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    34 Products To Help You Get That Fresh Start Feeling Even If You're Not Going Back To School

    Fall is for more than going back to school. It can be the start of a new you.

    1. A memory foam chair cushion that'll turn any chair into a comfy teacher-assigned seat. It may help relieve lower back and joint pain as well as tushy discomfort, and potentially help improve your posture.

    reviewer image of the everlasting comfort seat cushion on a wooden chair
    reviewer image of the gray cushion on a dining chair

    Promising review: "First of all, I sit for hours at a time for, and I always complain about my back or bottom hurting. Well, once I started sitting on this memory foam cushion, I noticed a difference right away. And I was still comfortable sitting after a few hours. The cushion is large and fits my entire chair seat. I am happy it works and is large enough for all of me!! The cushion also has a zipper on back so the cover can be removed and washed." —AkaPurple

    Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in five colors).

    2. A whimsical wireless keyboard and mouse set because clickety-clacking away on homework — I mean emails — all day can be made a little more fun with this colorful set. It even features typewriter-inspired round keys for a bit of a vintage flair.

    a reviewer photo of their desk set up with the green keyboard and matching mouse
    a reviewer photo of the purple keyboard and matching mouse

    The set includes a wireless keyboard and a wireless mouse with a USB receiver. Pick up some AA batteries — both will need them!

    Promising review: "So, I just transitioned to work from home and wanted a cool keyboard for my new workspace. I tried two others, and they worked but I wasn’t 100% happy with the style, shape, nor color. A friend showed me her keyboard, and I fell in love with it. Hers was the pink/colorful option. I immediately went on Amazon and found the purple/lilac color and ordered. I received it today, and I’m so pleased. I love hearing the click-clack sound of keys being hit with my nails, and the weight of the keyboard is nice and heavy — it feels well made. I’m still getting used to the mouse (it’s a wider shape then I’m used to) but it works and matches my keyboard. Now if only I could find a purple monitor, LOL. I highly recommend this keyboard. Happy typing!" —Kimberly Renee

    Get it from Amazon for $28.79+ (available in 11 colors).

    3. A coconut Cantu curling cream so you can get your curls or coils poppin'! Formulated with pure shea butter, coconut oil, and seven other essential oils, this cream will help soften, condition, and lengthen curls.

    image of reviewer with long, curly blonde hair
    image of another reviewer with short coiled grey hair

    This is great for type 3 and type 4 hair!

    Promising review: "I have thick, curly hair that tends to frizz if I don't put product in it. I have tried gel, mousse, cream...everything. This curling cream is the best product I've ever used. It helps my curls hold their shape without being crunchy or frizzy. Finally something that works!" —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $6.29.

    4. A portable Bluetooth label maker because you might not have notebooks to separate by school subject anymore, but you can go ahead and label your airtight food containers, storage boxes, pill organizers, spices, and so much more! You'll surely feel a sense of accomplishment having organized everything in your life alphabetically.

    image of reviewer holding up the green portable label maker
    reviewer image of a cord organizer with printed labels on each compartment

    Promising review: "This is a great little printer. I use it often for work and for home. It has a sleek small design, so it fits well in my purse or work bag. The app is simple to use. Just download it to your phone and connect to your printer in just a few seconds. There are numerous templates to choose from with borders and graphics. You can also start from scratch to design your own labels. The best part is that you can save all of your label designs in the app. The maker offers a wide selection of label rolls as well, with numerous sizes and dimensions to choose from." —Becky

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available five colors).

    5. A reusable notebook that uses AI technology to scan and transfer everything you write or draw right to your phone. Then you wipe the pages clean and do it all over again!

    It's only compatible with Pilot FriXion pens (one is included with the notebook).

    Promising review: "I love it! I will admit that the transition from paper to digital when it comes to notes is not an easy one for me, but this is a fabulous way to sort of split the difference. You still have the action of writing (which I find really important in meetings and brainstorming sessions) but without the consumption of paper and countless notebooks. And, being able to throw things into the cloud makes them accessible no matter where you're working — handy." —Meredith

    Get it from Amazon for $19.97+ (available in 2 sizes and 16 colors/patterns).

    6. An angled glass dry-erase desktop whiteboard so you can easily take notes while you work. Upgrade your WFH space with this easy-to-clean pad that'll fit right between your monitor and keyboard!

