Etsy's Handmade Blog
Etsy Finds: Back to School Shopping Guide
Story by marymary
Published on July 27, 2009 in Spotlight 		Photo by

Slowshirts

Back to school season is always a bittersweet time for me; I'm not ready for the summer months to come to a close, but I am looking forward to the seasonal shift. Autumn brings an opportunity for reinvention in all aspects of my wardrobe and workspace. Below you will find some of my favorite ideas for a fresh start that translate seamlessly for those of us heading back to school, updating our workspaces or studios, gearing up for new jobs, or moving into a first apartment. For more fresh back to school ideas, check out our Back to School blog series and the Back to School Showcase.

 

School and Office Supplies

Whatever your study habits, Etsy will fully equip you to start the new school season, your new job, or next creative project off right. Etsy backpacks, satchels, notebooks, and laptop cozies will help you stay organized and stylish in a snap. For more scholastic inspiration, check out our full School and Office Supplies guide.

 

Basic Adventure Satchel

By RenaissanceArt, $285.

View Item | View Shop

  

A Button Up Leather Journal

By peaseblossomstudio, $20.

View Item | View Shop
 

Little pocket notebook - GREY

By Slowshirts, $24.

View Item | View Shop

  

Pretty Modern Bookplates

By avie, $20.

View Item | View Shop
 

Crosscut Red Cedar Twist Pen

By MagnaDesigns, $59.95.

View Item | View Shop

  

The Commuter Bag

By sketchbook, $100.

View Item | View Shop
 

Pocket Sketchbook

By NatalieAsIs, $24.

View Item | View Shop

  

Bundle of Twig Pencils

By littlebirdieboutique, $10.

View Item | View Shop
 

Pencil case - Zippered pouch

By madebyanna, $25.

View Item | View Shop

  

Grey Felt Laptop/notebook bag

By kazzki, $79.

View Item | View Shop


Storage Solutions

The secret to every savvy student's sanity is organization. Stay ahead of the game with storage solutions that are unconventional and useful. For example, repurposing a vintage gem into your next bookcase will set you apart from the crowd while keeping everything in perfect place. Likewise, try these items out in your studio or home office for a fresh look! Searching for more ideas for storing your stuff? Check out our full Storage Solutions guide.

 

Modsu Chest

By wookwoodworking, $3350.

View Item | View Shop

  

BLUE flower vase RETRO

By OldNewAgain, $34.

View Item | View Shop
 

Yarn Keep

By inklore, $30.

View Item | View Shop

  

Brookdale Beverage Wooden Crate

By polkadotHOME, $36.50.

View Item | View Shop
 

Metal Gym Baskets- Set of 3

By extravirginhome, $90.

View Item | View Shop

  

vintage drawer shelf

By monkeyandsquirrel, $26.

View Item | View Shop
 

Chair with storage box

By natymosko, $170.

View Item | View Shop

  

vintage GLOBE bookends. Pair.

By thevintageholicfrog, $23.

View Item | View Shop
 

Primitive Floating Bookcase

By FREErider, $69.

View Item | View Shop

  

Unique Shaped Vintage Suitcase

By vintagejane, $42.

View Item | View Shop

 

Room Decor

Decorating a dorm room to feel like a true home away from home is the first step in getting settled at college. The sad white walls must go! This guide will help you transform your space into a sanctuary of style. Graduates with a new pad or creative mavens looking for a studio revamp will find these items just as essential! Find more decorating inspiration for your small space in our Room Decor guide.

 

Embroidery hoop chalkboard

By blissinateacup, $35.

View Item | View Shop

  

cluster leaf small pendant lamp

By meganauman, $195.

View Item | View Shop
 

Set of 2 Eskimo Electric Fans

By DecoDeli, $76.

View Item | View Shop

  

big sleeping Grizzly Bear BeanBag

By chicsindesigndotcom, $132.

View Item | View Shop
 

Personalized Applique Pillow

By southernsassypants, $54.50.

View Item | View Shop

  

Calendar Week Chalkboard Decals

By asignofthetimes, $48.

