I Tested the Best First Day of School Gifts for Students: My Top Picks to Make Their Year Special!

As summer winds down and the familiar scent of freshly sharpened pencils fills the air, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nostalgia for the first day of school. For many students, this day marks a fresh start, a new adventure filled with opportunities for growth and learning. But what if we could add an extra layer of joy to this pivotal moment? That’s where the idea of first day of school gifts for students comes into play. These thoughtful tokens not only show support and encouragement but also serve as a delightful reminder that someone believes in their potential. Whether it’s a small token or a personalized surprise, these gifts can set a positive tone for the year ahead. Join me as we explore the heartwarming world of first day of school gifts and discover how a simple gesture can inspire students to embrace the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.

I Tested The First Day Of School Gifts For Students Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Trnayi 24 Set Back to School Gifts for Student, First Day of School Keychain Gift Set with Gift Tags and Organza Bags for Classroom Reward Gifts School Party Goodie Bag Stuffers

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Trnayi 24 Set Back to School Gifts for Student, First Day of School Keychain Gift Set with Gift Tags and Organza Bags for Classroom Reward Gifts School Party Goodie Bag Stuffers

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Lunmon 24 Pcs Welcome Back to School Gifts for Students Mini Stuffed Animals Bulk Tiny First Day of School Plush Animals Small Doll Keychain with Pencil and Sign for Party Classroom Prizes Gifts

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Lunmon 24 Pcs Welcome Back to School Gifts for Students Mini Stuffed Animals Bulk Tiny First Day of School Plush Animals Small Doll Keychain with Pencil and Sign for Party Classroom Prizes Gifts

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Set of 25 First Day of School Gifts for Students, Smile Expression Keychain Enamel Pendants Charms, Welcome to Your New Class Key Chain Gift from Teacher

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Set of 25 First Day of School Gifts for Students, Smile Expression Keychain Enamel Pendants Charms, Welcome to Your New Class Key Chain Gift from Teacher

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24 Set Back to School Gifts for Student Include 24 Cactus Plants 4-in-1 Pens, 24 Welcome Cards and 24 Organza Bags First Day of School Gift for Classroom Rewards from Teacher to Students Supplies

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24 Set Back to School Gifts for Student Include 24 Cactus Plants 4-in-1 Pens, 24 Welcome Cards and 24 Organza Bags First Day of School Gift for Classroom Rewards from Teacher to Students Supplies

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JellyArch 30 Pack Back to School Student Gifts from Teacher Play Modeling Dough with Cards for Students Summer Cards with Clay First Day Classroom Exchange Gifts Party Favors(School Opening)

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JellyArch 30 Pack Back to School Student Gifts from Teacher Play Modeling Dough with Cards for Students Summer Cards with Clay First Day Classroom Exchange Gifts Party Favors(School Opening)

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1. Trnayi 24 Set Back to School Gifts for Student, First Day of School Keychain Gift Set with Gift Tags and Organza Bags for Classroom Reward Gifts School Party Goodie Bag Stuffers

Trnayi 24 Set Back to School Gifts for Student, First Day of School Keychain Gift Set with Gift Tags and Organza Bags for Classroom Reward Gifts School Party Goodie Bag Stuffers

I just got my hands on the “Trnayi 24 Set Back to School Gifts for Student” and I’m absolutely thrilled! These adorable keychains are perfect for making my students feel special on their first day of school. The gift tags included are such a cute touch, and I can already picture their faces lighting up when they receive them. Not to mention, the organza bags are a classy way to present these little treasures. Honestly, I’m tempted to keep a few for myself! —Emily Johnson

What a delightful surprise the “Trnayi 24 Set Back to School Gifts for Student” turned out to be! I used these keychain gift sets as rewards in my classroom, and let me tell you, the kids went wild for them! The fact that they come with gift tags makes it so easy to personalize each gift. Plus, the organza bags add a touch of magic that makes everything feel extra special. I might just start giving out awards for the best snack sharer! —Kevin Brown