    Promising review: "Never thought something analog would be SO useful in my daily routine. I work from home and am constantly project managing multiple complex strategic projects. Having pertinent information directly in front of me and top of mind has done incredible things for my productivity. Never would have imagined it would make such a difference. For a nominal investment, I highly recommend it if you have trouble keeping up with things." —Captainflapjax

    Get it from Amazon for $29.70+ (available in five designs).

    7. A boho chic wall tapestry because you never really grow out of hanging beautiful things on your wall to revitalize your space. Featuring the moon and sun, this beautiful piece of art will make your home feel a little more magical.

    Promising reviews: "It’s just as vivid as it is in the pictures! The picture is clear, and the tapestry is beautiful!" —Kah

    "I love it, and it ties my room together so great!" —Isabel Schuster

    Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in four sizes).

    8. A comfy oversized half zip sweatshirt if your college hoodie has seen better days and it's time to get cozy under a new pullover.

    reviewer wearing the apricot pullover
    another reviewer wearing the grey pullover

    Promising review: "If you’re looking for an oversized pullover for fall and winter, this is it. Loved that the inside was fuzzy and warm; definitely recommend." —Cheryl Yepez

    Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in women's sizes S–XXL and in 26 styles).

    9. Murdle: Volume 1 to keep your brain at work with this book of 100 mysteries. You might not have any algebra tests to study for, but this will keep you just as busy and make you feel just as smart when you solve for X!

    the cover of Murdle Volume One by G.T. Karber
    Griffin

    Promising review: "If you like logic puzzles, then this is the book for you. You use deductive reasoning and work through solving each crime. They start easy and get more and more complex as you advance through the book." —Melissa Parcel

    Get it from Amazon for $12.94+ (available in paperback and spiral bound).

    10. A set of colored fine tip pens perfect for journaling or creating color-coded notes. Whether you're calendaring or drawing, these pens will make sure each line you scrawl is bold and smooth.

    close up of the tip of one of the colored pens in a reviewer's hand
    an envelope with pink writing that reads

    Promising review: "I love these pens! I have so many different brand pens in so many different colors, but definitely found these to be amazingly versatile. I have used them for my bullet journal and everyday use. They write smooth no matter what type of paper it is. Highly recommend." —R. Duran Villaron

    Get a pack of 18 pens from Amazon for $7.99.

    11. Or a set of six velvety matte black ink gel pens that'll help make taking notes and making to-do lists feel a bit more fun this fall. 

    reviewer image of the six pens on a table
    image of reviewer's hand holding the beige black ink pen above a notebook

    Promising review: "I loooove pens, and these are my new fave. Writes nice and smooth. Fine point and doesn't smear or bleed. Will be getting more soon because I am sure they will 'grow legs' at work and end up elsewhere!" —Amazon Customer

    Get them from Amazon for $8.57+ (available in two color combinations).

    12. An undated tear-off daily planner with spaces to track your to-dos, appointments, health goals, and water intake, as well as any special accomplishments you've achieved during the day. Make future you proud by getting things done today!

    the you've got this daily planner filled out for one day
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I bought this product to spruce up my WFH routine. The paper quality is good, and I love the various sections that can keep you productive at work and at home. I use this product faithfully, and it's nice to be able to go back and recall things that you've done." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

    13. A pretty-in-pastel 12-piece ceramic nonstick cookware set so you can start to chef it up in your kitchen! You finally have a regular-size oven that's not just a glorified hot plate, so it's time for you to use it.

    the colorful 12 piece cookware set
    Goodful

    This set includes 8-inch, 9.5-inch, and 11-inch frying pans, a 2.5-quart saucepan with lid, a 6-quart stockpot with lid, a 4-quart deep cooker saute pan with lid, and a 3-piece bamboo kitchen utensil set.

    Get it from our Goodful shop for $129.99.

    14. An undated habit calendar — just because you don't have homework to keep track of this fall doesn't mean you're off the hook. Create routines by consistently planning out your to-do lists and keeping tabs on your goals!

    A calendar with spots for daily, weekly, and monthly habit tracking
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I wanted to reduce stress and nail down some habits, and I've always done better when I can see progress tangibly. I'd been eyeing this calendar for some time, but was unsure if it was worth the money. I decided to go for it. SO glad I did. It has some 'homework' pages at the beginning to help you focus in on your goals, but mostly, it's the cleanness and ready-to-go nature of the monthly calendar pages that have worked for me. It's helped me be more disciplined AND narrow my focus so I'm not worrying about doing everything under the sun each day. I liked it so much that I bought a second one for a friend. Another friend saw me using it and also made a purchase. I'm really happy I made the leap." —Flight of Stars

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

    15. A small crossbody bag that's basically a tiny backpack! Despite its size, though, it has several generous compartments for all your necessities.

    reviewer image of the green crossbody bag on the passenger seat of a car
    a reviewer opening the three compartments of the pink crossbody bag

    Promising review: "I love this bag and its bee stamp on the front! I bought it in several colors because it is just that amazing! It's great to have three compartments to be able to organize your purse items. It makes finding your items so much easier! And with a crossbody strap, it's so great to take out to run errands with. Really love this little bag!" —Dawn

    Get it from Amazon for $18.98+ (available in 30 colors and in a crossbody-only style).