View Item | View Shop
 

Cedar Recycled Record Frame

By uncorked, $30.

View Item | View Shop

  

SOLO pendant light

By resurface, $236.

View Item | View Shop

 

Scholastic Style

With the new season right around the corner, it's time to study up on collegiate fashion. For those returning to the din of lockers and crowded halls this autumn, or those alumni who still yearn for intellectual elements in their ensembles, treat this guide as your summer reading list. Looking for more academic inspiration? Check out our full Scholastic Style guide.

 

Abacus Necklace

By mrsdazo, $10.

View Item | View Shop

  

MILK and DUSTS babydoll dress

By MagnolijaDRESS, $195.

View Item | View Shop
 

Typewriter Key Cufflinks

By 19Moons, $45.

View Item | View Shop

  

1940's vintage NAVY wool coat

By allencompanyinc, $155.

View Item | View Shop
 

Linen High Waist Pencil Skirt

By stephanieteague, $120.

View Item | View Shop

  

Abacus Ring

By celiefago, $450.

View Item | View Shop
 

Black Nerd Chic Glasses

By VintageEtc, $18.

View Item | View Shop

  

Pick your tartan Tulip Dress

By ilovemysewingmachine, $75.

View Item | View Shop

Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | Featured Buyers | Trends | Back to School Showcase

Need a daily fix of Etsy Finds? Sign up for the Etsy Finds e-mail! Conveniently delivered to your inbox!

Tags academic, Back to School, books, clothing, Decor, Etsy Finds, fashion, Home, Office, prep, preppy, scholastic, shopping, students, Studio, Supplies, teachers
All articles in Spotlight
Related Items
This article was reported by:
Etsy Admin
marymary
shop . profile . contact

107 comments     Login to add your own!

July 27, 2009 at 12:16 p.m. girltuesdayjewelry

Those bags could definitely lessen the blow of having to go back to school. They are gorgeous!

July 27, 2009 at 12:16 p.m. MyWagonette

love that bean bag!

July 27, 2009 at 12:17 p.m. bylynnkrestel

love! the beverage book crate by polkadotHOME!!

July 27, 2009 at 12:17 p.m. madebysam

great finds,Mary :)I love big sleeping Grizzly Bear BeanBag

July 27, 2009 at 12:17 p.m. BetaBoutique

yeey! Great collection! Can't wait September!

July 27, 2009 at 12:17 p.m. onecreativegirl

i am SO ready for autumn! the modsu chest is cool and i like the tartan tulip dress too!

July 27, 2009 at 12:18 p.m. sandali

AWESOME article with trigger happy feauted items !! What an amazing selection !!!!!!!

July 27, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. aprilmist

This modsu chest is absolutely gorgeous! Suddenly I feel like getting organized!

July 27, 2009 at 12:20 p.m. palancahome

Great finds! That pendant lamp is killer - and I am so ready for school to start again!

July 27, 2009 at 12:20 p.m. Lilley

so many lovely finds...but I'm not ready to think about autumn just yet!!

July 27, 2009 at 12:20 p.m. MagicMarkingsArt

My mom gave me her small suitcase which looks like it could be part of vintagejanes collection. I keep my paints in it - whoops!!

July 27, 2009 at 12:21 p.m. thestapeliacompany

These items are great! They make you want to go back to school... AND beautify your space! :)

July 27, 2009 at 12:22 p.m. AUTOMATIEK

Great featured items -- they are all absolutely a MUST !!!!

July 27, 2009 at 12:24 p.m. jessjamesjake

ack!! such cute selections. Back to school has never looked so fun!

July 27, 2009 at 12:27 p.m. jewelrybyjackie

Wonderful selections. I am not heading off to school or making any life changes, but I LOVE these items and am a sucker for office supplies - I love those notebooks! ( I'm such a geek)! Thanks, these are great!

July 27, 2009 at 12:27 p.m. thebestvintage

Love those bags!!!
Almost worth going back to school for...

