The 32 Best Back-to-School Essentials from Urban Outfitters

As much as it *hurts* to say goodbye to summer, there’s nothing like back-to-school shopping to get you psyched for a fresh start to another school year. When it comes to where to shop, there’s always Target and Office Depot. But if you’re looking for home and school supplies with an eclectic and quirky flair, be sure to check out Urban Outfitters for the most on-trend essentials. Scroll on for all our top picks and get ready for the best year yet.

1. Urban Outfitters Seven-Piece Color Pop Cookware Set ($69): This vibrant aluminum cookware set is all you need to whip up tasty and affordable meals this school year. And thanks to these guys, you won’t feel as homesick for your favorite homemade dishes!

2. Urban Outfitters Petite Point Gel Pen Set ($16, set of 12): If precise coloring does it for ya, pick up these super fine-tipped gel pens. Intended for highly detailed coloring book illustrations, there’s no doubt that these amazing gel pens will contribute to some crazy colorful and neat notes.

3. Urban Outfitters Filament Journal ($12): Jot down important class notes in this one-of-a-kind journal. You’ll definitely stand out in a sea of basic notebooks with a print as unique as this.

4. Urban Outfitters Ceramic Food Storage Bowl Set ($34, set of four): Add this set of four storage bowls to your kitchenware to make sure nothing goes to waste. Complete with clear lids, these ceramic bowls are great for storing leftovers in your mini fridge or packing lunch.

5. Urban Outfitters Melembe Shibori Tapestry ($59): Channel those boho vibes with this gorgeous dyed tapestry. It’s perfect for sprucing up a bare wall or even acting as a room divider if needed.

6. Urban Outfitters Mesa Soft Dye Jersey Duvet Cover ($119+): A good night’s rest is crucial to performing well in school. So make sure catching z’s won’t be a problem with this ultra comfy cotton duvet cover in a gorgeous dyed design.

7. Urban Outfitters Fleur-de-Lys Glass Jar ($16): This versatile glass jar with a textured fleur-de-lys motif makes the ideal container for holding all your bathroom or vanity necessities. The pop of purple keeps things interesting and will definitely brighten up any space.

8. Contigo Purity Glass Water Bottle ($18): Made of glass, stainless steel and food-grade silicone, this water bottle is a must-have for keeping you hydrated between and during your classes. Its stainless steel strap and durable silicone sleeve also make it easy to grip and carry.

9. Urban Outfitters Fried Egg Cutting Board ($29): Crafted from natural Rubberwood, this fun, egg-shaped cutting board is just right for the foodie in you. It even comes with a tie-top so you can hang it from your kitchen wall or drawer knob when not in use.

10. Urban Outfitters Good Vibes Tufted Bath Mat ($34): You don’t need to tolerate freezing bathroom tiles in the morning or risk slipping after a shower, thanks to this trusty bath mat. Featuring a cute tufted “Good Vibes” design, there’s *almost* no way you can say no to that.

11. Urban Outfitters Bendi Jewelry Organizer ($29): Avoid clutter and potentially losing your favorite jewelry items with this metal organizer. Store and display necklaces, earrings and bracelets on its unique wave-like design.

12. Urban Outfitters Black + White Grid Hamper ($39): Give your hamper a mod-inspired look with this black and white grid design. It even features two handles that fold down, which makes hauling your load to the laundry machine a cinch.

13. Urban Outfitters Blue Marble Keyboard Cover ($12): Give your laptop a stylish makeover with this blue marble-inspired keyboard cover. Made of silicone, the flexible cover is easy to remove and wipe clean.

14. Urban Outfitters Bluetooth Speaker String Lights ($50): Great for late-night get-togethers, these Bluetooth-compatible string lights will let you play your favorite songs all night long. You can even bring them outdoors for any porchside/patio brunch session.

15. Urban Outfitters Cactus Cork Desk Organizer ($15): Spruce up *and* tidy your desk with this plant + organizer hybrid. It comes with push pins for you to tack on photos, notes, accessories and more!

