The Red Lip Edit: Guys’ Back to School - High School + College Edition

This is my 15th year preparing for back to school, and it looks a little different this year. Thackston is walking into his junior year of high school. Dixon is headed to a new school for his sophomore year of college. I’m sorry, weren’t they just starting kindergarten?!?!

Two boys. Two very different personalities and preferences.

So as we begrudgingly move from the slower pace of summer into the rhythms and routines of the school year, my favorite fellas put together a master list of all their favorites for the teenage guy in your life. Whether he’s headed back to high school or off to his first (or next) dorm or apartment, we’ve got you covered — everything from pots and pans and dishes for the college kitchen to their must-have khaki pants that are virtually indestructible.

Before you snap that first day of school pic (sniff sniff), take this as your shopping checklist. We all know how hard it is to actually get something out of a teenage boy. I’ve done the work for you.

Big hugs, mama! We’ve got this.

Clothes:

Favorite Khaki Pants - Since Thackston has to wear a uniform, khaki pants are required. We’ve been through 20 different kinds of pants through the years and these are the absolute best. They are virtually indestructible. They last forever. Don’t get holes in the knees. Stains come off so easily. I highly recommend. Dixon still wears them all the time even though he’s no longer in a school uniform every day.

Favorite Socks - I’m just going to say it, my boys are sock snobs. They want their feet to be comfortable all day long. Moving from school to sports, they love how these socks feel. And while I’m a huge fan of no show socks myself, they opt for the crew length. What do I know? I’m a 50-year-old mom. Trust the teen boys’ recommendation. Haha!

Must Have Lightweight Rain Jacket - When you’re running between classes and all of a sudden the bottom drops out of the sky, this rain jacket is a good move. It’s lightweight and easy to keep in their backpack. Plus, if your kids have cold classrooms like mine do, they can pop it on for added warmth when needed.

Hottest Sneakers - White sneakers, always. That’s my boys’ motto. Just ask Matt Adams how much he loves keeping them white. Haha! These are the hottest ones this season. And of course in the all white option. They don’t know any different. Elevated Workout Shorts - I don’t know about you but when my boys are not in their school clothes, they are wearing some form of athletic wear. These are a more elevated short that can take them from the gym to Bible study to dinner out. And they love this new Isle Blue color.

Athletic Tee - Cotton tees are not a great option when you’re working out a great deal. Both of my boys love these performance tech tees because they feel good on their skin, fall well on their body and also can go from workout to a date (hopefully with a shower somewhere in there). Leather Loafers - Thackston Adams is OBSESSED with Birkenstocks. And these leather loafers have a more polished look than his summer sandals. They are closed toe and pair well with khaki pants or shorts. He wears them every single day of his life. Seriously.

School Supplies + Accessories:

Dixon’s Backpack - It was high time for a new backpack for Dixon and he opted for this classic North Face that has plenty of room, but also a slick look.

Thackston’s Backpack - Thackston moves from class to workouts to filming games. His backpack has to work a great deal. And he loves the sleek look of this backpack. It’s lasted him two years already and it’s still holding up for year three.

iPad - When you’re on the go, editing film or working remotely, this is a great option. Or if you have kids that aren’t quite ready for a laptop yet. My boys especially love theirs for travel.

Trendiest Water Bottle - It’s so funny to me how water bottles go in and out of style. Right now the trendiest water bottle is this Owala. I’ll admit that I have two myself and totally get the hype. Absolutely no leaks. Easy to clean. Keeps my water cold forever. And tons of chic colors. Naturally my boys love the plain black.

Must Have Notebooks - I don’t care what grade your kids are in, if they are moving from class to class and need a notebook for each subject, these are the ONLY notebooks you should purchase. It’s hysterical to me that everyone still color codes based on the class. English = Red, Math = Blue, Science = Green and so on. Anyone else?

MacBook - My boys do a great deal of work on their laptops, so we were determined that it would not be heavy since they had to carry them around all the time. MacBooks last forever. They are worth the investment and now this Neo style is less expensive than other options, is lightweight and still has plenty of storage for all their needs.

Wired EarPods - We moved away from wireless headphones last year and went back to wired. All four of us use these on repeat.

Smartwatch - If you have boys that care about their workout, their steps, their calendar, their heart rate, their music and more, then this delivers it all.

College Dorm/Apartment:

Reversible Comforter - When we were looking for masculine, more adult-looking bedding for Dixon’s college apartment, we found this great reversible comforter. It’s durable and modern-looking. He’s taking it with him again this year.

Bedding Set - This is the whole set including the shams and sheets.

Plaid Sheet Set - This navy and white plaid sheet set pairs really well with the bedding and has a cool, crisp feel. Dixon has loved them!

Wall Outlet - You need several of these for the dorm or apartment. Between Dixon and all his buddies who gather there for poker night, they’re always needing to charge something.

Smart TV - A TV with everything built in so you don’t need additional devices. This is a good size for the apartment too if you don’t have tons of room, but want a good size TV.

Cookware Set - We are huge fans of stainless cookware in our house. This set holds up to it all with how hard my college guy is. He cooks a great deal and this set had everything he needed.

Dishware Set - I wanted something that would hold up to rough college guys who may or may not clean often or care for the dishes well. This stoneware was up for the task, plus it looks great.

Air Purifier - A non-negotiable for every single apartment or dorm. We have these in every single room of our home as well. You wouldn’t believe the stuff that it cleaned out of the air for Dixon last year. I highly highly recommend it.