July 27, 2009 at 12:27 p.m. designlab443

school already... where did the summer go? :(

July 27, 2009 at 12:28 p.m. beachhouseblues

The creativity on Etsy never ceases to amaze me!

July 27, 2009 at 12:35 p.m. SusanFaye

Speaking of school, I'm thinking of re-naming my shop: College Son's Tuition Fund--he's only halfway through and costs are rising, with financial aid is drying up...Thank goodness for my Etsy sales!

July 27, 2009 at 12:36 p.m. peaseblossomstudio

Oh, these are fabulous! Thank you so much for including my journal! My goodness, what a lovely surprise. :-)

July 27, 2009 at 12:37 p.m. BabbidgePatch

fabulous finds, but not ready for fall yet ~ summer just arrived here in Maine!

July 27, 2009 at 12:39 p.m. AlchemicMuse

Awesome finds! Thank you! :)

July 27, 2009 at 12:44 p.m. LisaFerinDesigns

I love that storage chair!

July 27, 2009 at 12:48 p.m. HibouCards

Love that Modsu chest!

July 27, 2009 at 12:50 p.m. TheCottageCheese

Lots of cool stuff to add to my wishlist. The bear beanbag is so much fun!

July 27, 2009 at 12:54 p.m. RockPaperSilver

I still love the going "back to school" shopping and I am not even in school anymore ;)! Great finds!

July 27, 2009 at 12:58 p.m. Radness

Very smart picks :) nice and streamline!

July 27, 2009 at 1 p.m. That70sShoppe

That microphone light is really neat.

July 27, 2009 at 1:01 p.m. Aquanetta

totally love all the messenger bag options!

July 27, 2009 at 1:04 p.m. juliepeach

cute stuff!! but... :( for those of us taking summer courses up until school starts! it's always back to school shopping time!

July 27, 2009 at 1:07 p.m. blogbloglog

Always was a sucker for the feeling of renewal that back to school shopping offered. Great finds!

July 27, 2009 at 1:17 p.m. zombuki

That's easily the coolest bean bag chair ever. Ever!!!

July 27, 2009 at 1:28 p.m. moonovermaize

Lovely items...I've always enjoyed the excitement of gearing back up for school (although it's been a while since I experienced that) and these items remind me of those fun times. I really like the personalized applique pillow.

July 27, 2009 at 1:43 p.m. classicc11

I really like the storage solutions! As a college student I appreciate ways to keep things out of the way and off the floor!

July 27, 2009 at 1:44 p.m. LoveForEarth

How cool is the Beverage shelf...I can see that in my sewing room, heck with sharing with the kids for school purposes. lol ;) Nice suggestions!

July 27, 2009 at 1:45 p.m. uncharted

i love the bookplates and pocket journal!

July 27, 2009 at 1:46 p.m. spareGus

I'm probably the freak here but I miss back to school...this makes it worse!

July 27, 2009 at 1:51 p.m. MySassyLassy

Lions and Tigers and oh my a bear bean bag chair....so fabulous!

July 27, 2009 at 1:55 p.m. HouseHoldWords

Fun stuff!

I've just started some back to school designs to my shop.

I can't believe summer is going by sooo fast!

July 27, 2009 at 1:56 p.m. aBreathofFrenchair

Great choices! I love the storage crate chair!

July 27, 2009 at 1:57 p.m. nomadcraftsetc

I can't wait to go back to school...off to check these doodads out, I deserve a nice new....for school! :)

July 27, 2009 at 2:04 p.m. VixVintage

I'm in love with the GLOBE bookends.

July 27, 2009 at 2:20 p.m. AlliesAdornments

Very fun pics!

July 27, 2009 at 2:20 p.m. EJPcreations

The lampshade is great!!!

July 27, 2009 at 2:21 p.m. JoannasPhotography

great items! I love basic adventure satchel !

July 27, 2009 at 2:22 p.m. DeNovoStyle

Chalk board decals - I love it!

July 27, 2009 at 2:23 p.m. Slowshirts

Wow, thanks for featuring us Mary!
chikabird.etsy makes the notebooks with us, we love collaboration!