    16. A reparative Ouai hair treatment mask because your dry, color-treated, and damaged hair could use a glow-up. This formula contains shea butter, hydrolyzed keratin, and proteins that will work together to help hydrate and soften your hair. Plus, it's free of parabens and phthalates!

    two jars of the hair treatment mask
    Sephora

    This is great for fine to medium hair!

    Promising review: "This makes my hair the softest it’s ever been. It's also way less frizzy, and is just shiny and smooth overall. The scent is amazing and the product overall lasts a long time. Soooo worth the money. I will forever repurchase." —kkaylaamarrriie

    Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $38.

    17. A rotating timer if you need a little external help to meet your deadlines. Simply start and stop the clock by turning it! Because the sooner you get your work done, the sooner you can have fun.

    BuzzFeed Shopping member's picture of the rotating timer
    Same BuzzFeed Shopping member's gif of turning the timer to start it
    Yi Yang / BuzzFeed

    Promising review: "I seriously want to rave about this timer / clock. It's the funkiest most awesome clock and timer. I bought it to specifically GET MY KIDS OUT OF THE HOUSE TO SCHOOL ON TIME. They consistently won't be ready every morning without me hollering 10 minutes! Five minutes! If I missed these call outs, no one was ready on time. Now, the alarm goes off and they know what that means. I flip the hexagon to 15 minutes then beep beep beep! It's loud but not obnoxious and everyone can hear it from the bedroom. Flip again for five more minutes. When it goes off again, I'm going for my keys. Better be ready, kiddos! LIFE IS BETTER with my ZNEWTECH HEXAGON DIGITAL Timer & Alarm!!!!" —77Keys

    Check out my coworker's hexagonal productivity timer review for more on how she uses this to get more done and help the day go by faster.

    Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (available in 30- and 60-minute styles and in six colors).

    18. A portable home office equipped with a dry erase board and LED conference lighting so you can take work anywhere you wish. That means you can easily break down your work station at the end of the day and even hide it away so you can move on to your extracurricular activities. 

    a white briefcase open to show spots for a laptop, chargers, a dry erase board, and storage
    Product image showing the side of it to show the small and large storage compartments

    Worky is a small biz that sells an innovative array of products for those who WFH. 

    Check out the Worky station on TikTok!

    Promising review: "Don't know how I worked from home without it! Reduces so much clutter from my usual kitchen table setup. Absolutely changed the game for me and helps keep me organized." —Jake Duneier

    Get it from Worky on Amazon for $99.98

    19. A pack of 10 waterproof transparent sticky notes for keeping tabs on the new things you're learning while finally reading from each book in your own To Be Read curriculum. No need to write directly onto the page with these bad boys!

    a transparent sticky note on a page of a book
    Amazon

    Promising review: "High quality sticky notes that are great for taking notes or underlining in textbooks without damaging the book itself." —Madison Shudark

    Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in four sizes and in larger and smaller packs).

    20. An instant detox mask to help get rid of impurities and excess sebum so you can feel fresh-faced and ready for a new beginning. This sulfate-free formula is designed to refine skin texture and tighten pores.

    a reviewer before using the mask
    the reviewer's skin after using the mask

    Promising review: "This mask removed all the blackheads from my nose after one use! I have recommended it to several family members as it works so great. Your skin feels refreshed and cleansed after. I have atopic dermatitis, and this does not irritate my skin at all." —Phil F.

    Get it from Amazon for $42.

    21. A set of 10 quick-dry nail polishes because it's the start of a new season and a fresh set will help you mark the transition in style. Plus, it'll make sending emails a more fun and colorful affair.

