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THE Gold Stars: Back To School Must-Haves According to a Middle Schooler

In this episode, Krista from The Home Edit team and her sixth-grade daughter, Ella, share the must-have items for heading back to school in style—from pencil cases with cute patches to water bottles that won't spill. Plus, a sneak peek inside our new book, The Home Edit for Teens, on sale now! 

Scroll on to shop Ella's back to school essentials from the episode + a recap of why these items get a Gold Star seal of approval: 

*This blog contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you buy something.

The Home Edit
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Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler

The Stanley obsession is still going strong, which is understandable, considering it holds a ton of water and stays cold all day. Did you know they even come with accessories? Ella recommends adding a stopper on the straw (likethese) to avoid spills.

The Home Edit
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Simple Modern Water Bottle

This option keeps water ice cold for days, just like a Stanley, but instead of a straw, you can switch between a spill-free spout or a twist-off lid, depending on your preference.

The Home Edit
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Stoney Clover Lane Travel Pouch

What's more fun than a pencil pouch you can personalize? Ella chose the white pouch with white and gold glitter letter patches, but the options are endless. Ella's advice? Do what speaks to you!

The Home Edit
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Stoney Clover Lane Clear Front Mini Pouch

This pouch (which can also be personalized) is the perfect size for the small essentials you grab throughout the day. For Ella, that'sSummer Fridays Lip Butter Balm,Nars Mini Radiant Concealer, and abeauty sponge.

The Home Edit
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Stoney Clover Lane Backpack

A backpack that aligns with the white-and-gold theme? Check. The heart patch Ella added is adorable!

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Rainbow Pencils

Warning: Everyone in class will ask to borrow a pencil.

The Home Edit
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Spa Headband & Wristband Set

What's worse than getting water all over the place when washing your face? Thankfully, the teens found a solution for that.

The Home Edit
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CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

Speaking of washing your face, here's Ella's favorite daily cleanser for keeping her skin smooth and acne-free without drying it out.

The Home Edit
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LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Moisturizer

Did you know the benefits of hyaluronic acid when you were in middle school? Ella does, and we're impressed! This moisturizer from LANEIGE (yes, the creator of the Lip Sleeping Mask in that cute pink pot) is her favorite because it's creamy and refreshing to apply, especially when stored and kept cold in a mini skincare fridge.

The Home Edit
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Lush Cookie Dough Lip Scrub

"So, you clean the dead skin and then eat it off?" -Krista. Yep, it's an edible exfoliator.

The Home Edit
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Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa ’40 Bom Dia Hair & Body Fragrance Mist

Let's put it this way: Sol de Janeiro is the Clinique Happy for today's teens. If you know, you know.

The Home Edit
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The Home Edit for Teens

Fun fact: We shot the cover of our new organizing book for teens in Ella's room, and her systems are still going strong. Major gold stars! From creating a locker system and study space that fits your style to planning the perfect movie night with friends, this is our ultimate guide for helping teens get it together and have fun in the process. Grab your copy below!

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