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12 Very Necessary School Supplies for Adults

Better than the 64-pack crayons with the sharpener.

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By Chelsea Peng
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Courtesy, design by Dana Tepper

You know you're old when you start envying 6-year-olds for their peanut butter crackers and mandated nap periods. We can't help with that, but in appreciation of that hopeful/can't-sleep-tonight/pencil-and-rubber-cement-scented back-to-school feeling, we've rounded up 12 crucial accessories for your Mickey Mouse backpack. Just don't forget your lunch money.

<p>"Sweet nothings" on the outside, "diabolical plots" on the inside.&nbsp;</p><p>$16, <a href="https://www.katespade.com/products/take-note-sweet-nothings-medium-notebook/154665.html?cgid=ks-home-desk-and-stationery-view-all&amp;dwvar_154665_color=650#start=30&amp;cgid=ks-home-desk-and-stationery-view-all" target="_blank">katespade.com</a>.</p>
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Kate Spade notebook

"Sweet nothings" on the outside, "diabolical plots" on the inside. 

$16, katespade.com.

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<p>So your filing cabinet doesn't smell like the last person's tuna melt.&nbsp;</p><p>$28, <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-office/34612465.jsp#/" target="_blank">anthropologie.com</a>.</p>
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Casewell-Massey drawer liners

So your filing cabinet doesn't smell like the last person's tuna melt. 

$28, anthropologie.com.

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<p>We get that it can be very stressful deciding where to place stickers. We also haven't got any advice except choose wisely—adhesive is forever.&nbsp;</p><p>$85, <a href="https://www.net-a-porter.com/us/en/product/719527/anya_hindmarch/space-invader-set-of-two-textured-leather-stickers" target="_blank">net-a-porter.com</a>.</p>
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Anya Hindmarch puff stickers

We get that it can be very stressful deciding where to place stickers. We also haven't got any advice except choose wisely—adhesive is forever. 

$85, net-a-porter.com.

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<p>Shiny lunchbox! Pre-filled with supplies!</p><p>$44, <a href="https://www.bando.com/collections/be-the-boss/products/be-the-boss-bundle" target="_blank">bando.com</a>.</p>
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Ban.do lunchbox

Shiny lunchbox! Pre-filled with supplies!

$44, bando.com.

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<p>Doesn't even matter if it's unfilled, because then it becomes an objet d'art.&nbsp;</p><p>$29, <a href="http://www.papersource.com/item/kate-spade-new-york-Gold-Stapler/3303-057/825466927247.html" target="_blank">papersource.com</a>.</p>
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Kate Spade stapler

Doesn't even matter if it's unfilled, because then it becomes an objet d'art. 

$29, papersource.com.

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<p>So cute you'll stick takeout menus in there too.&nbsp;</p><p>$20, <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/s/office/office-accessories/elephant-file-organizer/12d?productId=11003250" target="_blank">containerstore.com</a>.</p>
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Container Store mail holder

So cute you'll stick takeout menus in there too. 

$20, containerstore.com.

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<p><a href="http://www.marieclaire.com/career-advice/news/a18536/business-card-etiquette/">Be&nbsp;a real adult and exchange&nbsp;cards</a>, but also maybe keep your shiny Pokémon Charizard in there too.&nbsp;</p><p>$155, <a href="https://adrianacastroonline.com/shop/home/146-watersnake-card-holders-.html#/color-art_paint" target="_blank">adrianacastro.com</a>.</p>
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Adriana Castro card holder

Be a real adult and exchange cards, but also maybe keep your shiny Pokémon Charizard in there too. 

$155, adrianacastro.com.

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<p>For realizing that, while it feels like you've been at work for 46 years, it's only 3:04 p.m.</p><p>$50, <a href="http://www.poketo.com/collections/decor/products/steel-stand-clock" target="_blank">poketo.com</a>.</p>
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Poketo desk clock

For realizing that, while it feels like you've been at work for 46 years, it's only 3:04 p.m.

$50, poketo.com.

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<p>Just to have another Design Feature on your desk, you know?&nbsp;</p><p>$12, <a href="http://www.poppin.com/mint-tape-dispenser-102794+%3A+100342.html#start=11" target="_blank">poppin.com</a>.</p>
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Poppin tape dispenser

Just to have another Design Feature on your desk, you know? 

$12, poppin.com.

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<p>"I will not lose my headphones" x 100.&nbsp;</p><p>$29, <a href="http://www.shinola.com/shop/leather/womens-leather/bud-cord-holders.html#color=Regatta%20Blue%20and%20Tan" target="_blank">shinola.com</a>.</p>
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Shinola headphone holder

"I will not lose my headphones" x 100. 

$29, shinola.com.

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<p>Comes with colored pencils and a ruler, but you might want to consider adding a&nbsp;security system&nbsp;to keep your coworkers from nicking it.&nbsp;</p><p>$10, <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=38875480&amp;category=A_DESK_SUPP" target="_blank">urbanoutfitters.com</a>.</p>
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Urban Outfitters pen case

Comes with colored pencils and a ruler, but you might want to consider adding a security system to keep your coworkers from nicking it. 

$10, urbanoutfitters.com.

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<p>The grownup equivalent of the plastic boxes you'd pour glue onto&nbsp;to make bookmarks.&nbsp;</p><p>$75, <a href="https://www.cuyana.com/leather-cosmetic-pouch.html#nude" target="_blank">cuyana.com</a>.</p>
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Cuyana pouch

The grownup equivalent of the plastic boxes you'd pour glue onto to make bookmarks. 

$75, cuyana.com.

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