Back to School: Tools and Gear

Some things about going back to school you can't fully control: what time your day starts, who's in your class, which teachers you're assigned, which lab partner you're assigned, if your first day back outfit looks as good in real life as it does in your head.

But some things you do have some say in: the song you blast to get yourself pumped up on the first day (I've always been partial to Dreams by The Cranberries - perfect for creating a main character moment atmosphere), how many times you are going to roll your eyes at your parents when they ask you how it all went, and, of course, what tools and gear are high priority for you as you continue your education as a maker-in-progress. We've assembled some of our 2025 favorites below.