16. Urban Outfitters Copper Wire Shelf ($44): If affordability is your utmost priority when it comes to furniture, that might mean you’re working with a desk without actual means of storage. On the other hand, you could just be running short on space, so stock up on storage space with this wire shelf you can simply slide onto any desk or bookshelf.

17. Urban Outfitters Dry Erase Memo Elephant ($26): Channel the impressive memory of elephants with this cute dry erase memo elephant figurine. It comes with a black marker, but feel free to brighten it up with a set of colored dry erase markers.

18. Urban Outfitters Geo Shelf ($89): Modern meets rustic in this unique geometric shelf. You can store your textbooks and school supplies in this fun and functional design piece that *totally* speaks to your experimental side.

19. Urban Outfitters Kitty Tape Dispenser ($16): Put a fun spin on this workspace essential with this cute antique-inspired cat tape dispenser. For a decorative flair, you can even trade out the cellophane tape for washi tape once you use it all up.

20. Urban Outfitters Marble Journal ($12): Modern and minimalist are what this journal is all about. If you’re into the simple and understated look, use this notebook to jot down all your important class notes.

21. Urban Outfitters Marble Swirl Utensil Set ($20, set of 12): Give a pretty marbled effect to your kitchen essentials with this set of marbled swirl utensils. Because it comes with four sets of each utensil, you can even split them and the cost between you and your roommates.

22. Urban Outfitters Mini Refrigerator ($149): A mini fridge is a must-have for all you dormers. Give the dorm essential a personalized flair by getting this retro-inspired one.

23. Urban Outfitters Oh Snap Leather Journal ($24): This leather-bound blank journal includes a soft fabric interior with a mini pocket and pencil holder. Perfect for jotting down everything from your class schedule to your *feelings*, this multi-purpose journal is the one you’ll want for when you go back to school.

24. Urban Outfitters Paddywax Concrete Candle ($14): Available in sea salt + sage, amber + smoke and tobacco + patchouli, this soy wax blend candle is the one to amp up the ambiance in your home. It doesn’t hurt that the candles’ concrete and color-dipped design is uber modern-chic.

25. Urban Outfitters Peg Board ($24): Save this handy peg board for yourself or turn it into a communal message board between you and your roommates. Featuring 350 letters, numbers and symbols, this board is well-stocked for any note, message or joke you want to make.

26. Urban Outfitters Penguin Corkscrew Wine Opener ($24): Ladies night isn’t complete without a bottle of wine, so don’t get caught unprepared. Make sure you have this penguin corkscrew wine opener on-hand to pop open all the bottles.

27. Urban Outfitters Pink Moon Portable Power Charger ($26): Never worry about a dying battery again! There will be no more missed calls/texts/emails with this portable pink moon power charger.

28. Urban Outfitters Small Collapsible Bento Box ($16): On that college budget? Save money by packing your lunch in this cute and collapsible bento box.

29. Urban Outfitters Steel Travel Tumbler ($24): Functionality has never looked this good. Take your coffee to go in this sleek stainless steel tumbler for those wake-at-the-crack-of-dawn classes. It comes with triple wall insulation, so you know your coffee will stay hot throughout the morning.

30. Urban Outfitters Tower Toothbrush Holder ($16): Forget a communal toothbrush cup — opt for this more sanitary option instead. With this handy toothbrush holder, your housemates won’t ever accidentally mistake your toothbrush for theirs. Thank goodness!

31. Urban Outfitters Wire Wall Grid ($59): Avoid desktop clutter with this multi-purpose wall hanging. Its modern grid-like design makes it a cinch to clip and display everything from photos to important notes.

32. Urban Outfitters Wireless Panda Speaker ($28): Start your mornings off right by getting ready listening to your favorite playlist on this adorable panda-inspired wireless speaker. Simply connect your speaker to any Bluetooth-compatible device like your smartphone or tablet and jam out!

Which of these goodies will you get for back to school? Follow us on Pinterest for more back-to-school must-haves!

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This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.

If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.

Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

Ron Lach / PEXELS

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Sora Shimazaki / PEXELS

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Kindel Media / PEXELS

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our best 2024 gift guides, shopping advice, and all things holiday!

The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:

  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
  • Caramel Brûlée Latte
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
  • Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!

Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.

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This post has been updated.