Back-to-school glow: Lava lamps and other Gen Z trends for Fall 2025 shopping lists

As students prepare for move‑in day, one retro decor classic is lighting up dorm rooms in style—and yes, it’s back in a big way. According to a press release by The Original Lava, lava lamps are enjoying a resurgence across Gen Z social feeds, from TikTok dorm hauls to cozy autumn mood boards. These glowing gems aren’t just ambient lighting; they’re personality pieces, the brand states—affordable, expressive, and ideal for personalizing small spaces like desks, nightstands, or entryways. 

Available in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles, lava lamps are accessible nationwide at retailers like Amazon, Target, and Kohl’s, making them an ideal pick for fall decor or a standout item on your back‑to‑school checklist.

But lava lamps are just the start of the dorm decor trend. Tech-savvy students are also stocking up on essential gadgets and gear to power through the year. According to The Verge's 2025 Back‑to‑School Shopping Guide, must-have items now include productivity tech—think the latest MacBook Air, accessory-rich power banks, and noise-canceling headphones alongside creature comforts like electric kettles and weighted blankets to turn dorms into cozy yet functional havens.

Students looking to follow other popular TikTok trends may opt for the popular Labubu doll as a backpack accessory, according to FOX5. The report also touches on a growing demand for Stanley Tumblers and the Gizmo Watch. And while planners aren’t new to back-to-school lists, FOX5 states that digital planners have become a trendy hot item for this year.   

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Meanwhile, classic school supply staples remain key. The Strategist’s recent deal roundup highlights deep discounts on backpacks, lunchboxes, and notebooks—like Lands’ End bags, colorful pens, and reusable snack storage from Little Spoon—all still proving indispensable for daily school life.

Together, these items—lava lamps, tech gear, trendy picks, and foundational supplies—offer a balanced mix of practical, personal, and aesthetic choices that make back‑to‑school shopping both functional and fun. Lava lamps bring mood and vibe, tech gear ensures productivity and comfort, and timeless supplies underscore the nuts-and-bolts necessities students rely on every day.

Whether aiming for “that’s so me” style or simply wanting a ready-for-class setup, students have plenty of options to curate both their space and success this fall.