
With fall only days away, back-to-school shopping starts now! If you’re all about making that killer first impression with a fresh set of chic gadgets and school (or office) supplies, have we got the goods for you! This year, take your school tools to the next level with bright colors, pops of metallic, and radiant prints and patterns. And no, these back-to-school supplies aren’t just for kids. Scroll on for 26 super chic back-to-school supplies that prove that even adults can get in on the BTS fun.
1. ban.do Compliment Pencils ($10, pack of 10): Revamp the ordinary number two pencil with this bright and colorful set of pencils. You’ll always look sharp and feel sharp, thanks to this cheery set of encouraging pencils.
2. S’well Lily Wood Bottle ($35): Stay hydrated no matter what you’re doing in school. Whether you’re working out at the gym or sitting in class, gulp H20 goodness using the stylish Lily Wood water bottle.
3. Anthropologie Metallic Idiom Pencil Case ($24): Choose between gold or rose gold metallic pouches for a classy way to store your favorite pens and pencils. The pencil case’s metallic shine makes this one modern-chic backpack essential.
4. Rifle Paper Co. Pencil Sets ($14, set of 12): You won’t want to lend out your pencils when they look this good. Featuring four different patterns and prints, this modernist pencil set will have you jotting down notes in undeniable style.
5. Brit + Co Planner ($15): Whether you’re sculpting out time for your side hustle or enriching your daily routine with classes and art projects, this planner is equipped for the busiest of makers. Use the planner’s doodle pages to flex those creative muscles during a quick brain break activity!
6. Paper Source Geode File Folders ($15, set of six): Avoid desktop clutter with this organizing tool. These gorgeous file folders will help you sort and store your most important documents while adding color to your workspace decor.
7. Poketo Colorblock Gel Pen ($4, sold separately): Choose from five classic colorblock designs for one fab writing utensil. Though sold separately, they’re so fun you might want one for every day of the week.
8. Poketo Zip Pencil Pouch ($24): This sleek and simple pencil pouch is the ideal case for minimalists. It’s sleek design in vegan leather will tell others you’re ready to be an academically and environmentally responsible adult.
9. ban.do Back Me Up! Mobile Charger ($35): Charge multiple devices on the go with this trusty power bank. You won’t ever have to worry about a dead or dying battery with the help of this power bank’s USB output and impressive charging power. Just charge on the go and keep Snapchattin’!
10. Poppin Medium Metallic Journal ($11): Classy and elegant, this metallic finished journal is the stationery must-have come fall. Its modern gleam of copper will tie right into your autumn-inspired arsenal of back-to-school goodies.
11. White Marble Keyboard Cover ($7+): Instantly update your laptop with this undeniably elegant, marble-inspired keyboard cover. Aside from its stylish exterior, it might even protect your keys from an accidental drink spill.
12. Who Run the Office? Desk Plaque ($29): Embrace Beyoncé’s boss attitude when tackling your studies or workload this season. Elevate your desk with this inspirational desk plaque and keep on schoolin’ life.
13. USB Tassel Keychain ($9): Powerpoints and group projects will be a cinch with this USB tassel keychain. Though functional, its faux leather tassel design turns this mundane school tool into a fashionable bag accessory.
14. Anthropologie Gold Wire Pencil Cup ($14): Spruce up your workspace with this stylish desktop accessory. Like its imprinted set of wise words say: Tidiness is key to a tidy mind.
15. Gold Desktop To-Do Board ($15): Write down important reminders or scribble notes to your roommates on this gilded dry erase board. It’s even small enough to add to your desk or kitchen counter or so you and your friends won’t miss it.
16. Poketo Minimalist Folio Medium ($48): Store your go-to class essentials in this minimalist pouch. Ideal for class and work, this chic folio will make it easy to juggle both effortlessly.
17. ban.do Hot Stuff Thermal Mug ($18): Take your morning cup of joe to go with this thermal mug featuring stylish gold lettering. Its design is every bit as cool and collected as you *wish* to be on the first day of school.
18. Kate Spade New York Keep It Together Acrylic Stapler ($28): Boring school supplies are a thing of the past with this fancy stapler. You can breathe new life into this everyday item with an acrylic and gold design.
19. Nation Union Marble Apple Watch Charging Dock ($119): Charge your Apple Watch with this sleek charging dock. The marble design will give your nightstand a touch of luxe.
20. Brydge iPad Air Keyboard Cover ($129): This beautifully crafted gold keyboard cover is honed from solid aluminum. Though sturdy, it promises not to hinder any of your laptop’s functions.
21. Believe Marble Mini Journal ($12): Whether you’re writing down notes or your feelings, this pretty lil’ marble journal is where to do it. It includes a burst of positivity on the front cover for the moments it feels like your to do list will never end.
22. Kate Spade Strike Gold Desk Tray ($38): Your desk will have never felt so luxe with this gold desk tray sitting on top of it. Its mix of clear acrylic and gold accents turns your organized notes into a stylish statement.
