Back to School Items You Don’t Really Need

It's just about time to go back to school, and retailers are making their annual campaign to stress you out about all of the things you need to survive the school year. But the reality is that there are many advertised items that are just not that necessary. Here's a short list of products that don't need to be on your school shopping list.

A smartphone. If you've already got one and love using it, fine, put it to work for college. But you'll survive without one. Emails, Twitter, and Facebooking can wait until you've gotten back to your dorm. These little wonders are expensive to begin with, and even more expensive to maintain each month with a data plan. On top of that, they are ultra-portable, which on a college campus means, ultra easy to steal. Stick with the phone you've got.

A top of the line backpack. You will need a good quality backpack for sure, but don't spend more than $50 on it. You're not hiking mountains or transporting priceless data-just some books, papers, and maybe a few snacks. Look for a backpack that's got all of the room you need, supportive straps, and a style that works with your everyday look. Anything else is just overkill.

Brand new textbooks. Most textbooks are available used, and you should take advantage of this. New textbooks will be much more expensive, and there's no chance of the added bonus of finding helpful notes in the margins. Check out your campus bookstores to find used textbooks, and even go online to find great used deals or rentals. You might even find what you need in your school's library.

A super powerful computer. Sure, you need enough power to get it all done, but that doesn't mean you should run out and buy the most top of the line desktop or laptop Apple makes. Consider your needs, read reviews, and find a computer that can do what you need it to do.

Back to school is a fun and exciting time, and shopping for college is a great way to get prepared for your future on campus, but keep reality in mind. Look for items that will last you through your college years, and even beyond, but at the same time, make sure they're not overkill or ridiculously expensive for what you really need.