Ahoy-hoy! It’s that time of year again. If you’re in New England, this Summer hasn’t been so bad. It’s been a great one actually: good weather, good shows, good vibes all around. If you got a job this summer, I’m glad it’s over. If you took classes, I’m glad that’s over too. You have to start new classes now. If you were in camp, then I’m sorry but it’s time to get back to the real world. But fear not, because the 2026 Ground Control Back to School guide is back to help guide you to school. If you’re new to this, this is just our pick of the fun things that you want to take with you, or gift someone going back to school. Remember to also reward yourself for a good deed by treating YOURSELF. It goes both ways.
As with every year, we’re recommending some old favorites, some new favorites, and some altogether new things we’ve experienced for the first time. We’ve got fashion, cosmetics, electronics, and even snacks. All are made to satisfy, and all have our seals of approval. So, let’s get this show on the road, eh? Check out these sweet somethings and put a little flare in your life, your dormroom, your apartment, or your cohabitation space. We were impressed, and we’re NEVER impressed. And remember, we’re all here to have fun, OK?
Homage Clothing
Just because you’re into good music doesn’t mean you can’t be a sport-o. I came to the hard realization that I share both an impeccable taste for music (as can be seen in the pages of this lovely site) and an undeniable love for basketball. I think the premiere name for sporting (and pop culture) brands has become Homage. Browse their site and you’ll find a veritable cornucopia of designs for your favorite basketball, baseball, hockey, and football teams. It goes from college to professional, from vintage to modern designs. And we’re even talking a variety of designs and colors to pick for those lovely designs. You can get a mashup design of your favorite team or stick to the classics, which is the kind of guy I am.
Now, just know that these are direct-to-garment shirts. If that floats your boat (or if you don’t have a preference), you’re in good hands. Homage even has some cool pop culture IP, like TV shows, movies, video games, music, and sports entertainment. It’s mind-boggling the kind of rabbit hole you’ll go down when you’re browsing their site.
Whether it’s summer, winter, and you’re looking for tops, coats, or bottoms, you’re gonna find something cool at Homage. Now, I just wish they’d get into the baseball cap game. I can’t imagine what kind of cool designs they’ll bring us. Maybe next year? But this year, Homage has you sorted for the coolest and softest sports, and pop culture gear.
Teenage Engineering
We’ve always been lucky to partner with Teenage Engineering (sorry, it’s hard for us not to capitalize that name) because they’ve always let us try out their state of the art gear. Whether it’s pocket operators, electronic mixers, samplers, or speakers. It’s always been an adventure with exhilarating results. We truly learned more about ourselves once we’re done tinkering with their toys. This time, we’re stepping it up yet another notch by featuring the TX-6: their most advanced mixer, engineered for portable studio-quality sound.
Yes, it’s a 6 channel mixer, except that each channel is stereo, which means it’s a 12 channel mixer. Now, just look at this thing. It’s got a minimalist, sleek and incredibly friendly design. You look at it, and immediately get a hang for how it works. It’s got much more than meets the eye, however, because of course it’s pocket-sized and portable, it’s got built-in effects, and an 8-hour battery. It’s a mixer, yes, but also a tuner, a synthesizer, a sequencer and a recorder. It’s small but supports all the formats you’d want it to, like MIDI, USB, and Bluetooth, and has a screen that’s clear, minimalistic, and easy to read and figure out.
Teenage Engineering has always, and will always, continue to push the limits of musical instruments. Their gear is designed to be inviting and get you making music as soon as possible. Put in some time, give them an inch, and they’ll give you a mile. The price tag on the TX-6 might be a bit high, but considering the quality and portability that comes with it, it might just be what you’re needing to step up your game.
https://teenage.engineering/products/tx-6
Trash Talk Audio
OK, you have the gear to make some popping, banging music, but what about the most important instrument of all? I’m talking about your voice of course. You gotta treat that thing with respect. Or just simply have fun with it. Trash Talk Audio has just what you need to bring, arguably, the most unique aspect of your music into the spotlight.
One of my favorite bands ever was Japanther. Their lo-fi punk rock charmed me to no end, and especially their drummer/singer’s use of a telephone as a microphone. Well, Trash Talk Audio have adapted it into a bona-fide instrument. They didn’t redesign it, they just ADAPTED IT. It’s the real deal, works gorgeously, and is designed with XLR or ¼ jack audio input. It also comes in a variety of colors.
