With the back-to-school ads descending upon us and starting the solemn countdown to the first day of class, stores are starting to put their supplies out. Long gone are the days where our teachers gave us lists with exactly what we need for the year. Now, we're expected to figure it out on our own and get what we need. I have very specific tastes and like to have super fun supplies for the school year.

1. Pens

Pens are such a personal choice. But, if you're looking for the most bang for your buck, Bic's Ultra Round Stic is the way to go. You get 24 pens for around $3 and I think they have the best ink, grip and make my handwriting look so good.

2. Planners

Ban.do makes my favorite planners. For an academic planner, I really prefer 18 month planners and that's what Ban.do makes. They have cute designs, stickers, large boxes for lots of writing and are monthly and weekly planners. The larger spirals also mean that the covers don't get caught as much and the pages are easier to flip.

3. Notebooks

Target has the best quality notebooks in fun patterns. Spiral-bound and book-bound, lay-flat and composition, you can find everything you need at Target. They have collections so everything can match.

4. Sticky notes

I have a system where I take a colored sticky note, coordinate each color to a class and place them on my wall with my assignments written on them. Once I finish the assignment, I remove the sticky note. Of course, sticky notes are good for a lot more than assignment walls. Put them in books, leave a note for a friend, with so many more possibilities. You can get them at the dollar store, Walmart, Target or any other office supply section. My favorite are 3M brand; they have the ultimate stick and don't leave residue on the note after.