The Unremarkable School List: A Coffee Shop Owner’s Take on the Back-to-School Shopping Guide

As I reviewed the latest back-to-school shopping guides, a disconnect became clear between what students actually need and what the market is trying to sell them. Running a coffee shop near a university campus has given me insight into this phenomenon. Students often struggle with their coffee habits – from brewing methods to finding the perfect cup.

The Verge’s 2026 guide prioritizes novelty over necessity, featuring an array of gadgets designed to make writing “easier” and “more satisfying.” However, what about the basics that students use daily? I’ve watched as students settle for subpar coffee due to inaccessible or unreliable equipment.

Creating a learning environment is not just about gear; it’s also about making good coffee accessible. A good cup of coffee can be the catalyst for a productive study session, but only if basic equipment is available. This includes brewing methods and decent beans – not just gadgets that promise to make writing easier.

Our approach to education raises questions: Are we prioritizing the latest trends over actual learning outcomes? By focusing on aspirational products rather than essential ones, we create a culture of consumption rather than critical thinking. We must give students the skills to use tools effectively, not just equip them with gear.

The alarm clocks mentioned in The Verge’s guide are a case in point. While they may wake even the most sleep-deprived students, what about those who genuinely struggle getting out of bed? What about establishing healthy habits rather than relying on technology?

It’s time to reevaluate our priorities as educators. We should focus on creating an environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and good coffee habits. By doing so, we’ll not only equip students with the right tools but also give them the skills to use those tools effectively.

The Verge’s guide is just one of many back-to-school shopping lists circulating online. These lists have become formulaic, touting the latest gadgets without considering what truly matters: the human experience. As someone who’s worked with students for years, I can attest that it’s not just about gear; it’s about creating a sense of community and belonging.

A good coffee shop is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee – it’s a hub for socializing, studying, and learning. We need to start thinking about how we can create those kinds of spaces in our schools and universities.

Running a coffee shop near campus has given me insight into the value of these kinds of spaces. The most valuable lessons aren’t taught in a classroom; they’re learned over a cup of coffee. From navigating complex social situations to developing critical thinking skills, the coffee shop is an incubator for learning.

However, not all students have access to these kinds of spaces. By prioritizing novelty over necessity, we create a culture that’s inaccessible to many. This means investing in basic equipment and creating spaces that promote socialization, community-building, and learning.

It’s time to take a more nuanced approach to back-to-school shopping. Rather than focusing on the latest gadgets and gizmos, let’s focus on what really matters: creating an environment that fosters learning, creativity, and critical thinking.

This means investing in basic equipment – brewing methods, decent beans, and accessible tools for students who genuinely need them. It means creating spaces that promote socialization, community-building, and learning. And it means taking a hard look at our priorities as educators: are we really equipping students with the skills they need to succeed?

A good cup of coffee can be essential for many students – decent, not just aspirational. As I close out this editorial, I’m reminded of something my grandmother used to say: “A good cup of coffee can cure just about anything.” While that may be an exaggeration, it’s clear that a good cup of coffee is crucial for many students. It’s time we start thinking about what really matters when it comes to back-to-school shopping – not the latest trends, but the people who will be using those products every day.