15 Back-to-School Gifts for Grade Schoolers
Updated: Aug. 23, 2023
Celebrate the start of a new year with these creative back-to-school gifts for kids. We have ideas that are practical, creative and just plain fun.
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After-School-Snack Baking Kit
Keep the learning going even after the school day ends. This kid-friendly baking kit will help your little ones whip up hot, homemade pretzels—perfect for a snack. Try these back-to-school cookies, too. This baking kit is one of the best back-to-school gifts for kids because it lets them try their hand at new skills while whipping up a yummy treat.
Weighted Plush
Ease your grade schooler’s back-to-school jitters with a weighted stuffed animal. Not only is it an adorable upgrade to typical plushies, this manatee “warmie” is scented with real French lavender for soothing relief. Warm it in the microwave or cool it in the fridge for a comforting touch. It’s perfectly weighted to soothe anxiety, while the warming and cooling effects offer relief for any discomfort, from jitters to tummy aches and relief from everyday stress. And even though they’ll never admit it, this is a great back-to-school gift for high schoolers, too.
Personalized Pencils
For a fun twist on a back-to-school essential, consider these personalized pencils in a rainbow of colors. Etch on their full name or a fun nickname. After all, the best back-to-school gifts for kids are ones that are tailored to them. You can also add an educator’s name for a personalized teacher gift.
Personalized Night Light
A good night’s sleep is imperative for school day success. And this beautiful light personalized with your child’s name will keep them cozy and comfortable all night long. This makes for a great gift for 1-year-olds, too.
Amazon Book Box
“The love of reading, delivered.” That’s the promise behind Amazon’s book subscription for Prime members. Choose to receive new children’s books from four different age categories every one, two or three months.
Custom Name Keychain
A personalized name keychain will set your kiddo apart from the pack—literally. Not only are these homemade creations cute and colorful, but they’ll help prevent accidental backpack swaps with classmates.
Colorful Pens
Between random doodles and art class, this set of colorful pens will get a workout. The 24 color options give your kiddo lots of room to express themselves. Add these pens to a college care package, too.
Sticker and Sketchbook
Channel your child’s wild side with this cheetah sketchbook. It’s the perfect spot to jot down ideas or drawings—plus it’s packed with a variety of fun stickers.
Sports Mug
The best back-to-school gifts for kids are ones that bring excitement to otherwise ordinary routines, like this playful mug. If your grade schooler struggles to eat breakfast, this sports mug is guaranteed to change that. They’ll look forward to dunking their breakfast every day! Whip up these first-day-of-school breakfasts to make the day even more special.
Personalized Pencil Case
Celebrate the return to school with a personalized pencil case for your grade schooler. This pouch is large enough to fit all the essentials: Pens, pencils, markers, highlighters and even erasers. Personalize it with your color scheme of choice and your grade schooler’s name.
Rainbow Fidget Toy
This colorful toy is no ordinary fidget device. Designed to encourage conversations about emotions with kids 3-years-old and older, this rainbow fidget toy represents the feelings of happy and sad via flowing liquid in each tube. It comes with an activity guide to facilitate discussion about responding to emotions. Kids instantly react to the flow of colors dripping from the clouds, allowing them to identify their emotions while playing with a soothing toy.
Printed Lunch Bag
How cute is this Barbie-themed lunch bag? This novelty Thermos Kids pick carries all of the essentials: Lunch, snacks and even a small drink or water bottle. And if Barbie isn’t their thing, this cute and clever lunch box comes in Minecraft, Mario Kart, Paw Patrol and Pokemon options, too. They’ll be the envy of every other grade schooler with this unique back-to-school find.
Insulated Water Bottle
Help your grade schooler stay hydrated in style with this insulated water bottle. Dishwasher-safe and leak-proof, this water bottle features a flip bite straw and vacuum insulated stainless steel to keep liquids cold for 10 hours. It comes in a variety of designs (the biking dogs is our personal fave). You’ll want to hurry, though, as some designs are going fast.
Paint-by-Stickers Book
Need a fun activity that won’t break the bank? This paint-by-sticker book costs less than $10 and offers hours of creative fun. As an added bonus, it will inspire your child to learn about animals, too.
Special Effects Crayons
Creativity has no boundaries when this gigantic crayon collection is in play. It includes color effects for pretty much anything—glitter, metallic, neon and pearl. We love these other Walmart and Target back-to-school must-haves, too.
Originally Published: July 23, 2021
