and formulated to resist check washing, too. I also just ordered these highlighters from Sharpie, and they’re currently reduced by 30%.

Water Bottle – Perfect for your hydration goal*, and another leak-proof product (see the coffee mug above), these Owala bottles have a really cool FreeSip spout designed for either sipping upright through the built-in straw or tilting back to swig from the spout opening. With double-wall insulation these bottles keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and are BPA and phthalate free. I love mine. My kids love theirs!

*If you ARE trying to improve your hydration, I swear by these NUUN electrolyte tablets.

I’m also stocking up on thank you cards because I never need an excuse to show my gratitude.

As you prepare for the start of another (awesome) school year, I recommend you check out the following:

Ready to Teach? Your Preseason Training Guide

Claim Your Greatness: Why #OneWord Will Define Your Year

10 Prompts to Help Look Ahead to Next Year

Setting the Tone for the First Lesson of the Year via Edutopia

Free Posters for the Health Classroom