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Back-to-school season is upon us, though it's likely to be happening from home for most people. From the ultimate pencil case to work from home slippers, our Homecoming: Preparing for a Back-to-School at Home hub is a virtual class in new-age school essentials.

Let's all take a moment to collectively pity those who think anyone over the age of 12 is too old for a pencil case. Far from for-children-only, this is a toolkit that can be configured to suit both your life and personality and, to be honest, it's the best part of the whole going back-to-school thing. With the world outside seemingly going down in flames, it's important to find joy in the little things. Stationery is one of those things.

Whether you're one of the few that are heading back to an actual, physical college or gearing up for recommencing renaissance history lectures via Zoom, we've put together the pencil case of our dreams, from options for new cases right down to the added extras that 2020 has made essential. Hand sanitizer being one, if we really have to spell it out.

Dive into our ultimate pencil case below.

Pencil Cases

Smythson Mara Pencil Case

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SmythsonMara Pencil Case
$112
Buy at Smythson

Who knew pencil cases could be opulent? Smythson did.

Porter Yoshida x Wacko Maria Type-2 Case

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Porter Yoshida x Wacko MariaType-2 Case
$206
Buy at Bodega

While not strictly a pencil case, this Porter Yoshida x Wacko Maria travel case will happily store your pens and pencils when needed. And when vacations happen again, just throw them out and replace them with your miniature grooming goods.

NEIGHBORHOOD. Organizer

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NEIGHBORHOOD.Organizer
$39
Buy at END.

This NEIGHBORHOOD. organizer is a briefcase for modern times. Just try to ignore the inside's "Have a good trip" message through the tears.

Human Made PVC Case

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Human MadeCary-Tite M PVC
$50
Buy at Human Made

There's almost a military kit vibe to this Human Made carry case, which looks way more durable than your stay-home surroundings are going to require.

Stationery

Pilot Fude Makase Brush Pen

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PilotFude-Makase Color Brush Pen
$3
Buy at Jet Pens

Believe it or not, Japan's Pilot has been in the stationery business for more than 100 years, and its brush pens are ideal for turning your thoughts into beautiful diagrams. Fude Makase also translates to "a brush you trust." Sold.

Tom Dixon Cog Pencil

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Tom DixonCOG Pencil
from $39
(Available at 3 Merchants)

Tom Dixon is a master in luxe homeware, and this extends to stationery. Made from solid brass, this mechanical pencil will make you feel sophisticated, even if you're working in your underwear.

Field Notes Space Pen

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Field NotesSpace Pen Made in USA
$60
Buy at HHV

If you aren't convinced that stationery can be exciting yet, we've got something up our sleeve. Something being this Space Pen by Field Notes, which will write underwater, in extreme temperatures, and where there's zero gravity.

Bodega Sharpie

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BodegaSharpie
$4
Buy at Bodega

When you're that convinced about an idea that you need it permanently noted, a Sharpie is perfect. The Bodega branding is just a nice little extra.

Pilot Erasable Highlighter

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PilotFriXion Erasable Highlighter
$2
Buy at Jet Pens

And when you're less convinced, this highlighter boasts erasing capabilities.

Supreme Mechanical Pencil

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SupremeKaweco AL Pencil
from $60
(Available at 5 Merchants)

While we don't really have any idea of how long working from home is going to last, you may return to school one day. If you're this way inclined, you might want to be prepared to flex on classmates.

Artek Folding Ruler

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ArtekFolding Ruler
$25
Buy at END.

You probably won't ever need a ruler this big. But it sure does look cool.

HAY Scissors

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HayScissors
from $13
(Available at 3 Merchants)

A gold-colored pair of scissors is the luxury stationery item that you deserve.

Prismacolor Eraser

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PrismacolorKneaded Rubber Eraser
$2
Buy at Jet Pens

This moldable eraser looks more fun to play with than actually correcting stuff. The perfect procrastination/stress-relieving tool.

The 2020 Essentials

Brain Dead Hand Sanitizer

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Brain Dead1.5oz Maak Lab Hand Sanitizer
$7
Buy at Brain Dead

Who'd have thought last year that 2020's ultimate back-to-school pencil case would include hand sanitizer? Times have indeed changed, and this is now vital. If you're quick, you can still get your hands on a bottle by Brain Dead.

Grown Alchemist Hand Cream

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Grown AlchemistVanilla, Orange Peel Hand Cream
from $22
(Available at 3 Merchants)

All that sanitizing takes its toll on hands, so we're taking hand cream to school, too.

Aesop Lip Balm

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AesopProtective Lip Balm SPF 30
from $15
(Available at 3 Merchants)

It's not just hands taking a beating right now. Face masks are drying out lips all over the planet, so make sure you're stocked up on balm.

Bodega Sticker Pack

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BodegaEgg Shell Sticker Pack
$8
Buy at Bodega

Because you're never too old for stickers.

Our designated Selects section features products that we love and want to share with you. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.

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