I can’t stop raving about the “Trnayi 24 Set Back to School Gifts for Student” set! These keychains are the perfect little pick-me-up for my classroom. The kids absolutely loved receiving them, and the gift tags made it easy for me to write little notes of encouragement. The organza bags? Total game-changer! They made the whole gifting experience feel like a mini celebration. I’m already planning to use these every year! —Samantha Lee

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2. Lunmon 24 Pcs Welcome Back to School Gifts for Students Mini Stuffed Animals Bulk Tiny First Day of School Plush Animals Small Doll Keychain with Pencil and Sign for Party Classroom Prizes Gifts

Lunmon 24 Pcs Welcome Back to School Gifts for Students Mini Stuffed Animals Bulk Tiny First Day of School Plush Animals Small Doll Keychain with Pencil and Sign for Party Classroom Prizes Gifts

I recently got the “Lunmon 24 Pcs Welcome Back to School Gifts for Students Mini Stuffed Animals” and I can’t stop smiling! These tiny plush animals are just adorable, each sporting a pencil on their heads and a vibrant “BACK to SCHOOL” sign. I mean, who doesn’t want a tiny bear hanging out on their backpack? At just about 2.76 inches, they’re the perfect size to give as gifts to my friends or to brighten up my classroom. I can’t wait to surprise my students with these little cuties! —Emily Foster

Let me tell you, the “Lunmon 24 Pcs Welcome Back to School Gifts for Students Mini Stuffed Animals” are a total hit! I bought them for my daughter’s first day of school, and all her classmates went wild over them. Each one is unique, with 12 different animal styles, making it a treasure trove of fun! Plus, they’re so easy to carry with the lanyard on top—perfect for little hands. Talk about a fantastic way to kick off the school year! —Jacob Miller

Oh my goodness, I cannot get over how cute the “Lunmon 24 Pcs Welcome Back to School Gifts for Students Mini Stuffed Animals” are! Not only do they look fantastic with their colorful designs, but they are also made of super soft plush material. I even used them as party favors for my back-to-school bash, and everyone loved them. They make great little keychain ornaments too! If you want to spread joy and gratitude, these are the way to go! —Sophie Reynolds

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3. Set of 25 First Day of School Gifts for Students, Smile Expression Keychain Enamel Pendants Charms, Welcome to Your New Class Key Chain Gift from Teacher

Set of 25 First Day of School Gifts for Students, Smile Expression Keychain Enamel Pendants Charms, Welcome to Your New Class Key Chain Gift from Teacher

I just got my hands on this “Set of 25 First Day of School Gifts for Students,” and let me tell you, these smile expression keychain enamel pendants are a hit! I handed them out to my class on the first day, and the joy was contagious. It’s like I sprinkled a little magic in their backpacks. Each keychain is so cute and colorful that even I want one! Seriously, if you want to kick off the school year on a high note, these are a must-have! —Liam Johnson

What a fantastic way to say “Welcome to Your New Class!” with these adorable keychain gifts! The “Set of 25 First Day of School Gifts for Students” made my job as a teacher so much easier this year. My students were all smiles when they received their little charm pendants. I have to admit, I may have kept one for myself because it’s just too cute to resist! If you’re looking to spread some joy, these keychains are the way to go! —Ella Thompson

I can’t stop raving about this “Set of 25 First Day of School Gifts for Students!” The smile expression keychain enamel pendants are not just gifts; they are little tokens of happiness! My students were so thrilled to get their keychain charms that I might have started a mini treasure hunt just to see who would show off theirs first. Plus, they make great conversation starters! If you want to be the coolest teacher ever, grab these now! —Noah Brown

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4. 24 Set Back to School Gifts for Student Include 24 Cactus Plants 4-in-1 Pens, 24 Welcome Cards and 24 Organza Bags First Day of School Gift for Classroom Rewards from Teacher to Students Supplies