Just remember that a mic is a mic, and just because we’re thinking vocals with this thing, it doesn’t mean you can’t use it with guitars or even drums. Not sure how a bass would sound with this thing, but prove me wrong. Prove them ALL wrong.
The Trash Talk Audio’s mic is cool, playful, fun, but audio-wise it’s deadly serious.
Manscaped
It used to not be cool talking about grooming when you’re a man. Yes, but those times are over. I knew we were ahead of the curve promoting Manscaped, and now it’s being featured in all my favorite podcasts. It took those newbies a while to recognize something good when they see it. Manscaped started as a simple and convenient way to groom your body but has grown into so much more over just a couple years.
They now offer a variety of much-needed accessories that every guy needs to keep their body well-groomed. Their Performance Package 5.0 has got you covered from top to bottom. It has their best groomer, their top notch nose hair-trimmer, and with some ideal fragrances to keep the area smelling and feeling fresh. It’s truly the whole package. What’s more, add their beard hedger (the absolute best in the biz) and their crop shaver and you’ve just plussed up your grooming. “Groom-maxxing” as the kids would say. But seriously, don’t listen to the kids. Ever.
Manscaped has got a variety of essential products ranging from the traditional clippers, to nose trimmers, body washes, lotions, balms, travel cases, and even the perfect briefs. There’s plenty of stuff here a guy needs to be happy.
Field Notes
We’re living in the digital age, but nothing feels better than analog. And that applies now more than ever. Yes, I take notes in my Google docs all the time, but because I do that, I have a thousand of them on the cloud, storing who-knows-what. I don’t even know if they’re important or not or what I should be prioritizing. Also, I hate that I have to depend on a network to access them.
That’s one thing that will always make me feel safe and comfortable with a nice pocket-sized notebook: the ease, the browsability, the accessibility. I know if something is important enough to go into my Field Notes notebook, that it’s worth revisiting. I also know how to browse and access the stuff easily with my fingers. It’s not just the information I jogged down, it’s where I put it, and how it was documented in relation to everything else.
Field Notes will always bring you visually appealing and practical notebooks, combining aesthetics and functionality. Of course we’re all familiar with their small pocket sized notebooks, but they also offer the wider landscaped sized 1943 ones and even the long Front Page notepad version of their books. They all look and feel great. And to add some flare to your notes, check out their Blackwing color pencils for some of the smoothest and most reliable designs around.
It’s never been easier to get organized, and it’s never looked better with Field Notes.
Chemex
We’ve talked about the best coffee money can buy, now let’s talk about the best coffee preparing gear money can buy. I have to tell you, 19 times out of 20, when I’m brewing my coffee, I do it out of a Chemex coffee maker. I love a good french press as much as the next guy, and I still use it, but I started using Chemex over five years ago and never looked back. I converted my wife and now she hasn’t looked back either. All that’s left are my folks and in-laws.
There’s a reason brewing out of a Chemex is so fun. Sure, there’s the aesthetic reason behind it. The Chemex is a beautiful and simple brewing device, because brewing coffee should be a simple affair. It’s also shaped elegantly which makes it nice to hold and look at. But most importantly, you get a damn fine cup of coffee out of a Chemex: with all its essence brewed in. If your beans are dark and robust, or with particular notes, that’s exactly what you’re going to get. Don’t know where to start? Well, get yourself a starter kit which has everything you need to get you up and running. Also of note is the fantastic new Chettle: their trademark gooseneck kettle (trust me, you need a gooseneck for easier brewing in a pourover). It’s stylish, fast heating, stays hot for 30 minutes, and has a lot of other extra features which make it stand out from ordinary kettles. Perfect for coffee (of course), teas, or if you like just sippin’ hot water (you weirdo).
Like I said, I started using a Chemex and never looked back. It’s the simple and convenient way to make coffee where you get the most out of your bean, and that buzz that keeps you going.
https://www.chemexcoffeemaker.com
Baxter of California
Baxter of California has been with us since the very beginning and there’s good reason for that. They have consistently proven themselves as the kind of company that makes top-shelf grooming and cleaning accessories, and dare I say it, with a more masculine (or should I say “unisex”) feel. I know I’m a fan, and I’m not just saying that because they keep popping up in our guides. There are a plethora of things that Baxter of California makes that will make you rethink how you take care of yourself, but let me make a few suggestions.
