Who says back to school shopping is just for kids? Here are five great back to school items we want for our work or home office, even though we aren’t students and we definitely did not get the summer off.

The bag
The super durable Lotuff & Clegg tote is sturdy enough to carry a heap of textbooks and its unisex, so we can share it with our man. Plus the next best thing to made in Canada is made in the USA, and that’s exactly where this leather bag is crafted. Bags from $475 at www.lotuffclegg.com

The writing utensil
We’re getting bored of doing our writing on a keyboard, so these Know It All pencils relieve us of carpal tunnel, and remind us of some of the handy facts we forgot from school. Six pencils for $18.50 from Present & Correct.

The chalkboard
The Chat Board is a magnetic and coloured version of a whiteboard, perfect for noting and sharing your to-do lists or reminders.  Available in colours like lime green, turquoise, and fuschia, the Chat Board will brighten up any room, even if it says “Do laundry.” Starting at $99.99, from Room in Order online, or at 1055 Davie St., Vancouver, BC,  604-684-8884. 

The computer gadget
Who knew computer speakers could be so much fun? These ones are shaped like ipod ear buds, but are 500 times bigger. Another great way to distract ourselves from our “schoolwork.” US $44.99 from Perpetual Kid.

The desk
Inspired by old fashioned writing desks, The Ledge mounts onto your wall and includes a cord management system to hide all of your cables. It doesn’t take up much space, plus it is gorgeous. By Urbancase. $1,500 available from Mint Interiors, 1805 Fir St., Vancouver, 604-568-3430, shop.mintinteriors.ca —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

When your son comes home from school with pink Crocs and a Barbie lunch kit he didn't leave home with, either it's time to start labeling his clothes—or buy him a subscription to Vogue.

Purchasing your fifth PCB-Free water bottle this school year, think of all the time and money you could have saved with stick-on name labels by Vancouver's Emily Press.

Specially designed to be laundry and dishwasher-safe, the tiny labels will make sure Poppy and  pencil case will always be reunited.

Design your custom labels at www.emilypress.com

Your little ones will be class acts with our A+ school picks.

Trade summer crocs for fall mocs, like this pair from Joe Fresh Style (fashion muse: Pocahontas!) to pair with a faded jean skirt and tights. $16, visit www.joe.ca for store locations nationwide.

Lunchbox, smunchbox. The insulated neoprene bag by Dabbawalla is the way to pack it. (Plus, it’s dye-free and machine washable.) $36 at www.lavishandlime.com

Unisex shirts from Belgium’s Little Plush are perfect for Little Mr. Personality. Friends tee, EUR 35, www.littleplush.be

This bright backpack from New York’s Dante Beatrix won’t get lost in the cloakroom clutter (handy if it contains his “emergency pants”). $44.99 at www.raspberrykids.com