The Verge’s 2026 back-to-school shopping guide

Knowing exactly what your student needs for the school year ahead is next to impossible. Sure, you’ll probably nail the essentials, but there will likely be a few items you forgot to buy, or didn’t think they’d need to have. We’re pulling our weight during the back-to-school season with a new shopping guide that’s a mix of practical and aspirational products for students to use in and out of the classroom. We’re covering items that make writing easier and more satisfying, alarm clocks that can rattle even the most sleep-deprived students from a deep slumber, bags that are just as great for the gym as they are for the weekend away, and more. We wish the students in your life (or you, if you’re the student in question) a prosperous year, and we hope that our curation makes things a little easier during your studies and your downtime a lot more fun. How much do you want to spend? The Shark TurboBlade Bladeless Tower Fan pivots, twists, and oscillates to keep the air in your room from feeling stale. It has 10 power levels, and its bladeless design can move air up to 80 feet away at full power. Its…