At the top of my list is the facial cleanser. The reason I bring that up is because I’m a greasy disgusting man, and the very idea of what my face looks and feels like in the morning is enough to make me stay in bed all day. But, their facial cleanser is special. It’s a thick lather, goes on smooth and silky, and leaves your face feeling squeaky clean without feeling overdried. It’s got moisturizing elements to it but it doesn’t feel like a distracting residue is left behind, you know?
What else? Well, what about their shower products, a shampoo and conditioner combo that leaves hair feeling clean yet dense, soap bars that make thick lathers and offer unique scents, and candles that smell great and last a long time. I think their products truly need to be seen and felt to be believed. Baxter of California should be part of every grooming routine.
https://baxterofcalifornia.com
Adidas
Ah, a good running shoe is absolutely essential. Why? Because the only way to discipline the mind is to have control of your body. I think Byron said that. Either way, you need to get out there in the heat or cold, in the blazing summer or icy winter and in order to do that correctly you need the right shoes.
I stress the right shoes because this is where things can quickly go wrong. I run 3 days a week and I need the right shoes for the job or I’m going to get an injury that’s going to put me off my game. Trust me, I know what I’m talking about.
There are many reasons Adidas won me over so quickly and that has to do with the fact that they have shoes tailor made for my needs. I need something that’s light, stabilizes my step, has a wide foot area, and doesn’t look absolutely hideous. The EVO SLs did the trick, because they’re comfortable, are SUPER light, and look like they’re from the future. I actually look forward to my runs now because I know they will help improve my performance. Also, the Adidas gear looks cool as hell. Their running shorts and sweat-wicking tops keep your body ventilated and your mind focused.
https://www.adidas.com/us/adizero-evo-sl-shoes/JH6206.html
Feels So Good
Finding a good quality shirt these days can be a chore. Some of us just want the design that shows off our sensibilities, and that’s great, but what about something that’s both quality and cool? Feels So Good has got you covered in that department because they’re high quality screen-printed shirts, on high quality custom garments, made by ethically sourced workers. Meaning you’re getting a print that will last and fade accordingly (not like those designed to look 20 years old after a single wash), that’s printed on a high quality shirt that’s made to fit a real human’s body, made by someone with love.
Feels So Good also has their own extensive catalog of original designs spoofing on pop culture, like X-Files, Kate Bush, David Lynch, comedies, HBO shows (old and new), Punk Rock and much much more. Browse their catalog and you’re bound to find a couple dozen things you’ll want to stick in your cart. And that’s not all, Feels So Good also keeps a record store filled with some choice selections curated by good taste. So get something that looks good on your body, and supplement it with something that will look good in your ear holes.
Don’t be a poser! Get the real stuff! Full FAT! It feels so good!
Super7 Action Figures and Clothing
Action figures aren’t for kids anymore. Well, they never really were anyway. They’re like the Looney Tunes of toys: made by adults to appeal both to the older and younger crowd. It’s one of the few vices I have. Of course, I collected Ninja Turtles and I regret giving them all away. Since then, I’ve built a new collection, very carefully curated: every toy has a story to tell and memories that go with it.
Super7 is a company made up of superfans so you know you’re in good hands. They might be known for their licensed lines which cast a very wide net from music, to movies to TV Shows, as well as their punk rock sensibilities. We usually feature their The Worst line of original action figures, but we’re doing something a little different this year which is to highlight some of our favorite IPs which Super7 has brought to life. The extent of their reach is still remarkable and we got lucky enough to lick some of those fingers. We’re talking Peanuts, Sesame Street, and one that’s near and dear to my heart, Thundercats. Like with all their figures you get a high degree of articulation and something that’s crucial to me: clamshell packaging. So, you can choose whether you want to handle your figures, or display them like art. I’m a little off column A and column B. These figures fire off those special neurons in my brain and remind me of simpler times.
I’m excited about where Super7 is going next as they tend to do massive IPs along with cool niche ones (like Czarface) and they don’t show any sign of stopping. Whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll be something (or THINGS) I’ll just have to have.
Syitren Audio
Did you know that a lot of people play their audio from their laptops or even their phone speakers? I like my audio to sound good, so I always choose my trusty earbuds for personal and high-quality audio from my music. Even when I’m listening to podcasts, I want that thing playing in my head to get fully immersed. But I get the convenience of having a speaker for the space I’m occupying. Maybe I’m with people and I want to share my music with them.
