shir that says literacy and justice for all
The Goods

10 of the Best Bookish Goods for Back to School

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Ashlie Swicker

Contributor

Ashlie (she/her) is an educator, librarian, and writer. She is committed to diversifying the reading lives of her students and supporting fat acceptance as it intersects with other women’s issues. She's also perpetually striving to learn more about how she can use her many privileges to support marginalized groups. Interests include learning how to roller skate with her local roller derby team, buying more books than she'll ever read, hiking with her husband and sons, and making lists to avoid real work. You can find her on Instagram (@ashlieelizabeth), Twitter (@mygirlsimple) or at her website, www.ashlieswicker.com.

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It takes very little for me to get excited about back-to-school goods. I have been a perpetual student for most of my life, with my K-12 schooling followed by several teaching degrees, then directly into the classroom for the last 17 years. There have been endless first days of school, and I need no excuses to celebrate with some merch. Whether it’s the thrill of the school supplies aisle at Target, or hunting down a one-of-a-kind accessory for my backpack, I am a high-level back-to-school shopper. No matter how prepared I feel, there is always room in the budget for one more notebook or pencil case. It’s an art.

Luckily, I am not a bit shy about sharing my findings. I’ve taken the time to gather some of the best back-to-school bookish goods from around the internet. Custom shirts, annotation supplies, and shiny new pencils are just the beginning of what I’ve gathered. Whether you are shopping for a kiddo entering elementary school for the first time, a high schooler leaning into their bookish era, or a teacher approaching their 39th first day of school, there is something on this list for everyone. Books and back-to-school collide below! Check it out.

six pencils in the colors of the rainbow with gold print that reads books are my happy place
image from AurousPress at Etsy

Write the rainbow with these gorgeous rainbow No. 2s that let everyone know about your happy place. Books Are My Happy Place rainbow pencils, $10

soft pencil case decorated with the cover of a composition notebook
image from PocketfulofProsey at Etsy

Keep your knickknacks and writing utensils stashed in this nostalgic pencil case. Nothing says back-to-school like that marbled pattern! Composition Notebook Pencil Case, $17+

five different small pouches with different annotation materials peeking out
image from ScarletGiraffee at Etsy

The colorful, trendy designs of these annotation kits make my fingers itch to start marking up pages. Whether for class or for book club, these kits will come in handy! Book Annotation Kit, $30+

Image of a white page with an embossed circle and personalization next to a rose gold embosser
image from MultiFunStudio at Etsy

This gorgeous book embosser would make an excellent gift for a teacher who’d like to protect their classroom library. Personalized Book Embosser, $22+

a black notebook with a tarot design on the cover of a skeleton holding books and the caption "the reader"
image from KitzerAvenue at Etsy

This might be the notebook that changes your whole life. Even if it’s not, the design is rad and it belongs with you. The Reader Tarot Notebook, $16

a white rectangular banner with various popular picture book characters including pete the cat and elephant and piggie. There is the world "read" in the middle.
image from HappyToBHere at Etsy

Any classroom or elementary library would be proud to fly this picture book character flag. Read indeed. Read Book Character Tapestry, $30

heather gray t shirt with colorful letters that read "literacy and justice for all"
image from CCCTshirtApparel at Etsy

Considering the amount of time most kids in public schools spend reciting The Pledge, this fun play on words should be a huge hit. Literacy and Justice for All T-shirt, $16+

cream colored youth sized tshirt with retro lettering and an image of two books walking together. The text reads "hooray, it's library day!"
image from BerryLittles at Etsy

Library is my favorite special, but I’m biased. I would be thrilled to see any little one wearing this on Media Day. Hooray It’s Library Day Youth T-shirt, $24

image of two hair claw clips that look like a stack of books
image from YingResinJewelry at Etsy

Claw clips are back! I love the idea of gifting this to a bookish teen. Or their favorite English teacher. Or maybe both. Bookish Hair Clip, $19

white camp sized travel mug with large retro letters that read sorry can't books bye
image from projectlovelife at Etsy

Get your warm drink to go as you’re dashing to your first class. Questions about your plans for later? The cup says it all. Sorry Can’t Books Bye Travel Mug, $38

Hopefully you’ve found something to throw in your cart! Looking for more back-to-school bookish goodness? Check out this throwback from our archives! Happy shopping, and happy reading!