Some kids couldn’t wait for the last day of school so they could clean out their backpacks and toss all their subject folders. Me, on the other hand? I dreamt of the beginning of fall because it meant stocking my backpack with fresh notebooks, pencils, and erasers galore. Back-to-school season was my favorite time of the year to romanticize my routine, and if I’m being honest, it still is (even though I’m a full-grown adult with a full-time job). I still make a list of all the things I need, head to the store, and show off my new planner to my desk mates (OK, my coworkers). With that said, rounding up a list of must-have fall desk essentials, with a sparkly gel pen in hand, is a job that I feel incredibly qualified to do.
As you shift your focus back onto your desk this season and set your eyes on your end-of-year career goals, consider this your best opportunity to restock your must-haves, invest in quality essentials that will enhance your fall work routine, and treat yourself to something that will make you smile through your busiest weeks. Ahead, a list of back-to-work desk essentials that will excite you for the season ahead.
THE EVERYGIRL SHOP
If you work from your phone often, then a new phone case is a desk essential. I don’t make the rules! This gingham pattern is sweet and sophisticated all at once. Plus, you can customize it with your initials. What more could you want?
4 colors available
Calpak
If this lunch bag was around when I was a kid, you better believe I would have had it. The pockets, water-resistant lining, and drawstring closure make me actually want to make a meal-prep lunch.
10+ colors and patterns available
Amazon | MOFT
This multitasking essential from MOFT combines a stand, tripod, and wallet in one. Whether you’re filming, calling, or scrolling, it keeps your phone exactly where you want it to be. It’s a compact way to bring both energy and order to your workday.
10+ colors available
Anthropologie
Treat yourself to this richly colored tarot stoneware mug, available in three styles: the moon, the sun, and the lovers. You’ll love to reach for this when the weather starts getting chilly and you want something warm and cozy in the morning.
Amazon
Whether you’re a time-blocking pro or you need the push of a stopwatch to get work done, this timer is the perfect accessory to have handy.
Etsy | Casting Theory
Your paperclips, rubber bands, pencils, and sticky notes have never had a more modern, sleek place to live on your desk. Available in more than 10 shades, we love these for their functionality and their aesthetic.
Amazon | The Everygirl
If you too are on a mission to make planning your week fun again, look no further than this sticker book. It includes 24 sheets of stickers that will help you jazz up your week and stay on track.
Looking for more ways to feel motivated this season? Try these:
Salt & Stone
Dry hand girlies unite. This hand cream absorbs easily and doesn’t feel sticky, so rest assured you can apply it generously and type away on your keyboard without getting oil everywhere.
Intelligent Change
These productivity planner cards will keep your most important to-dos front and center on your desk thanks to their minimal display stand.
Amazon
More cords at your desk? No thank you. This cordless desk lamp will make all the difference when it starts to get dark out earlier. Plus, it’ll make your space so cozy.
Amazon
Keep your laptop safe and look chic doing it with this quilted laptop sleeve. It comes in tons of patterns, but we are eying this muted pattern for fall.
Amazon
Romanticize all of your WFH days with this candle. Energizing cinnamon is complemented by soothing notes of amber and vanilla, so lighting it will create the perfect atmosphere for productivity and relaxation.
Amazon
An editor favorite: These designer-inspired blue light blocking glasses will help keep headaches and eye strain away all fall long. Plus, you’ll look chic in every meeting.
BruMate
I own a lot of water bottles, but this has been my favorite for over two years now. BruMate’s Era tumbler will be your new favorite way to stay hydrated this fall. We love this neutral color, but it comes in plenty more beautiful tones.
Considering a career change in the fall? Start here:
Papier
Everyone needs a trusty planner to keep their life in order, especially as we enter into the last few months of the year. Count on this undated planner to help you do just that.
multiple styles available
Calpak
It’s stylish, comfortable, and contains compartments for all the essentials, so this work tote will easily take you from the office to happy hour.
9 colors available
Amazon
Whether or not your pens are running out of ink, you need this set of fall colored pens. They are earthy, they are moody, and they are perfect for this season.
Amazon
On your lunch break, or hey, anytime you need a break, keep this reading journal by your side so you can jot down your thoughts on your latest fall read.
3 colors available
Etsy | FleursOnSunday
Before you dive into your fall TBR list, treat yourself to a new bookmark. This Etsy seller has so many styles and themes, so find your favorite and get to reading in a cozy corner. Our favorite for fall? This Gilmore Girls-inspired bookmark.
The Everygirl X Day Designer
Your old-school pencil box just got an upgrade. This zipper pouch can hold everything from your favorite pens to cords, sticky notes, and even your phone.
Amazon
Unique herbal blends inspired by seasonal flavors like apple, chamomile, and more are included in this set of 60 tea bags. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll have something warm and seasonal to sip on while working.
Don’t forget to log out on time this season. These methods can help you do that:
Etsy | Penscriptcalligraphy
Every desk needs a few little luxuries and this is one of them that is both beautiful and practical. Keep it at your desk, or in your work bag, so you can make quick touch-ups between meetings or before work events.
Ember
Designed for your home or office, this temperature control smart mug allows you to set your preferred drinking temperature, so you can enjoy your hot drink (just the way you like it) from the first sip to the last drop.
Amazon
This rug mouse and desk pad will make your space feel warm and cozy every time you sit down to work. We love this neutral pattern for the season, but its also available in multiple other colors and patterns.
Etsy | OlivePixelStudios
This sweet little sign will remind you to romanticize days at your desk, even on the days you’d rather be partaking in fall activities.
The Everygirl Shop
For chilly days at your desk when you’re dreaming about logging off and getting cozy, you need this comfy crewneck sweatshirt nearby.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Hailey Tagliarino, Assistant Managing Editor
As the Assistant Managing Editor for The Everygirl, Hailey oversees, writes, and edits content across various categories on the site. From the pitching stage through publishing, she works alongside the team to ensure that the content that our readers see every day is inspiring, relatable, and timely.
Products included in graphics linked within the article.




