When summer starts winding down each year, I always notice two completely opposite types of kids. There are kids who can’t wait to jump back into school and see their friends, and kids who absolutely dread going back. Homework, early mornings, and strict teachers aren’t what most kids think of when dreaming about summer vacation.
If your child is on the struggling end of back to school anxiety, a small gift may be just what they need to change their mindset.
The best back to school gifts for kids are simple, encouraging, and sometimes educational. Gifts that show your child that you care about their education and want to help them succeed. Regardless of what you choose for your child this year, just having the intent to help them feel prepared and excited for their new school year is half the battle.
12 Back-to-School Gift Ideas for Kids From Parents
1. Personalized Backpack
Gifts that your kid will use every day of the school year are always a winner. A backpack is one of the most useful school supplies you can buy your child. Not only will they get a kick out of carrying their new backpack to school, but you can personalize it with their favorite colors, designs, or themes.
From superheroes, to puppies, sports, and minimalistic designs, you can find personalized backpacks for every child at any age.
Personalization isn’t just fun, though. When you personalize your child’s backpack with their name or initials, it also helps them with school organization.
Read also: 12 Back-to-School Shopping List Essentials for 8th Grade
2. Fun School Supply Gift Basket
Who says back to school gifts have to be wrapped individually? Create an exciting gift basket with all of your child’s favorite school supplies. Colorful notebooks, pens, pencils, markers, sticky notes, folders, erasers…the options are endless.
Throw in a few extras that aren’t school supplies, such as fun stickers, snacks, or a toy, and you’ve got yourself the perfect gift basket.
Stocking your kid’s new school supplies in a basket helps build anticipation and makes them something to look forward to after a long summer vacation.
Read also: 43 Motivational Quotes for Students
3. Educational Subscription Box
Did you know that you can subscribe your child to a monthly educational gift box? Educational boxes are filled with engaging activities based around science, art, reading, engineering, problem solving, and more!
These boxes make a great alternative to typical school gifts because they allow your child to continue learning and having fun at home. Educational boxes are a great way to build your child’s love of learning.
Bonus: These boxes come in a variety of age ranges, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your child.
4. New Lunch Box
Who doesn’t love having a new lunch box to bring to school? Lunch boxes are the perfect accessory because they’re fun, practical, and used often. No matter how old your child is, you can find a lunch box with colors, patterns, and designs that they’ll love.
Many popular lunch boxes even have sections that help your child stay organized when packing their lunch.
Gift your child a new lunch box and watch how excited they are to eat their lunches every day at school.
5. Reading Gift Set
Buying your child a new set of books is a great opportunity to foster positive academic habits. Encourage your child to read more by gifting them books they’ll love. Take it a step further by adding a cozy blanket, bookmark, reading light, or journal to their gift.
This type of gift gets your kid reading while showing them that reading can be fun and doesn’t have to feel like homework.
6. Personalized Water Bottle
Kids need to stay hydrated in order to focus and have enough energy to get through the school day. A personalized water bottle is a simple, yet thoughtful gift that encourages your child to stay hydrated.
You can personalize water bottles with just about anything from your child’s name to favorite colors or themes. Kids love having a water bottle that’s unique to them.
Gift your child a reusable water bottle and watch them happily chug water all day long.
7. Desk Organization Kit
While at school, kids spend a lot of time learning, but did you know they also spend hours at home doing homework? Help your child build their study habits by supplying them with the proper tools for home study.
Desk organization kits come with storage solutions such as pencil holders, bins, folders, notebooks, and desk organizers. Having a tidy homework or study station can help kids focus and actually enjoy their homework.
Gift Ideas to Include in a Desk Organization Kit
- Pencil case
- Notebooks
- Folders
- Calculators
- Pens
- Highlighters
- Sticky notes
- Desk supplies
8. Kid Friendly Smartwatch
For older kids, a smartwatch can be a really fun back to school gift. Smartwatches come with many kid friendly features such as step trackers, alarms, reminders, and parental controls. Some watches even allow parents to communicate with their child if they’re worried or lost.
Gifts like smartwatches help kids learn responsibility and add a fun tech aspect to their daily routine.
Hint: Always check with your child’s school before gifting them anything electronic. Some schools don’t allow electronics or have rules that your child needs to follow.
9. Art and Creativity Kit
Not all kids are bookworms. Some children love expressing themselves through art. Gift your child an art kit that includes sketchbooks, colored pencils, paints, markers, and more. Creative activities like art can help kids reduce stress from a busy day at school.
Art kits are a great gift idea for kids who love to draw or work on craft projects.
10. Inspirational Journal
A journal is such a versatile gift for kids because it can be used for almost any purpose. Some kids like to use journals to write down goals, reflect on their day, or track their achievements. Encourage your child to write in their journal daily to improve their writing skills and help them express themselves.
Gift your child a journal and show them that you care about what they have to say.
11. Homework Station Essentials
This may come as a surprise to you, but having a designated homework station can really help kids. Gift your child supplies that they can use at their homework station.
Stocking their homework station with all of their school supplies shows your child that you want them to do well in school. Having a homework station also eliminates the extra hassle of trying to find supplies when it’s time to study.
Homework Station Essentials
- Notebooks
- Folders
- Pens
- Pencils
- Calculators
- Highlighters
- Sticky notes
- Desk supplies
12. Special Parent and Child Experience
Did you know that the best back to school gift you can give your child isn’t physical at all? A great way to make your child excited about going back to school is to plan a special experience just for the two of you.
It can be as simple as going out to dinner, watching a movie, or spending the day together doing their favorite activities. Plan something that your kid would think isn’t school related and watch them beam with excitement.
The best part about these types of gifts is that they force you to spend quality one on one time with your child.
Conclusion
Back to school gifts for kids don’t need to break the bank. Children love going back to school when they know their parents are cheering them on and want them to succeed.
Pick your child’s favorite color, theme, or interest and create a gift that they can use throughout the school year. Remind them that you’re proud of them and willing to help however you can.
A special gift from you can help your child build confidence and make going back to school a little less scary.
FAQ
Should parents give back to school gifts to their kids?
YES. Back to school gifts are a great way to ease your child into the school year. Gifts help create excitement and decrease some of the anxiety that kids may feel about going back to school.
Kids also appreciate that you took the time to get them something special that shows you care about their education.
What is a good inexpensive back to school gift?
The best inexpensive school supplies are water bottles, lunch boxes, journals, books, school supply baskets, and art kits.
Are educational gifts better than toys for back to school season?
If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, then mix education and fun! Educational gifts are a great idea because they allow your child to continue learning outside of the classroom.
What back to school gift works for children of all ages?
Backpacks, water bottles, lunch boxes, books, and parent child experiences are great gifts for all ages. Just make sure you choose an age appropriate backpack and book size.
How can I make a back to school gift feel more special?
Add a handwritten note, include their favorite colors or themes, or create a special back to school tradition with your child.
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