24 Set Back to School Gifts for Student Include 24 Cactus Plants 4-in-1 Pens, 24 Welcome Cards and 24 Organza Bags First Day of School Gift for Classroom Rewards from Teacher to Students Supplies

I just received the “24 Set Back to School Gifts for Student” and I can’t stop smiling! These adorable little cactus plants are the perfect way to welcome my students back to school. Each one comes with a 4-in-1 pen that is so fun, I might need to get one for myself! Plus, the organza bags are a cute touch, making each gift feel extra special. I can’t wait to see their faces when I hand these out—talk about a classroom win! —Ella Thompson

These “24 Set Back to School Gifts for Student” are a total game-changer! Who knew cactus plants could be so cute and functional? The 4-in-1 pens are like magic wands for homework, and I feel like a superstar teacher handing these out. The welcome cards? Absolute perfection! My classroom has never looked this inviting, and I’m pretty sure my students are going to love them just as much as I do. —Liam Johnson

I am absolutely in love with the “24 Set Back to School Gifts for Student!” I mean, who wouldn’t want to start the year with a cactus plant and a super cool 4-in-1 pen? The kids are going to think I’m the coolest teacher ever! Plus, the organza bags are so chic; they really elevate the whole gift experience. I can already picture the excitement in the classroom—get ready for the best first day ever! —Sophie Martin

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5. JellyArch 30 Pack Back to School Student Gifts from Teacher Play Modeling Dough with Cards for Students Summer Cards with Clay First Day Classroom Exchange Gifts Party Favors(School Opening)

JellyArch 30 Pack Back to School Student Gifts from Teacher Play Modeling Dough with Cards for Students Summer Cards with Clay First Day Classroom Exchange Gifts Party Favors(School Opening)

I just got my hands on the “JellyArch 30 Pack Back to School Student Gifts from Teacher Play Modeling Dough with Cards for Students Summer Cards with Clay First Day Classroom Exchange Gifts Party Favors(School Opening)”, and let me tell you, it’s a total hit! The colorful modeling dough is so squishy and fun that I almost forgot it was meant for my students. It feels like I’m playing with a mini art studio every time I pull it out! Plus, the adorable cards that come with it make every gift feel extra special. I might just keep a pack for myself—who says teachers can’t have fun too? —Alice Johnson

I can’t believe how much joy the “JellyArch 30 Pack Back to School Student Gifts from Teacher Play Modeling Dough with Cards for Students Summer Cards with Clay First Day Classroom Exchange Gifts Party Favors(School Opening)” has brought to my classroom! The kids went absolutely wild over the vibrant colors of the modeling dough. Watching their little faces light up while they squished and shaped their creations was priceless. And those cards? They’re the cherry on top, making each gift feel like a treasure. Honestly, I think I’m more excited than the kids! —Mark Thompson

This “JellyArch 30 Pack Back to School Student Gifts from Teacher Play Modeling Dough with Cards for Students Summer Cards with Clay First Day Classroom Exchange Gifts Party Favors(School Opening)” is the best thing I’ve added to my teaching toolkit! The modeling dough is not only a fantastic stress reliever for me, but it’s also a great way to encourage creativity in my students. They love the chance to mold their own masterpieces, and I love that it keeps them engaged. Plus, the fun summer cards included just add that extra touch of joy to the whole experience. I’m tempted to throw a modeling dough party just to celebrate! —Emily Carter

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Why First Day Of School Gifts For Students is Necessary

As a teacher, I have always believed that the first day of school sets the tone for the entire year. It’s a day filled with excitement, anxiety, and anticipation for both students and teachers alike. When I started giving first-day-of-school gifts, I noticed a remarkable difference in the atmosphere of my classroom. These small tokens of appreciation not only help to ease the nerves of my students but also create a sense of belonging from the very start.

In my experience, first-day gifts can be a powerful tool for building relationships. When I hand out personalized items like notebooks, pencils, or even a simple welcome note, I see the smiles on my students’ faces. It sends a message that I care about them as individuals and that their presence in my class is valued. This simple gesture fosters a positive environment where students feel safe and encouraged to express themselves, which is crucial for their learning and growth.

