5 Back-to-School Must-Haves You Didn't Even Know You Forgot

By outfitting your kid's study station with the coolest new essentials and gadgets, your little learners just might find themselves enjoying homework time. Here are a few kid-approved picks for smart students everywhere.-TABITHA SUKHAI & KAREN ZIGA, This Old House online

See all our back-to-school shopping essentials at thisoldhouse.com!


1. Posture In Style Ergonomic Chair and Desk
If you're investing in new furniture for your study station, this is as good as it gets. Posture in Style's ergonomically designed desks and chairs promote proper posture to prevent back-pain and fatigue, all while encouraging good penmanship. All of their pieces are adjustable, so they'll grow as your child does. You can create a truly custom space with changeable seat covers and desk system additions. Pricing and how to buy

MORE: How to Outfit Your Home to Help Your Kids' Study Habits


2. Under-the-Bed Storage Organizer
Stash all those extra supplies you scored at back-to-school sales under the bed. DIYers can create a similar system with planks and dowels. Just pick up a few covered, lipped containers and make sure they fit comfortably under the bed. Then, you can build a handy pull-out rack around them, using this item as a model. Pricing and how to buy

MORE: 27 Inspirational Homework Areas and Study Stations


3. Cork Tiles for Custom Bulletin Boards
Install a custom bulletin board anywhere. Made of natural cork, these versatile squares can transform any wall into a message area or a place to post A+ exams. Pricing and how to buy


MORE: How to Build a Mudroom Bench


4. Cordies Cable Management System
Chargers, cables, and cords-oh my! Keep your wires from becoming a jumbled mess with this little organizer. The weighted, flexible rubber holder provides four slots to keep cords from falling to the ground. Consider labeling the wires near each end to prevent unplugging the wrong thing, too. Pricing and how to buy


MORE: How to Make a Desk With a Storage Hutch


5. Quirky Pivot Power Surge Protector
Get your kids plugged in with this problem-solving power strip. Traditional surge protectors only have enough space between outlets to accommodate standard plug sizes. But with phones, laptops, MP3 players, and more to power up, it's easy to get blocked by fatter plugs. This clever design puts six outlets on a flexible base so that you can move plugs out of the way as needed. Pricing and how to buy


See all the must-have items for study stations at thisoldhouse.com!


More on thisoldhouse.com:

27 Inspirational Homework Stations


Tips for a More Homework-Friendly Home


13 Quick Fixes for Kid Clutter