The Verge's Essential 2024 Back-to-School Gift Guide

Essential Gadgets and Tools for Every Student in 2024

As the academic year unfolds, students are continually on the lookout for the best gadgets and tools that can aid in studying and everyday life. Here we’ve rounded up the top essential items for students in 2024, ensuring you stay organized, connected, and ready for any challenge that comes your way.

1. Maruman Mnemosyne N196 B6 Notepad

A compact and functional notepad is like a reliable companion for students. The Maruman Mnemosyne N196 features a top-oriented spiral binding, allowing it to lay flat for easy writing, making it perfect for everyone, including left-handers.

Price: $5.40+

2. Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K + Stand

If you own a MagSafe-compatible iPhone, ditch those outdated power banks. Belkin’s handy portable charger magnetically attaches to your phone and ensures you have enough power to recharge even the largest iPhone models.

Price: $47.75+

3. Timbuk2 Custom Prospect Backpack

A durable and stylish backpack is a must for every student. Timbuk2’s 22-liter Prospect Backpack offers customization options to match your style with practicality.

Price: $139+

4. Beats Studio Pro

Noise-canceling headphones like the Beats Studio Pro help you focus on your studies, allowing you to tune out distractions with enhanced sound and support for both iOS and Android.

Price: $179.95+

5. Steam Deck OLED

Need to relieve stress? The Steam Deck OLED is a handheld console that lets you enjoy a wide array of games, from indie hits to major titles like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077.

Price: $549+

6. Majohn A1 "Moonman" Retractable Fountain Pen

This retractable fountain pen provides a great writing experience without the high cost of premium options. It’s perfect for note-taking and journaling.

Price: $36.79

7. Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse

Reduce hand and wrist strain during long study sessions with the ergonomic Logitech MX Vertical mouse. Its unique upright design promotes better posture for your wrists.

Price: $83.91+

8. Owala FreeSip Water Bottle (40 oz)

Stay hydrated with Owala’s insulated water bottle featuring a swing-top lid and internal straw, all while looking stylish.

Price: $32.94+

9. Apple AirTag

Never lose your belongings again! Apple’s AirTag is a handy tracking device that helps you locate keys and other essentials with ease.

Price: $23.99+

10. Kindle Paperwhite (2021)

The latest Kindle Paperwhite is the ultimate e-reader with an easy-to-read display, a vast selection of books, and a waterproof design for reading by the pool.

Price: $149.99

11. Glocusent Book Light

Enjoy late-night studying without disturbing your roommate with Glocusent’s low-light book light, a perfect solution for nighttime reading.

Price: $17.99+

12. 2024 MacBook Air (13-inch)

The MacBook Air offers incredible performance and battery life, making it the ideal laptop for students tackling various academic tasks.

Price: $899+

13. Keychron V1 Max Mechanical Keyboard

A great mechanical keyboard can enhance your typing experience. The Keychron V1 Max is customizable, featuring satisfying keys and ergonomic design.

Price: $94+

14. Apple EarPods (USB-C)

Simple wired earbuds are sometimes more practical than wireless ones. Apple’s USB-C EarPods work with most devices and provide impressive sound quality.

Price: $17+

15. League of Lexicon

This fun word game cleverly teaches kids about words and languages, making learning engaging and enjoyable.

Price: $39.99

16. Samsung Portable SSD T7 (1TB)

Keep your important documents safe with the Samsung T7 portable SSD, a reliable storage solution for students on the go.

Price: $72.50+

17. Philips Hue Solo Lightstrip (10-foot)

Add a cozy touch to your dorm room with Philips Hue's LED light strip, which can transform the ambiance of any space.

Price: $61.42+

18. 8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad

Bring back the classic number pad with this stylish, wireless option, perfect for adding functionality to your setup.

Price: $44.99

19. Azhido Laundry Backpack Bag

Forget about plastic bags for laundry. Azhido’s laundry backpack is both practical and affordable for carrying your clothes to and from the laundromat.

Price: $22.83+

20. JisuLife Handheld Fan Life8

Stay cool on the go with JisuLife’s portable fan, which features a rechargeable battery and cute design.

Price: $14.39+

21. Ninja Air Fryer (AF101 Series)

Enjoy delicious meals without food waste! A compact air fryer is ideal for dorm-life cooking, providing a great way to reheat leftovers.

Price: $83.99

22. Nespresso Vertuo Pop Plus

Caffeine is often crucial during finals week. The Nespresso machine offers both coffee and espresso, perfect for busy students.

Price: $129.99

23. Fitbit Ace LTE

This smartwatch gives parents peace of mind with GPS tracking and games, promoting an active lifestyle for kids.

Price: $229.95

24. PlanetBox Lunch Box

Dress up school lunches with a customizable PlanetBox lunch box that will make kids excited to eat their meals.

Price: $25.46+

25. Votes for Women Board Game

Teach young students about history in a fun way with the Votes for Women card game, engaging players in the women’s suffrage movement.

Price: $74.99

26. Satechi 200W USB-C 6-Port GaN Charger

With multiple ports available, this charger is perfect for students who require charging for various devices at once.

Price: $149.99

27. Python Flash Cards

These flashcards are essential for anyone looking to refine their Python programming skills, providing a productive and engaging study session.

Price: $21.63+

Conclusion

These essential tools and gadgets are tailored to meet the needs of students stepping into 2024. With functionality, style, and versatility, each of these items ensures a balanced and productive academic life. Embrace the new school year prepared and motivated!