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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Ellie Violet Bramley

September is the real new year: 39 brilliant buys to supercharge school, work and everything in between

Two children carry bags and backpacks while walking out an open front door
Stepping out: a few well-chosen essentials can make the return to routine feel a little brighter. Photograph: Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty

Shiny shoes. Freshly sharpened pencils. New rucksack. Back-to-school season is here, and even for those of us no longer in full-time education, the energy of this time of year is undeniably one of fresh starts and renewed momentum.

A couple of well-chosen items, from a notebook to inspire ideas to a lunch box that might encourage you to bring in your own food, are often all it takes to feel a touch more pulled together after a languorous summer. So whether you’re looking for school kit or your own stuff, here’s our pick of the best back-to-the-grind products for kids, teens and grownups.

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