Thoughtful back-to-school gift ideas to start the school year strong

A collection of small gifts that would be appropriate for back-to-school, including a journal, a jar candle, and two Just Because greeting cards.

Back to school is a busy time of year when everyone’s excited…and also maybe a little nervous or stressed. That’s why it’s the perfect time of year to show your admiration and gratitude—to lift up the kids and adults in your life who could really use it. We’ve got your back with plenty of back-to-school gift ideas that are creative, easy and, most importantly, fun!

From first-day-of-school gifts for students who are feeling nervous about their big first day to tokens of appreciation for teachers and other caring adults in your student’s life, you’re sure to find just the thing to make someone feel truly appreciated and supported.

Inspired? Create and share by tagging @HallmarkStores.

What are some back-to-school gift ideas for kids from parents?  

A collection of back-to-school gifts for kids from parents, including a little Disney Stitch plush, an insulated drink tumbler, Just Because greeting cards with encouraging messages like

 

From little items to send in their backpacks (or on their backpacks) to fun accessories to highlight their personalities, these back-to-school gifts for kids let them know you’re their biggest fan.

  • Track down a really cool lunch box that features their fave character so they can show off what’s important to them at school.
  • Give a backpack plushie to keep them company at school and to remind them of your love as they go about their day. Add on this Hallmark Just Because card which is literally a paper hug!
  • Find a water bottle with cute characters on it—they’ll stay hydrated AND know that you love them.
  • For the younger kid who’s nervous about the first day of school, a fabric cape to remind them that they’re strong like a superhero.
  • Draw a picture of yourself with a word balloon that says “you’ve got this!” and hide it in their backpack or notebook. It doesn’t matter if it’s not a great drawing—just seeing you express yourself in that way will be a treat for them.
  • For high schoolers, periodically hide $5-10 gift cards in their backpack so they can treat themselves to a little something on a rough or busy day. Or put it inside this encouragement card.
  • Make a booklet of handmade coupons for things like homework help, an extra thirty minutes of free time/video games before bedtime, a shopping trip for a cool outfit or an after-school park visit.
  • For the kid with separation anxiety, design one of our photo ornaments with a family photo to hang on their backpack.
  • For elementary school kids, find a fun, age-appropriate planner so they can keep track of what’s going to happen in the day and fun things to look forward to.

What back-to-school gifts could parents and students give to teachers to show their appreciation?  

 

There are so many great teacher appreciation gifts that parents and students can give to their favorite educators to bring them a little joy or make their lives a lot easier.

  • Create an emergency snack basket because teaching is a stressful job, and the last thing they need is to be hangry.
  • Purchase or build a cute treasure box that the teacher can use to give out prizes and awards. Take it up a level and pre-fill it with treasures.
  • Find a T-shirt printing shop and design a custom ball cap with the words “Best Teacher” that they can wear during recess to block the sun’s rays.
  • This cannot be overstated—GIFT CARDS. It could be to a coffee shop so the teacher can start off her day happily or a place where she can get supplies or cute outfits for work. Put it in a card with a sweet message to pull it all together.
  • Grab a box of yummy bagels, donuts or danishes (and the teacher doesn’t have to share if they don’t want to)!
  • Create a car-care kit for busy teachers on the go: windshield wipes pack, microfiber dash dusters, can of air for crevices, car tissues and a gift card for a car wash.
  • Help them have a moment of zen with roll-on mini essential oils in energizing or relaxing scents (eucalyptus, mint, vanilla, lavender).

What are some easy or low-cost back-to-school gifts for teachers to give to students?  

These gifts to students from teachers help you start the year right and set the tone for a happy, productive year.

  • Make your own backpack clip-ons! Use shrink plastic and create a design in a circle, then write an inspirational quote for the year inside. Don’t forget to poke a hole in the top for the clip. Then bake to shrink and voila!
  • Every student needs pencils! Get personalized pencils with the name of the teacher and the year. Example: Mr. Gahr’s 2nd Grade 2028.
  • Apples! Tell your students that you’ll be learning from them, too, which is why you’re giving them the classic teacher gift.
  • Bring in a big sack of potatoes and tell everyone to pick one—because they’re your new best “spuds.” Let them know they’ve “TATOtally got this!” Turn it into a classroom craft project by offering buttons, gems and add-ons to make their own “potato heads.”
  • Make cute name tags that students can wear for the first week while they learn each other’s names. Use the mom-approved magnetic kind, so as not to poke pinholes in anybody’s shirt.
  • Grab some packs of mini cards so that you can give kids some extra love and encouragement when you need to.

What back-to-school gifts could I give to the other parents in my friend group?  

 

The parent friend group is absolutely worth celebrating! Show your appreciation and share your camaraderie with these fun ideas.

  • Raise a toast to the new school year! Give a bottle of wine or fancy Italian soda along with a cute wine glass.
  • Show how cool you and your fellow parents still are with matching temporary tattoos for your friend group.
  • Share some self-care: hand sanitizer, lotion, tissues (for all the happy tears), gum, mints, rose quartz face roller, sheet masks and all the things to help parents take good care of themselves.
  • Track down grown-up versions of classic back-to-school shopping items: a nice journal or planner, a fancy pen, some retro stickers or even some fun art supplies.
  • Give a gift card from a local family-favorite restaurant—because in the busyness of back to school, meal planning can feel like a lot. Pair it with this card.

What are some good back-to-school gift ideas for others in my support system—people like carpool drivers and para-educators?  

  • For the carpool driver, air fresheners, car snacks in a plastic tub (for those hungry students) and a car garbage can. (Those kids can really generate a lot of garbage!)
  • For the special para in your child’s life, create a piece of art with your child and put it in a small frame to let them know how absolutely vital they are!
  • For the grandparents who watch the kids before or after school, gift cards to an ice-cream place so they and the child can get a sweet treat once in a while.
  • For the overworked, underpaid after-care staff, give a gift card to a local restaurant so they can enjoy a nice meal in their time off.
  • Give a simple gift of a sunflower with the words “Thanks for being such a bright spot in our lives!” Pair it with this card to really let them know how much they mean.

Gifts for fellow teachers: If you’re an educator, you know that your fellow teachers are some of your biggest supporters. So why not celebrate that? Pick a “word of the year” and make some beaded friendship bracelets for your work besties.

The swirl of feelings that happens at the beginning of the school year is very real. Back-to-school gifts for kids, educators and other caring adults are tangible reminders of your love and support during one of the busiest times of year—and a great way to start the school year off on a happy note.

 

Looking for more back-to-school inspiration? Here you go!: