Start the school year right with essentials that make every step a confident skip into new adventures.
Beginning-of-school buying essentials are an excellent method for celebrating your budding academic and boosting their enthusiasm, self-assurance, and sense of support. Whether they’re entering a new educational environment or simply embarking on another academic year, these gift ideas are sure to make the start of the school term joyful.
Whether it’s your child, a friend, or a student you’re cheering on, our handpicked collection of first-day-of-school gifts is here to inspire you. From motivational stationery to heartwarming tokens, get ready to infuse that back-to-school spirit with a dose of joy and positivity!
1. Popit Spiral Notebook
Children can’t get enough of bubble pop fidget toys, making these notebooks a delightful dual-purpose item—perfect for home, the school bus, or lunchtime activities. The vibrant hues are guaranteed to add a “pop” to their first day at school, effectively easing any initial day anxieties.
2. Plush Pencil Pouch
Every kid loves a unique pencil case to display on their school desk and be the envy of their friends. This leopard meets all the eye-catching requirements (and holds their school supplies!) and can easily be snuggled when desired. Racecar more their jive? Check out this hot rod.
3. Rainbow Eco-Friendly Pencils
Writing is more enjoyable when you do it with a rainbow pencil! These adorable pencils feature an inner body made of recycled colored paper, are non-toxic, and splinter-free. So not only do they look beautiful, but they’re brilliant for the environment.
4. Personalized Bag Tags
These highly original custom name tags are a gorgeous first-day gift, and the sturdy lobster clasp ensures they can be easily clipped onto a backpack. Choose from an excellent animal or multicolored beads to finish the design. Beads are made from BPA-free silicone and are soft and tactile to the touch (except for the plain wooden beads.)
5. Colored Water Bottle
A surprise new drink bottle starring a favorite Star Wars character is an easy and thoughtful first-day gift. These dishwasher-friendly, stainless steel bottles come with a leak-proof straw lid and will keep your child’s water cold for hours. Choose from 14 character designs.
6. Milestone Chalkboard Sign
A milestone chalkboard is a great way to document your child’s school journey – especially when comparing the first-day school photos from year to year. To make it a fun gift, have them fill it in themselves with colored chalk pens (or help you to do it) the day before school. Then, you can hang it up on display for the first few weeks for all to see.
7. Backpack Hand Sanitizer
Carrying hand sanitizer doesn’t have to be drab. This little Spidey case will ensure they want to clean their hands. He’s easily attached to bags and belt loops and is well-crafted and bright. However, you’ll need to buy a 1 oz hand sanitizer to pop inside this superhero.
8. Good Luck Elephant Pendant
An elephant is kind, loyal, and one of the oldest symbols of good luck. When coupled with this sweet message, this necklace will remind your young’un that luck is on their side this year and to keep believing in good things.
9. Bento Lunch Box
Surprise your kiddo on their first day back with a new-look lunch design (with an extra fun meal inside). These bento-style lunch boxes feature five perfectly portioned compartments that encourage variety in their lunch. They’re also a microwave, freezer, and top-shelf dishwasher safe. And drop-proof and leak-proof!
10. Colored Felt Tip Pens
One way to make learning more exciting is by writing with colored pens (whether at school or home), and these felt tip pens will undoubtedly boost the fun factor with their vibrant flair. Plus, they use smear-resistant ink that won’t bleed through the pages.
11. Pastel Sticky Notes
There’s just something about young girls and pretty sticky notes! Whether they need to bookmark essential pages, send messages to their friends, or write reading notes for their current book, these pastel sticky notes will keep their life pretty and organized.
12. Inspiring Bookmarks
For the girl who loves to read, these bookmarks are double-sided and have cute art and inspirational book quotes. They are such a simple idea, but they mark the beginning of the new year and all the exciting books she will read. You could also pair these with an Amazon voucher for a new book of her choice.
13. Collapsible Reusable Straw
A great way to encourage eco-friendly habits for slightly older kids is with a fun and colorful reusable straw. The straw assembles and disassembles quickly and can be used in hot and cold beverages. It has soft, food-grade silicone tips on both ends, so it’s also easy on the lips. Then, when they get home, they just pop it into the dishwasher (in a dream world.)
14. Potter Spell Pencils
Not everybody is lucky enough to study at Hogwarts, but they will undoubtedly love to imagine it! These Harry Potter-inspired spell pencils are hot foil stamped and make an unexpected first day of school gift for a Potter fan . Guaranteed to be used as a wand the first chance they get.
15. Pocket Hug Button
Help take away your little ones’ worries and anxiety about going to school with a personalized Hug Button. They’re the perfect size to fit into a pocket, pencil case, or even tie onto their bag. Let them know that whenever they touch it, you’ll be sending them a big loving hug.
