10 Back to School Gift Ideas for Students That Don’t Suck
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Most back-to-school gift guides are either boring or full of junk no one wants. So I made a better one. These 10 gift ideas are actually useful, fun, and won’t end up in the bottom of a locker.
10 Back to School Gift Ideas for Students
1. Academic Year Survival Kit
This curated care package includes essentials like highlighters, sticky notes, granola bars, hand sanitizer, mini tissues, and a few fun surprises like stress balls or motivational stickers. It’s a creative and supportive way to show a student that you’re rooting for their success.
Where To Get It: Create it yourself using items from Dollar Tree, Target, or Staples, or buy pre-made kits from Etsy.
Price: $15–$30, depending on DIY or pre-made.
2. Custom Backpack Patches or Pins
Instead of just gifting a backpack, offer a set of quirky, personalized iron-on patches or enamel pins. These let students express their personality, make their backpack unique, and even serve as ice-breakers in a new school environment.
Where To Get It: Etsy for custom patches and pins, or Redbubble for artist-designed sets.
Price: $10–$20 for a set.
3. Smart Reusable Notebook
Perfect for eco-conscious students, this notebook uses special paper that can be wiped clean after digitizing notes with a smartphone app. It blends traditional note-taking with digital convenience and saves money on school supplies.
Where To Get It: Amazon or the Rocketbook website.
Price: $25–$35
4. Locker Makeover Set
A mini locker makeover kit includes magnetic wallpaper, small mirrors, organizers, and even LED lights. It turns a bland locker into a personalized space and can make school feel more like a second home, especially for middle and high school students.
Where To Get It: Target, Claire’s, or Amazon.
Price: $15–$25
5. Personalized Academic Planner with Habit Tracker
More than just a calendar, this planner includes sections for goal-setting, mood tracking, and daily affirmations. Personalizing it with the student’s name or initials makes it even more special. It helps keep students focused and fosters good habits.
Where To Get It: Erin Condren, Papier, or Etsy for custom options.
Price: $20–$40
6. Personalized Desk Nameplate with Quote
This isn’t your typical office-style nameplate. A custom-made desk plate featuring the student’s name and an inspiring quote adds a sense of ownership and pride to their study area. It’s a small gesture that makes their workspace feel official and motivating.
Where To Get It: Etsy or Vistaprint for custom nameplates.
Price: $15–$25
7. Subscription to an Educational Box
A monthly subscription box like KiwiCo, MEL Science, or Little Passports provides ongoing educational enrichment with fun STEM or geography-themed activities. It’s a gift that keeps the mind engaged long after school ends each day.
Where To Get It: KiwiCo.com, MELScience.com, or LittlePassports.com.
Price: $20–$30/month
8. Morning Motivation Flip Calendar
A desktop flip calendar with daily inspirational quotes or affirmations is a gentle, positive way for students to start each day with encouragement. Some versions include fun challenges or journal prompts too.
Where To Get It: Amazon, Papier, or Typo.
Price: $10–$18
9. Portable Lap Desk with Storage
Perfect for students who like to do homework on the couch or floor, a portable lap desk includes space for writing, a built-in slot for tablets, and storage compartments for pens or chargers. It’s comfort and functionality in one.
Where To Get It: Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, or Target.
Price: $20–$35
10. Digital Detox Hourglass Timer
A sleek sand timer can help students take scheduled breaks from screens during homework or studying. It promotes focus through time-blocking and adds a tactile, mindful element to productivity routines.
Where To Get It: Uncommon Goods, Amazon, or office gift shops.
Price: $15–$22
