Back-to-school shopping for students and teachers is easier with lots of online options plus several local shops. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution aggregated this helpful gift guide—for students and teachers. Each idea offers stylish essentials ranging from apparel and accessories to planners and pen cases to a non-perishable snack. Start this school year in style with the following 10 must-have items that will keep folks looking and feeling good and more importantly, prepared to hit the books and excel in school.
Something sweet
Healthy snacks like apples are classic but perishable. This year give your favorite teachers something sweet in the form of Purposeful Pecans, a line of gourmet candied pecans in cinnamon-star anise and sweet and hot. Created by former Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta chef Robert Gerstenecker, the pecans also have a philanthropic angle; they are produced by Meals On Wheels Atlanta and proceeds help provide home-delivered meals for local seniors. $18-$28. Available at Meals On Wheels Atlanta headquarters (1705 Commerce Dr. NW, Atlanta), Lucy’s Market (56 E. Andrews Dr. NW, Atlanta) and online, mowatl.org/purposefulpecans.
Brown bag it
Instead of school lunch, opt for freshly prepared meals or yummy leftovers from home then carry it to school in a graphic lunch tote. Available at Old Navy in an assortment of styles including Frank You Very Much and Running To Lunch. Teachers can also opt for a tote in traditional designs like navy polka dot and pink palm trees. $6.97 -$12. Various locations, oldnavy.gap.com.
MORE ON AJC.COM: Back-to-school Guide
Make plans
Got plans for the next 17 months? These Ban.do planners keep students organized from August 2019 to December 2020 and are chock full of goodies like artwork, stickers, a personality quiz, 3-D page with glasses and of course, the calendar with views organized by year, month and week. With all those months of planning, students can look forward to jotting down fun things like birthdays, special school events, holiday activities and social engagements. And, there will still be enough room for assignment due dates, too. Classic and medium sizes, $20-$32. Archer Paper Goods, Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-549-9878, archerpaper.com. Also available at bando.com.
Take note
To write more than notes — the kind students should not pass to each other during class — pick up a five-pack of Pilot G2 retractable premium gel ink rollerball pen inclusive of blue, black, green and red inks. The pens are available in tips from 0.5 to 1mm; opt for the smallest size for the finest writing. Literally, like thin lines. $8.69. Various Staples locations, staples.com.
Store it
Keep favorite pens and pencils in a central place with a deliciously designed Hello Kitty ice cream pen pouch. Shaped like an ice cream cone, the spacious pouch also features a matching hello Sanrio ice cream-themed zipper pull. Currently, $15. sanrio.com.
Team pride
Atlanta Falcons fans stand up and show off team-themed socks from the NFL Shop. Styles include an argyle pattern, fan nation crew, stripes and more in sizes for kids and adults. There are also crew socks featuring wide receiver Quintorris Lopez "Julio" Jones as well as former Falcons Hall of Fame player, Deion Sanders. $9.99 -$24.99. nflshop.com/atlanta-falcons.
On a roll
If your kid will be carting heavy textbooks and gear like gym day clothes, lunch totes, a laptop and more, consider taking the load off their shoulders with a Rockland 17-inch roadster rolling backpack. In addition to the main compartment, the backpack features four additional storage pockets, a self-standing stand and a top handle pocket on the top for carrying. $26.99 - $43.99. target.com.
Work and play
The new Apple MacBook Air and MacBook Pro feature True Tone retina display for a better, natural viewing experience. The latter also has a T2 security chip to fully encrypt data, touch ID and touch bar, which is extra cool for doing things like changing font color; styles like bold, italic and underline; highlighting; and adjusting volume. Speaking of sound, for a limited time, select students will receive a free pair of Beats Studio 3 wireless headphones with the purchase of a qualifying Mac notebook or iMac as part of Apple's back-to-school promotion. $1,099 - $1,299. Various locations, apple.com.
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