Back-to-school season is synonymous with new routines. Everyone in the family jumps right back into their jam-packed schedules again, and truthfully, it takes some getting used to.
Luckily, there are ways to make this transition easier. Shop TODAY editorial director Adrianna Brach stopped by Studio 1A to share our favorite products for resetting your routine. From cleaning supplies that will help to refresh your home to new wardrobe basics, finds start at just $10.
See below for all of the best routine-boosting items, including trending staples, life hacks and practical items that will elevate your everyday life.
Seen on TODAY | Seen on the 3rd Hour of TODAY | Cleaning routine products | Morning routine products | Workout routine products | Shop TODAY SMS | Meet the expert | How we chose
Routine reset products seen on TODAY
Gap 24/7 Split Hem Polo Sweater
Brach says this Gap sweater looks way more expensive than it actually is — originally retailing nearly $80, it's discounted as low as $34.99 in select colors. French chic style is having a huge moment this summer, and a classic striped sweater like this is your key to rocking the look into fall with your go-to jeans and a pair of sneakers. Customers say it runs slightly oversized, and the style comes in four colors and petite, standard and tall cuts.
Asics Gel-Contend 8 Sneakers
Podiatrists previously told us that you should replace your sneakers every 400 to 500 miles, or as early as every six months. If you're due for an upgrade, experts love options like this pair — the podiatrist we spoke to said Asics is one of the most-recommended brands at their practice! They're lightweight, shock-absorbent and well-cushioned in the soles, so they're really good for all types of feet, including those with flat feet or plantar fasciitis. In fact, TODAY host Hoda Kotb said Asics are the one pair of shoes that "don't make her knees hurt," while Brach says she wore these shoes while training for a half-marathon. And podiatrists also champion the shoe brand! They come in 24 colors, with whole and half sizes plus wide options available.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Face Cream and Makeup Primer
Found during her 10-year career as a beauty editor, Brach calls this multitasking French beauty staple one of her favorite discoveries from backstage at New York Fashion Week. The sensitive skin-friendly cream can be used day or night as a moisturizer, but it also makes an amazing primer to create a smooth canvas for your makeup.
"I use this daily and it makes my skin look plump and soft," Brach says. "It instantly infuses skin with hydration."
Blake Brown Sandalwood Vanille Fundamental Strengthening Shampoo
Blake Brown Wild Nectar Santal Fundamental Nourishing Shampoo
Blake Brown Bergamot Woods All-In-Wonder Leave-In Potion
Blake Brown Blackcurrant Vanille Glam Mousse
Blake Brown Sandalwood Vanille Fundamental Strengthening Mask Hair Treatment
Blake Brown Amber Vanille Dry Shampoo
Blake Brown Milky Sandalwood Rich Reset Pre-Shampoo Mask
Blake Lively is everywhere right now, from promoting her latest movie to launching her hair care line Blake Brown (which has been seven years in the making!). The unique thing about her approach to hair care is that she actually recommends alternating between shampoos and skipping conditioner — our editors think the secret sauce is all in the hair mask. That said, we've been loving everything from the Target-exclusive line, most of which is under $20.
Rotating Makeup Organizer
It’s time to ditch bottomless makeup bags and messy countertops. To do so, Brach recommends this adjustable, 360-degree rotating organizer, which is slim enough for any vanity or bathroom countertops, to be able to see your full beauty arsenal all at once.
Hair Tool Organizer
Since there's never a good spot to put your hair dryer and bulky hair tools, we found a solution that hooks right over the inside of your bathroom's cabinet door. It adjusts to fit into small spaces and neatly tucks away cords and hair brushes, straighteners, curling irons and more.
Routine reset products seen on the 3rd Hour of TODAY
Libin Men's Lightweight Joggers
Libin Women's Lightweight Joggers
Whether you're traveling or just lounging, joggers are a must-have heading into fall. These, which won in Shop TODAY's 2023 Travel Awards, are made from an 8% spandex performance fabric that the brand says is lightweight, water-resistant and dries quickly. They feature zip side pockets and are available in both a men's and women's version.
Pant Hanger Closet Organizer (Pack of 2)
Is your closet feeling a little cramped? These genius pant hangers give you six times the space of a normal pant hanger, Brach says. They have a collapsible design, so you can easily clip up to six skirts, pairs of pants, scarves and more, and then fold the organizer down to save room in your closet.
Youcopia UpSpace Turntable Shelf
You've heard of the Lazy Susan... now, meet the Crazy Susan! This viral organizer rotates, so you can easily reach whatever you need in your pantry, cabinet and more, and it has a lip to keep items from falling off. This upgraded version has a shelf on the bottom that doubles your storage space, with an adjustable height so it'll fit small spaces and countertops alike.