23. The Primary Essentials Hay Brass Scissors ($13): Don’t settle for flimsy plastic scissors. This pair of stainless steel scissors is equal parts practical and beautiful — making it a must-have on your list of back-to-school supplies.
24. Rose Gold Smartphone/Tablet Dock ($20): This chic metal pedestal will literally *elevate* your charging routine. Its forward-thinking design makes hands-free calls, eye-level FaceTime, and even playing music without blocked ports convenient.
25. The Primary Essentials Shiba Dog D-Clips ($6): Whether you’re filling out housing applications, gathering your bills, or turning in your thesis on owners’ likeness to their dogs, this box of paperclips will serve as your best organizational friend.
26. Casetify iPhone Case ($40): Get ready to take class head on with this adorable phone case featuring a school-inspired print. Plus, it’s as durable as it is decorative, thanks to its impact-resistant outer shell.
Which of these chic back to school goodies will you pick up? Follow us on Pinterest for more exciting must-have products!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Welcome to Selfmade Finance School, our new money series with Block Advisors to help small business owners with their tax, bookkeeping, and payroll needs year-round. This week, we explore the tax implications of bringing family members into your business.
The question for today is this: Does hiring your family members make sense for your business? Let me be clear. This is not a piece about whether hiring your family members makes sense for your relationships with those family members. As someone who is part of a family business, I could fill up a lot more than 600 words on my opinions about that. For today's purposes, we focus on whether it makes sense from an overall "good business and tax implication" perspective. As it turns out, there is a decent amount of tax nuance when it comes to employing your family. Let's break it down based on relationship to the employee:
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Spouses Who Are In Business Together
Personally, if I had to be in business with my husband, it would not go well. However, many couples build viable, strong businesses together and I say, good for them! Depending on how you have your business entity structured, it will make a big difference on the tax treatment of you and your spouse working as partners. Because a business jointly owned and operated by a married couple is generally treated as a partnership for Federal tax purposes, the spouses must comply with filing and record keeping requirements imposed on partnerships and their partners. The election to file two Schedule C (Form 1040) forms, (one for each spouse) permits certain married co-owners to avoid filing partnership returns, provided that each spouse separately reports a share of all the businesses' items of income, gain, loss, deduction, and credit. Under the election, both spouses will be subject to self-employment tax and on net earnings from self-employment and receive credit for Social Security earnings.
One Spouse Employs Another
If you have a dynamic where your spouse is an employee of your business, then your spouse's wages are subject to income tax withholding, Social Security and Medicare taxes. If you are self-employed (not a corporation or a partnership), your spouse's pay does not have to be included in your federal unemployment tax account (FUTA) contributions and payments. However, if your business is a corporation or a partnership you must include that spouse's pay in your unemployment tax contribution calculation.
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You Employ Your Child
First, let's be clear. I work in my family business, but I am an adult, so I am treated just like a normal employee. However, if you, for example, run a family restaurant and want to hire your children under 18 to work for you, there are some tax benefits. But first, you should check with your state for rules on how many hours minors can work (in non-agricultural jobs) and reference the Fair Labor Standards Act for information on limitations on the kinds of work children can perform.
"This is an often overlooked or under-utilized strategy. Paying your children for true services they provide in your business can be a powerful tax-saving tool," says Cathi Reed, Block Advisors Regional Director. "If you are a sole-proprietorship or single member LLC, and the child is less than 18 years of age, the business is not required to withhold FICA or payroll taxes. The child can use his or her standard deduction against income you pay."
You Hire Your Parent
Oh dear. If you are brave enough to do this, know that you will need to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes on your parent's wages and make the appropriate withholdings, but you don't have to pay unemployment taxes. Now all you have to do is convince your parent that you are the boss. Have fun with that!
Is Hiring Family Members Worth It For The Tax Benefits?
"There are some positive tax advantages to hiring family members. It's important to treat a family member like any other employee. Hiring your children can result in substantial savings for businesses. Make sure your child has real, age-appropriate work to do and a reasonable pay rate, comparable to other employees. Consult with a Block Advisors small business certified tax pro to ensure that you are complying with all requirements," advises Reed. "Block Advisors, a team within H&R Block, is dedicated to meeting the tax, bookkeeping and payroll needs of small business owners year-round. To start working with the tax experts at Block Advisors, visit blockadvisors.com."
In my opinion, you should not hire a family member solely because of the tax benefits. You should always hire based on whether that person is right for the job and keep in mind how this hire could materially impact your relationship with that person and others in your family. Finally, as I mentioned, make sure you have a tax professional on your team when making these determinations. As you can see, things can get a little tricky!
*All details were sourced from IRS.gov and blockadvisors.com
The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regards to your individual situation. Comments concerning the past performance are not intended to be forward looking and should not be viewed as an indication of future results. Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. O'Keeffe Financial Partners and any other entity listed herein is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS Investor Disclosures: https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures