In honor of back-to-school season, this month’s favorites revolve around a theme: essential paper planning tools.

It’s early August in the late 90’s. My mom takes my sister and me to Office Max to gather the supplies we need for the upcoming school year. We stroll the aisles selecting colorful binders, erasers and mechanical pencils. When we get home we expertly pack our backpacks with each item in a designated spot, ready for use come the 1st day of school.

Is there anything better? Alas, my school days have long past — but I can still enjoy back-to-school-like supplies.

Here are my go-to’s from planners to pens to stickers and more.

Notiq Planner Cover: this brand offers a wide variety of planner covers to meet your aesthetic preferences — and I LOVE that they offer vegan leather! Personally curate your planner contents via inserts from Raven Voyage or your favorite shop.
Hemlock & Oak Planner: a ready-to-go option that is purposeful + functional. This may be the most gorgeous planner I've ever owned.
Cloth & Paper Arch Inbox Dashboard: this planner dashboard is clean + simple, and layers beautifully over personalized to-do lists or your preferred content.
8Lotus Luna Dashboard: I've always been drawn to astronomical elements — this dashboard is calming, inspiring and can be applied to various sections in your planner.
May Paper Co. Vertical Monthly Overview: a multi-purpose insert that can be used to log gratitudes, noteworthy events, spiritual sightings, weather, or any kind of daily data.
Cloth & Paper Arched Sticky Notes: keeping with the arch theme, this shape is chic, classic, and an elegant way to capture notes.
Ugmonk Analog Started Kit: this system is simple yet effective — and looks stunning on a desk. I revel daily in the innovative design and functionality.
Ellemon Paper Co. Monthly Calendar Desk Card Set: these nifty + cute cards are a great addition to your planner for instances where you may not have access to a digital calendar.
The Planner Spot Doodle Planner Stickers: this shop has a ton of useful + adorable stickers to use in various planning activities. The size of these stickers makes them perfect for small planners, sticky notes and subtle decor.
Moehrenkunst Stickers: add color and fun to your planning activities with seasonal, activity or event-specific stickers. I stock at least one sticker sheet per month of the year so I have a good variety to spice up my planner.
Smitten on Paper Desk Notes Notepad: I've had this notepad for YEARS and use the sheets sparingly because I never want to run out. A stand-out on a clipboard or cork board, the striking design will elevate the most mundane note.
U Brands U-Eco Gel Ink Pens, Pastel Speckle: I found these a few years back and they quickly became my go-to for taking notes. They are comfortable to hold and I love the shiny, speckled design. The neutral pastel tones complement most planners and notebooks.
Staedtler Lumocolor Fine Point Permanent Marker: I'm quite particular about my permanent markers. The tip needs to be fine enough to write in small spaces, the ink needs to dry quickly + not bleed, and and the marker needs to work similarly on a variety of surfaces. These pens check all the boxes.
Zebra Pen MILDLINER: I prefer neutral, soft tones for highlighting. This brand offers a wide variety of colors that add subtle beauty to planning activities.