July 27, 2009 at 2:26 p.m. rentmoney

these are all so great!

July 27, 2009 at 2:27 p.m. bonecalinda

I love the retro Flower vase by OldNewAgain!! Very cool!

July 27, 2009 at 2:27 p.m. MarcellasExcess

Love the Pencil SKirt...wish I had longer legs for it!

July 27, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. FancyCatVintage

storage chair!!! awesome!

July 27, 2009 at 2:34 p.m. RAGGEDedgeGear

Sweet collection! I actually miss back to school shopping :) Bummer our folders weren't featured...

July 27, 2009 at 2:46 p.m. 4TheSparrowsNest

I have noticed a definite increase in the feature of vintage items on Etsy. I'm sure vintage sellers on Etsy are grateful.

July 27, 2009 at 3:07 p.m. madebyanna

What a fun collection! I'm so excited to head back to uni in September! Thanks for featuring my pencil case :)

July 27, 2009 at 3:09 p.m. OfTheFountain

The abacus necklace is too cute!

July 27, 2009 at 3:17 p.m. mythunderstood

Bean bag chain is adorable!

July 27, 2009 at 3:27 p.m. OwlandMouse

gotta love back to school time!

July 27, 2009 at 3:41 p.m. riorita

I like most of the items but the Brookdale Beverage Wooden Crate appeals to me most. I think I could use it for other purposes too!

July 27, 2009 at 3:41 p.m. norakaren

how about going back to school with style and glam?

July 27, 2009 at 4:03 p.m. 26olivestreet

NEED that coat!

July 27, 2009 at 4:04 p.m. glowgirl16

Love the gray felt laptop/notebook bag.

and how about some reusable snack bags for back to school too!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

July 27, 2009 at 4:05 p.m. paramountvintage

love the modsu chest!

July 27, 2009 at 4:17 p.m. StormsHandicrafts

Great finds! Love Pocket Sketchbook!

July 27, 2009 at 4:27 p.m. StudioCherie

Thanks for the nudge, Mary - for those of us working on back to school and decor items. I better get to listing them! Great finds here.

July 27, 2009 at 4:55 p.m. LeChatCrochet

Cool theme. Been wanting to make pencil holders for ages... Thanks for reminding me!

July 27, 2009 at 5:15 p.m. thevintageholicfrog

great article- I'm loving the theme :)

July 27, 2009 at 5:16 p.m. baconsquarefarm

Wonderful finds mary~ Think that navy coat needs to come to my house.

July 27, 2009 at 5:23 p.m. oMyGoodness

Love the vinyl chalkboard calendar. How about a magnetic bulletin board for some additional stylish organization? Will add a cute oversized letter monogram if you liked!- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

July 27, 2009 at 5:32 p.m. monkeyandsquirrel

oh yay! thanks for showing off my vintage drawer shelf!

July 27, 2009 at 6:01 p.m. VintageTwenty

Scholastic Style: Be ready for the first cool school days of fall with these bargains:

SALE vintage Size 16 Velvet Blazer in Black by Prestige of Boston $12.50
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

SALE vintage Size M/XL SALE Sweater in Lumberjack Red and Black Plaid Boucle' Over Sized Cardigan Black Faceted Buttons $12.50
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

SALE vintage Size M/L SALE Boucle Silver Gray Open Front Long Throw On Sweater $10
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

July 27, 2009 at 6:33 p.m. Sanderslelli

I love the lamp and the wool coat! Check these out too: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=...

July 27, 2009 at 6:54 p.m. DalkullanJewelry

The leather bag by Renaissance Art is gorgeous!

July 27, 2009 at 6:58 p.m. beautifulbridget

Excellent selections!!

July 27, 2009 at 7:23 p.m. maijutzeler

great blog! love it ^_^

July 27, 2009 at 7:28 p.m. RoyalPrincess

awesome selections, the chain with storage space is good for kids

July 27, 2009 at 8:06 p.m. blissinateacup

Thanks so much for including us! I love back to school stuff!