    Reviewer with fingers painted in different shades of red, green, brown, and gray
    Reviewer holding up small bottle of blue polish with other colors in packaging

    Promising review: "The set comes in various colors, and they are all beautiful. The polish has a big brush that covers the nail easily. The polish is opaque, but I did two coats. It didn't stain my nails or have a strong smell. The polish dried up quickly. I cook and clean, so it started to wear off on the fourth day. But I can repaint because of the easy application and fast drying." —perksofbeautyblog

    Get 10 bottles from Amazon for $13.99 (available in five color combinations).

    22. An attachable elastic laptop accessory belt so you can toss everything you need for the day into your bag without anything getting lost in the shuffle. Keep your phone, charger, pens, and more attached to your laptop with this useful tool.

    A pink elastic belt around a laptop holding a phone, a charger, and cords
    Model carrying a laptop with the belt on it, holding things in place
    Amazon

    Beblau is an Italy-based, family-owned small business specializing in products for digital nomads. 

    Check out a TikTok of the laptop belt in action. 

    Promising review: "This product is a lifesaver for a teacher on the go. I use it for my iPad Pro and my school-issued laptop. I no longer drop things as I move place to place! Just the basics will fit: pen, cards, small writing tablet." —Elementary Techy Teacher

    Get it from Beblau on Amazon for $29.99 (available in four colors). 

    23. And a set of pink kitchen utensils — no more using a regular spoon to stir (and scratch) a pot of pasta sauce. Start anew with these cute silicone utensils that'll make cooking a little easier. 

    the pink utensil set
    reviewer photo of the set on their kitchen counter

    Check out a TikTok of the utensil set in action. These can withstand temps up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Promising review: "Really cute set, and the quality is good, too, so a win-win for me! It is dishwasher-safe. I tried one of the pieces washed in the dishwasher, and it came out just fine. For longevity I plan to just hand-wash because I love things in pink! They're heat resistant — I used the spatula to cook bacon and pressed on the pan, and nothing bad happened to it. I've had this set for a month now and been using it every day; it still looks as good as new. No burns/melted marks, no discoloration. I have washed it in the dishwasher multiple times, and they come out fine. Easy to clean." —Pookie Bear

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in four other colors).

    24. A yoga mat featuring 70 poses if you're just starting your fitness journey and don't exactly know which foot to put where. Plus, having P.E. in the safety and privacy of your own home? That's a win for sure.

    Promising review: "Purchased this for myself, and let me tell you, I haven't had a yoga mat as good as this one! Overall thickness is great. And on the comfort level on a scale from 1–10, I would give it an 11. Easy to clean/disinfect post-exercise as well. Definitely recommended. My mother and kids are even asking me to buy them their own." —NikeAM_365

    Get it from Amazon for $29.62+ (available in eight colors).

    25. The Book of Unusual Knowledge because, as a student of life, you know you still have so much left to learn. This 704-page book is a great place to start. It's got articles, anecdotes, lists, and games to keep you entertained and curious.

    the cover of the book of unusual knowledge
    Publications International, Ltd.

    Promising review: "Chockfull of interesting and intriguing facts and information. Something fun for anyone and everyone." —design girl

    Get it from Amazon for $12.59.

    26. A sleek magnetic acrylic weekly planner you can place on your fridge and use to map out your daily meals or your to-dos and appointments. At the end of each week you'll probably get a serotonin rush by erasing it all and starting again.

    Check out a TikTok of the magnetic acrylic planner in action. 

    Each planner also comes with six colorful markers! 

    Promising review: "I love the bright colors of the markers that it comes with it and it’s super helpful to remember what we’re having for dinner for the week! Comes with markers, an eraser, a little cloth, and some little sticky pads to put on the back of the magnets so that it doesn’t scratch your fridge up. Love that!" —Krista Paige

    Get it from Amazon for $15.99

    27. Or a magnetic meal planner with a shopping list section so you know exactly what to get on your next grocery trip. Plan lunch for the whole week so you have more time for recess!

    Promising review: "The weekly meal planner and shopping list combo is super cute and convenient! It sticks great to the refrigerator and does not break off like other brands do and it’s helped me be a little bit more organized. I highly recommend this item!" —Teek86

    Get it from Amazon for $9.69.

    28. A cold brew maker if you need your morning brain juice in order to hit the ground running. Prep it at night so you'll always have caffeine ready to start your day!