Overnight Oats Containers (Set of 4)
We always seem to be short on time in the morning, which is why Brach says meal prepping is the best life hack. This set of four dishwasher-safe containers is perfect for on-the-go breakfasts, with screw-on lids and spoons that attach right to the jar, so you'll never forget your utensil again. Whether you use them to enjoy overnight oats, chia seed pudding, cereal, fruit, yogurt or another easy snack, these are sure to help get your day started on the right foot.
Travelisimo Electric Lunch Box
Speaking of meal prepping, packing your lunch could save you a ton of money over time. Brown bagging it doesn't have to mean sad, cold meals, Brach notes. This electric lunch box can heat up your meal in 20-30 minutes — no microwave required! You can plug it into a standard wall outlet or even your car, so you can get a warm meal wherever your day takes you.
Brightroom Desk Lamp With Wireless Charger and Storage
This home hack does it all: It's a wireless charger, storage solution and a dimmable desk lamp that you can use in your home office, dorm room or on a night stand. The charging stand is great for your phone, but Brach says there are also multiple ports to charge multiple devices at once, like your laptop, headphones, smart watch and more.
Microfiber Mop Slippers
We're aware that these look wild, but hear us out! Shop TODAY writer Danielle Murphy found this cleaning game-changer that you have to try. While "mop slippers" aren't going to replace your actual vacuum or mop, they're kind of genius for keeping your floors clean.
"Have back or neck pain that prevent you from bending down to clean spills? Mop slippers." Murphy muses. "Washing dishes and suddenly see soapy water all over the floor? Mop slippers!"
Products for a cleaning routine
Jeymei Duster Sponge 4-pack
Have hard-to-reach nooks and crannies in your kitchen or living room? These sponges aim to rid windowsills, vents, railings, shutters and more of dust, debris, hair and other items that leave it looking dirty.
The brand says its U-shaped groove helps to leave no hair behind when cleaning, with reviewers noting that they’re constantly “blown away” with how well they work.
NonScents Shoe Deodorizer
These multipurpose deodorizing pods promise up to six months of freshness, ridding gym bags, suitcases, shoes and more of foul smells that could be trapped there.
Each pouch contains zeolites, a mineral that’s commonly used as a “drying agent,” according to experts. It’s found mostly in kitten litter and detergents and can help neutralize odors.
YouCopia Storalid Container Lid Organizer
Is your food storage compartment looking a little lackluster? Get rid of additional clutter (and be able to find each container's matching lid!) thanks to this organizer that includes rearrangeable dividers to best fit your needs.
This set comes with five dividers that can be adjusted to fit into the container depending on lid size, and even includes handles on the sides of the container that make it easy to move around.
Homecourt Cece Surface Cleaner Spray
A “worth-it splurge,” according to Shop TODAY editorial director Adrianna Brach, this cleanser has an ingredient list derived from plants, leaving behind a fresher smell compared to traditional cleaning products.
The brand says its safe to use on stainless steel, granite, wood, tile and sealed stone surfaces.
Products for your morning routine
Blue Bottle NOLA Craft Instant Coffee Blend
Take your coffee to-go thanks to these single-use packets that can be mixed into four ounces of hot or iced water to create your caffeinated drink of choice.
From lattes to cappuccinos, mochas and more, this blend is inspired by coffee drinks served in New Orleans which tend to err on the sweeter side and incorporate nutty flavors.
Blue Bottle Single Serve Espresso Packet
Don’t have time to make your morning cup of joe? Simply add this single-use packet to an ounce of hot water, mix in your milk and you’ll have brewed coffee in a matter of minutes.
This dark roast espresso blend includes notes of dark chocolate, toasted malt and molasses, according to the brand.
Products for a workout routine
CRZ Yoga Naked Feeling Yoga Pants
For comfort and function at a low price, Brach recommends these leggings from CRZ YOGA.
They’re made out of a polyamide and spandex fabric blend that’s buttery-soft and helps them remain an “all-purpose” pair of leggings that can take you from the kids’ soccer practice to a workout class and everything in between.
CRZ Yoga Linerless Workout Shorts
This lightweight, breathable pair of shorts hopes to help him remain comfortable, due to the elastic and drawstring waistband that can be adjusted for a preferred fit.
They’re quick-drying, promising to wick away sweat thanks to the polyester and elastane fabric blend they’re crafted out of. Most reviewers are repeat buyers, raving about the inseam length and how high-quality the material is.
Sign up for Shop TODAY SMS
Stay up to date with everything Shop TODAY. Get exclusive deals on TODAY-favorite products, info about the latest trends and expert-approved finds sent right to your phone.
Meet the expert
- Adrianna Brach is the editorial director at Shop TODAY, with over a decade of experience as an editor covering beauty, fashion and shopping.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
