5 Surprisingly Cool-Looking Buys from AmazonBasics Just in Time for Back to School

Amazon went from being an online bookstore that can sell you everything to an everything store that has started selling its own private label goods. While some, like home brand Rivet, sell surprisingly design-forward items, others are more basic. Such is (literally) the case with AmazonBasics, a line of no-frills items that range from batteries to cast iron skillets.

Not everything in the line is so boring, however. In fact, some items manage to be both useful and (dare we say it?) even a little chic in a minimalist way. And many of our favorite buys are great for back-to-school. If you’re shopping for a child, your own dorm, or even for your own office, here are things you can stock up on without feeling boring.

Entire millennial-friendly brands have been built around the idea of basics without labels. There’s also a retro appeal that’s neither juvenile or too grown up. You can put your favorite pins and patches on it or leave it as-is and tote it into a formal office setting.

Your laptop deserves better than being slung into a bag unprotected, whether you use it for class or for work. Interior and exterior pockets provide spaces to stash extra cords, pens, and notebooks, and a velcro closer keeps your precious tech in place.

Look familiar? This has all the details of its name-brand cousin (bookmark, elastic closure, and high-quality paper) at less than half the price. You can get it in unlined, lined, and grid.

While there are some incredibly chic chargers out there, most stop short of being affordable. And while this might stop short of being Insta-worthy, the nylon braiding keeps it long-lasting and is an upgrade–both visually and practically–from the plastic option. Plus, this gives you the option to match it to your phone for a coordinated look.

Okay, maybe new hangers are a bit of an extravagance for a college-bound freshman, but these thin, velvet ones will help maximize even the smallest dorm closet. The matching color also helps bring a bit of harmony to even a cluttered space.