The Syitren Audio N200 bluetooth speaker is an absolute charmer. Just look at this thing! It’s straight out of the 80s or a Short Circuit movie. I feel like I’m going to stick my beta-max tapes inside it. The style may be compelling but so is the audio. The speaker connects directly to your audio device, to your laptop, or via bluetooth for a loud and crisp sound. Even the controls are minimalistic and make the best of the few buttons it has. You can even link two units for a stereo sound!
So don’t keep your audio to yourself. And don’t be embarrassed by the bluetooth speakers that look like barrels of popcorn. This one is a little more personal and cozy. Syitren’s going to get you noticed both for their style and quality. Get one!
Rare Breed Coffee
There is no way we can bring the constant barrage of epic content here on Ground Control if we weren’t constantly hopped up on coffee, and this time, our coffee inspiration is coming from a completely different place. Rare Breed Coffee! Can you believe that?
Every coffee drinker knows that their drink should be personalized and customized. The right coffee for the right mood. Whether it’s tones or darkness of roast. Yes, there are others, but as far as expertly roasted, fairly sourced, and flavorful coffee, Rare Breed coffee is wonderful. Personally, one of the reasons I like them so much is that they offer a variety of roasts, and as far as the dark roasts are concerned (my roast of choice), they really get it right. And by that I mean, deep robust flavor without any of the acidity that usually plagues it. Nope, with Rare Breed it’s about tasting the coffee as much as possible. Not only do their coffees come in cool canisters (recyclable cans, man!), but they come in fun themes like Punkstock, Wild Muse, and Neon Venom Espresso. They’re not messing with their beans, mind you. They’re letting their true flavors shine.
Coffee is indispensable, and Rare Breed brings you top quality beans at a price that won’t break the bank. You know you’re gonna do it, so you might as well do it right!
Sweet Stash Candies
I’m a candy-loving man. Almost too much. I’m prediabetic, you know? Well, you don’t know, but now you do. I always want something sweet, indiscriminately. I’ll do chocolate bars, cakes, pastries or candies. Sometimes, I just want something sweet for a quick fix.
I learned about Sweet Stash from the Doughboys podcast. Martin Starr (yes, THAT Martin Starr) was the guest, talking food, and promoting his new candy company Sweet Stash. I was intrigued, and now that I’ve had some, I’m in love.
Sweet Stash has a lot going for it, it’s non-GMO and doesn’t use corn syrup. Honestly, that aspect of candy doesn’t bother me much. What they DO do differently is that their gummies use real sugar but don’t taste so punishingly sweet. It’s just a perfect jolt you want from your gummies. Their texture is also the right balance between soft and gummy. Their standard jam is great, but they also offer a Sour Jam version (which is my kid’s favorite) and a Rock Jam which is my favorite. My mouth is watering just talking about them.
Stop eating trash and start eating Sweet Stash.
Liquid Death
You know, I’m not quite sure where Liquid Death came from, but when it came, it came HARD. I think there’s some link to punk rock (is a famous punk rocker an investor? a founder?), which is how it popped on my radar. I remember back when it was only plain or seltzer water and merch. It wouldn’t be uncommon back in the day for Liquid Death drinkers to acknowledge each other in the wild. “Hey, Liquid Death!” a guy would shout at me from across the street, and I would smile back. This was about WATER. Now it’s a lifestyle. It’s popping up on podcasts, everyone is drinking it from the tame to the feral. It’s everywhere! Watch out!
What Liquid Death had going for it, along with a fun self-deprecating ad campaign, was those tall boys. And boy is that fun. In the hot summers (and we definitely get those in New England), nothing hits the spot quite like an ice cold seltzer water, and the weight of the tall boy would bring an extra sense of satisfaction. Nowadays, you can still get your plain drinks (keep it simple, I always say) or venture into the wild world of flavors with what Liquid Death is doing. They even have some slightly sweetened varietals, if that’s your style. For me, it’s that plain seltzer and their unsweetened ice tea. It’s my go-to when I want something uplifting and refreshing.
Liquid Death used to be niche, but now you can find it anywhere, and that’s a good thing. If you’ve missed them, I don’t know how. Get out from under that rock and see what the fuss is about. You’ll be pleasantly surprised. I’m not gonna tell you to “murder your thirst” but certainly educate it, man!