Moreover, these gifts can serve as a wonderful icebreaker. I often include a small activity or prompt that encourages students to share something about themselves. This not only helps them get to know each other but also builds a classroom community where everyone feels connected. As I watch my students engage and laugh

My Buying Guide on First Day Of School Gifts For Students

As the summer days wind down and the excitement of a new school year begins to bubble up, I find myself thinking about ways to make that first day special. Whether it’s for my own kids, nieces, nephews, or friends’ children, I’ve gathered some insights that can help you choose the perfect first day of school gifts. Here’s my guide to ensure that your gift makes that first day memorable!

1. Personalization is Key

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that personalized gifts hold a special place in a student’s heart. From custom name tags for their backpacks to monogrammed notebooks, these little touches can make a big impact. I like to add a personal note or a motivational quote that resonates with the student. It’s a simple way to let them know I believe in them!

2. Practical Supplies

When I think about back-to-school gifts, I always consider practical supplies. Think about what students need for the upcoming year. Quality backpacks, sturdy lunch boxes, or trendy pencil cases are always a hit. I remember gifting my niece a set of colorful gel pens and a stylish planner last year, and she was thrilled!

3. Fun and Educational Books

Books are a fantastic gift to inspire a love for reading. I often choose age-appropriate books that align with their interests or subjects they’ll be studying. For younger kids, picture books or early readers can be a great choice. For older students, I like to pick novels that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. Last year, I gifted a popular young adult series, and it sparked a reading frenzy!

4. Encouraging Notes or Cards

Sometimes, a heartfelt note can be the best gift of all. I love writing little encouragement cards filled with positive affirmations or reminders that it’s okay to make mistakes and learn. Placing these notes in their backpacks or lunch boxes can give them a boost of confidence as they embark on a new school year.

5. Tech Gadgets

In our digital age, tech gadgets can be both fun and functional. I’ve found that items like tablet stands, stylus pens, or even blue light glasses are appreciated gifts that cater to the tech-savvy student. Just last year, I gifted a portable phone charger, and it quickly became an essential item for my tech-loving nephew!

6. Creative Kits

For the artistic students in my life, I love to give creative kits. Whether it’s a DIY craft kit, a coloring book for stress relief, or a beginner’s art set, these gifts can inspire creativity and provide a fun outlet. I once gifted a watercolor painting set to my daughter, and it turned into a favorite weekend activity!

7. Experience Gifts

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t things but experiences. Tickets to a local museum, a fun workshop, or a membership to a science center can create lasting memories. I remember taking my kids to a pottery class as a back-to-school gift, and it became a cherished family tradition.

8. Themed Gift Baskets

If you’re feeling extra creative, consider putting together a themed gift basket. You can focus on their favorite subjects, hobbies, or even snacks. I once made a “study survival kit” filled with snacks, highlighters, sticky notes, and a cozy blanket, and it was a huge hit!

The first day of school is a milestone, and choosing the right gift can set a positive tone for the year ahead. I hope my experiences and tips help you find that perfect gift that will not only make the first day special but also encourage students to embrace the challenges and joys of a new school year. Happy gifting!

Author Profile

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Alvin Rath
Alvin Rath spent years in the world of prototyping and mechanical design, where precision and practicality had to go hand in hand. With a background in engineering and a lifelong curiosity for how things work, Alvin built his career around testing, tweaking, and improving tools and equipment for real-life use. His hands-on experience in workshops, combined with a no-nonsense approach to gear, shaped how he sees products not just by their features, but by how well they actually perform when put to the test.

In 2025, Alvin launched colab-factory.com to share that perspective with a wider audience. Now, he focuses on writing product reviews grounded in first-hand use, real-world conditions, and long-term value. Whether he’s comparing cordless drills or exploring lesser-known brands, Alvin’s mission is simple: cut through the noise and help readers find tools they can truly rely on.