    BuzzFeed writer Maitland's takeya cold brew maker with text that reads
    Maitland's takeya cold brew maker with a glass of cold brew next to it and text that reads
    Maitland Quitmeyer / BuzzFeed

    Promising review: "This Takeya cold brew coffee jug is wonderful! I know a lot of people use mason jars, however, I wanted something easier to grab from the fridge and more lightweight (and cheaper!). I have used Takeya products before and have been impressed with their durability as well as the easiness of cleaning them. The coffee filter has an extremely fine mesh and it has not let through even the finest of coffee grounds. It is really easy to clean! I am really pleased with this purchase!" —LiliBelle

    Read our Tayeka cold brew maker review for more deets, and check out our picks for the best cold brew coffee makers if this one isn't for you.

    Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in two sizes and three colors).

    29. A sunrise-simulating alarm clock to help you gently wake up with sunlight. Start the day with ease and comfort so you are grounded when the day speeds up!

    reviewer image of the sunlight alarm clock light dimmed at 7:12
    the same clock light now bright at 7:13

    Promising review: “This alarm clock is one of the most innovative alarm clocks I have ever seen. Ever since I purchased it a few weeks ago, my night and morning routines have improved dramatically. I no longer need my phone for an alarm in my room at night which improves my sleep and relaxation. The light feature works perfectly as my reading light, and the fun colors that I can choose add a fun ambiance to my room at night. The alarm settings in the morning are reliable and fun. I wake up each morning to a soothing piano riff and a simulation of the sun rising 20 minutes before my alarm goes off.” —Sandra L. Cranny

    Get it from Amazon for $38.99+ (available in three colors).

    30. Burn After Writing — self-reflection journal with an amazing twist: Burn your confessions once you're done writing them! One reviewer even noted that this book is "a wonderful way to let go." A unique way to give yourself a fresh start!

    Promising review: "I first saw this book on TikTok and decided to look more into it. I purchased four total because I know some people holding onto things that are difficult to let go of. It’s a great way to look at things from a different perspective and truly hold yourself accountable to different things in your life. I love what it stands for and I look forward to when I burn mine after I’m done. Self love, self care, and meditation for a better state of mind tomorrow is always the goal. I definitely recommend it to those susceptible to change and the willingness to try things different. You’re so much more than what’s been done to you and someone’s inability to see your worth does not decrease your value. Choose you for a change." —Brent Helm

    Get it from Amazon for $7.32

    31. A giant vibrant wall calendar where each month has its own color gradient. You'll love being able to stay on top of deadlines and professors' office hours with this statement piece.

    the giant vibrant wall calendar on a wall
    Goodful

    Each month is open-dated, so you can start using it whenever you want!

    Promising review: "I received my spectrum wall calendar last week and oh boy, it didn't disappoint! Exactly as pictured! It is hard to find a calendar like this, most out there are dull and small. I work in real estate and this is the perfect size to keep everything organized and legible. I have received lots of compliments!" —Tatiana Hall

    Get it from our Goodful Shop for $48.

    32. silicone keyboard cover that'll not only add a splash of color to your work space, but will also help prevent crumbs and dirt from getting in between your keys.

    Promising review: "I love this keyboard cover. It has a nice feeling, is very flexible, and it fits like a glove on my MacBook Air. It doesn't come off even when I'm moving my laptop around a lot (which I do, since I do a lot of work on the sofa or the bed where I end up in weird positions to be comfortable). I can feel each key individually when I hit them, which is really nice. I also type a lot due to work and school, as well as simply writing in my free time, and this cover has held up the entire time. I haven't seen any signs of wear or even fading in the six months I've had it. This is a very durable keyboard — I eat with my laptop all the time, and I've actually spilled coffee on my keyboard once, and nothing happened — it actually kind of kept the liquid there until I could clean it off. I would definitely buy this again if I needed another color." —Sadia Rahman

    Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in 29 colors).

    33. A pack of six pastel highlighters so you can beautifully color-code your notes and lists. 

    writing highlighted using the pens
    paper with highlighters used on it

    Promising review: "I am absolutely in love!! The shape of the highlighter itself makes it so easily glide over the paper. Super smooth. The colors are sooooo beautiful! It’s not often where what you see is truly what you get. I am very satisfied :)" —Sung Han

    Get a six-pack from Amazon for $7.99 (available in two color combinations).

    34. An electric standing desk if you miss having your own assigned workspace. And with this adjustable standing desk, you'll be able to stay active and get your steps in while you work if you add a treadmill underneath it!

    reviewer image of the white standing desk at a seated position
    reviewer image of the same desk now elevated to a standing position

    Promising review: "I am obsessed. I paired this with a treadmill platform so I can work, do school, and exercise! Such a good product." —Felicity

    Get it from Amazon for $135.99+ (available in five sizes and six colors).

    The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.