July 27, 2009 at 8:36 p.m. PawPawsWorkshop

Great article

July 27, 2009 at 9:16 p.m. AWEshop

I LOVE back to school. It still conjures up memories of malls with Mom, Ditto's jeans, PeeChee Folders... ahhhh!!!! ;D

July 27, 2009 at 9:23 p.m. cutiepiecompany

I LUUUUV school supplies!

July 27, 2009 at 9:43 p.m. jenniferladd

Very cool selection! Back to School is much easier for me now that I'm no longer a teacher and I just get to stay home with my daughter! I used to dread all of the school supply shopping, but now I can enjoy!!

July 27, 2009 at 11:15 p.m. bugaboobowz

cant wait for back 2 school!

July 27, 2009 at 11:17 p.m. PomLove

that storage box chair is amazing! oh, autumn, how i love thee!

July 27, 2009 at 11:47 p.m. songsparrow

Ooooooh I always get so excited for new school supplies! I like the messenger bags best... especially the first. Puts a little Indiana Jones adventure in the everyday.

July 28, 2009 at 12:21 a.m. Tina669

Great choices! I love the storage crate chair!

July 28, 2009 at 5:09 a.m. steinschmuckdesign

Amazing unique choices!
Thank you!

July 28, 2009 at 6:04 a.m. sealmaiden

you need to block these guys above this post from etsy!!!!

July 28, 2009 at 6:35 a.m. lilworkerb

Block them like their hot! Lol But my comment was going to be: I love the mic.

July 28, 2009 at 7:21 a.m. vivikas

great selection!

July 28, 2009 at 7:27 a.m. evihan

thanx for sharing this wonderful new picks:-()

July 28, 2009 at 9:37 a.m. PipocaHandmade

Fun picks!

July 28, 2009 at 10:13 a.m. VintageinBohemia

Yay! I love Back to School time! I had a great satchel fly outta my shop last night. More where that came from!
Bags ready for books!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
Serious School Style
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

July 28, 2009 at 1:19 p.m. VintageZen

Love the Abacus Ring & the necklace -
Awesome!

July 28, 2009 at 1:32 p.m. BululuStudio

Super cute and useful back to school
here ---> www.chapulin.etsy.com

July 28, 2009 at 1:36 p.m. patspottery

Love this collection. How about a personalized mug for your dorm?
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

July 28, 2009 at 6:54 p.m. designfabulous

love the storage ideas!

July 28, 2009 at 7:03 p.m. lolos

Gorgeous picks!!! :-)))

July 28, 2009 at 7:17 p.m. chapulin

Wow... Love them... I'm going to the school this year too! :-))) I'm preparing some items to go with! Thank you so much BululuStudio.

July 28, 2009 at 8:22 p.m. TheBeesWrists

I adore the calendar!

July 28, 2009 at 9:20 p.m. junkyjunk

Great finds! Just don't think I'm ready for back to school quite yet.

July 29, 2009 at 12:20 a.m. ponypretties

I love the globe bookends!!

July 29, 2009 at 6:02 a.m. southernsassypants

WOW! What a great collection of goodies! Thank you "sew" very much for including one of my pillows...I am truly honored!

July 29, 2009 at 9:55 a.m. RAGGEDedgeGear

This collection rocks! (still) Back to school rocks! (always)
And we super duper appreciate being a part of the gift guide :-) ROCK ON! and get your school on!

July 30, 2009 at 1:24 a.m. Tina669

Gorgeous picks!!!

July 30, 2009 at 3:29 p.m. tldgrainwear

I love the black berd glasses...fit my style so well! See ya!

July 30, 2009 at 9:55 p.m. tinycharm

It's nice to get something unique from etsy!

July 31, 2009 at 8:09 p.m. hyvamax6

Wonderful selections! I love abstract art,too. I am glad you wrote an article about it!
http://www.antlala.com/
sincerely good oil painting art!
great artist!

July 31, 2009 at 8:11 p.m. hyvamax6

Wonderful selections! I love abstract art,too. I am glad you wrote an article about it!
http://www.antlala.com/
sincerely good oil painting art!
great artist!

Previous Page | Next Page