We’re just a few short weeks away from students of all ages going back into classrooms around the country. This year, we’re likely to see a bigger focus on tech and ways to bridge learning with everyday essentials that make learning easier wherever we are.

Given that it’s always hard to figure out what kids need, what brothers and sisters might want, and what older students returning to school to better themselves may shy away from because of the overwhelming options.

Look no further — we’ve got some great choices below that should make things so much easier when you go back to school!

Surface Laptop 4

One of the better devices available these days are the Surface Laptops. I’ve had one as an everyday driver for several years now and while it’s still great at completing everyday tasks, it is beginning to show signs of aging. This year, Microsoft has one product that speaks to me specifically — the Surface Laptop 4 —a device that bridges the gap between the Surface Pro 8 and the Surface Laptop Studio, making it affordable and great value for your money.

Microsoft knows that people want some flexibility so what better way than to offer a few different SKUs?

Surface Pro 8

Microsoft introduced the Surface Pro 8 earlier this year with it being the largest upgrade over previous Intel-based devices since the Pro 3. The Surface Pro 8 adds a stunning 120Hz display, thinner bezels, Thunderbolt support, and a new keyboard that integrates the Surface Slim Pen 2. the Surface Pro 8 is twice as fast as the Pro 8, which offers up to 16 hours of battery life and comes with Windows 11 built-in.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 starts at $1,399.

Purchase the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 at Best Buy

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Purchase the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 at Microsoft Store

Surface Laptop Studio

The new device is the successor to last year’s Surface Book 3 as it doubles as both a laptop and tablet, capable of doing anything in between work and gaming.

Using a 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow touchscreen with up to a 120Hz refresh rate, the screen is capable of outputting 2400 x1600 pixels and uses a 3:2 aspect ratio and uses the newly announced Surface Pen, which can be stored and charged within the keyboard. Also, included are four Dolby Atmos speakers.

Microsoft is supporting Thunderbolt with two Thunderbolt USB-C ports but lacks any SD slot.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 starts at $2,049.

Purchase the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio at Best Buy

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Purchase the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio at Microsoft Store

Microsoft Surface Pro Signature Keyboard with Slim Pen 2

Every tablet needs a good keyboard these days. Enter the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard with Slim Pen 2 – a compact keyboard that performs like a traditional laptop keyboard. It also comes with a large touchpad so you can control it with precision and comes in a variety of colours.

Microsoft has paired it with a Slim Pen 2 and sits comfortably in the keyboard’s built-in storage tray. This also doubles as the charger, so you’ll never be without power when you need it. The Slim Pen 2 also includes precision writing, acting in real-time so you can ensure everything you’re doing is up to the task.

The Surface Pro Signature Keyboard with Slim Pen 2 starts at $349.

Purchase the Microsoft Surface Pro Signature Keyboard with Slim Pen 2 at Best Buy

Purchase the Microsoft Surface Pro Signature Keyboard with Slim Pen 2 at Amazon

Purchase the Microsoft Surface Pro Signature Keyboard with Slim Pen 2 at Microsoft Store

Breville Café Roma Pump Espresso Machine

A good cup of coffee is important each morning but a great cup of coffee can set the day’s mood for some people. Enter the Breville Café Roma Pump Espresso Machine, an easy-to-use machine that would be perfect at home or in the dorm. I am very familiar with this machine as I previously own one before upgrading to a newer machine.

I will say that each time you use it it’s not only easy to use but easy to clean and store away as it takes up minimal space on any counter. Foaming milking takes no time and clean-up of the steaming wand takes less than five minutes. For the price, it’s affordable and well worth the investment into learning how to make excellent coffee.

The Breville Café Roma Pump Espresso Machine begins at $189.

Purchase the Breville Café Roma Pump Espresso Machine at Best Buy

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Purchase the Breville Café Roma Pump Espresso Machine at Walmart

Dyson Omni-Glide

The Dyson Omni-glide is a compact, lightweight and versatile offshoot of the company’s cordless vacuum line. It’s designed to be exclusively used on hardwood and or tile. It’s an efficient vacuum that will serve well for those tending to households with that type of flooring.

The Dyson Omni-glide is lightweight and retains the company’s easy-to-assemble body. It’s made entirely out of plastic, with simple snap-and-lock features holding each piece in place. Removing a piece and swapping it out is as simple as clicking one of the many red buttons. Included in the box are the Omni-glide body, extended body attachment, and the vacuum roller head. Once built, the Omni-glide feels very sturdy.

The Dyson Omni-glide begins at $499.

Purchase the Dyson Omni-glide at Best Buy

Purchase the Dyson Omni-glide at Bed, Bath and Beyond