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Launch time! Whether your baby is prepping to leave home for their first school year away or they’re returning to campus as upper year experts this fall, that late August uni pack can be overwhelming. And from sentimental reminders of home to the dullest (read: practical) necessities from brands like Simons, Frameo and Command, the dorm décor game has reached pretty epic proportions thanks to all those cheeky hauls and budget hacks on social media. Either way: Cue the mom tears.
Big Girl Bed
If it works within your budget, I recommend buying a new duvet cover for school opposed to packing your home kit along for the ride. Way less of a haul and they’ll love coming back to an old favourite. My advice? Choose basic and spice things up with throw pillows and a cozy blanket. Pair it with a basic white sheet set (or matching), and they’re set.
Size up on this organic cotton duvet cover set for the potential of a larger bed in second year. Also available in slate blue and burgundy.
Finish the look with this well-priced faux mohair stripey throw.
Where was this thing when I checked into room 403E at Queen’s, where my headboard was a wall of painted white prison cinderblocks? This pillow-slash-backrest has a removable, washable cover and a side pocket for your phone.
Boring Game Changers
It’s funny how the more boring the item, the more coveted it becomes in those clutch college moments. From a bath caddy to getting your bed up off the floor (for storage and for cold season), it’s all in the details here, kids.
Create much needed extra underbed storage thanks to these stackable bed risers, which come in a variety of pack sizes (also in black).
I like this metal frame shower caddy because the alternative is probably plastic – and their collapsible cousins tend to, well, collapse.
Get them as excited about doing their own laundry as you are – thanks to this preppy pajama striped laundry hamper! Woot!
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Depending on the dorm/house/flat laundry scenario, a backpack-style hamper may come in super handy if there’s a laundromat visit involved.
I own the older version of these storage bags and they are indestructible. I dig this olive-toned version more than my cobalt blue collection, but you get the idea. Note: not suitable as checked baggage (as we learned the hard way at Heathrow).
Home Reminders
Even if they’ve told you they can’t wait to get out of the house, they’ll miss you the minute they do (or at least once Frosh Week is over).
This beaded display garland should add a little old-fashioned sweetness to their suite.
For a more neutral interior style, these felt acoustic panels are a vibe.
I love this digital photo frame because you can load it and update it remotely. Also makes a wonderful grandparent gift for the lo-fi Papa’s and Grandy’s out there.
Command Hooks are such a must-have. Note: be sure to read the instructions on how to remove the adhesive backing for a stress-free move out!
This is cheesy but my daughters and I have matching sweatsuits – and wearing mine is oddly comforting when I miss them the most. New from Aritiza’s Back To Campus: The Fundamentals collection is the Cozy Sweatfleece Mega Straight sweatpant and hoodie.
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