Customize-It Storage Desk
The first thing any kid needs in order to do her homework is a great desk, of course. (No, lying on the bed with a laptop and textbook won't do.) For the low-maintenance kid who pretty much just needs a flat space to do work, with minimal storage, this understated desk is a great option. Bonus: When your kid moves out, you can use the desk for your own purposes. It's that sophisticated.
To buy: PBTeen, from $129
Canwood Pedestal Desk & Hutch
Made for the kid with tons of "stuff," this desk and hutch bundle has ample storage space. The three drawers fit files and supplies, while the shelves on the hutch are perfect for storing books, folders and notebooks. This will serve your kid from elementary school all the way through senior year.
To buy: Walmart, $350
Roll Tractor Chair
There's something about a rolling, adjustable desk chair that just feels so adult … at least, to younger kids. (And yes, for them, that's a good thing.) This one's available in black, white, teal, pink and purple, so it should fit any style or room décor.
To buy: Walmart, $29
Metal Wall File Organizer
Help your kids use a hanging file folder like this one to really organize their schoolwork. Use one section to hold homework that still needs to be done and one for finished homework. Or think of another scheme that works best for you! Whatever you come up with, the real point is just teaching your kid to think about organization.
To buy: Organize-It, $32
12-Slot Organizer
Another product for kids who have lots of stuff, this Rubbermaid organizer eliminates any excuse about how hard it is to clean up—there's a place for everything to go, and it doesn't ever require the effort of opening a drawer! It also looks classy, and will be great for home organization once your kid leaves the nest.
To buy: Rubbermaid, $92
ITSO Narrow Fabric Tray
The nice thing about this fabric-covered organizing tray is that it will look great both in a drawer and on top of a desk. That means the pink color can either be celebrated (for a little girl who loves the shade) or hidden (for the older teen who's past that stage … but doesn't want to splurge on new organization supplies).
to buy: ITSO, $28
Cable Twisters
These colorful, flexible little twisters will keep cords from computers, printers, lamps, clocks and every other little appliance sorted and organized. No more horrible tangles of cords hidden behind the computer!
To buy: The Container Store, 3 for $10
Pencil Holder
Add a little whimsy to any desk with this fun, bright Lego pencil holder. It even comes with two pencils and a mini figurine! And as your kids age, they'll still love having this little throwback in their study space. Expect it to disappear along with them when they head off to college.
To buy: Lego, $15
Alien LED Desk Lamp
Adesso's quirky alien lamp brings some understated fun to a serious study place. Though it might just look like a regular old two-pronged lamp at first glance, it's actually an abstract rendering of an extraterrestrial creature—see the torso, two legs, big feet and two arms (each with a separately controlled light at the end)? Adorable!
To buy: Adesso, $69
Multi Flowers Bookends
Jonathan Adler's bright bookends are perfect for a study space with a modern décor theme. Designed exclusively for Barnes & Noble, the pair of metal flowers lands right where classic and cool collide. In other words, your kid will have them forever—and they'll always be a conversation starter.
To buy: Barnes & Noble, $13
