These back-to-school gifts from teacher to student are easy to pull together, totally budget-friendly, and come with clever printable tags to make you look like a rockstar.
Because those first few minutes in a new classroom can feel like a mix of excitement, nerves, and “where do I sit?” energy, a small gift can break the ice and make students feel welcome right away.
It can be something useful or just plain fun—but either way, it sets a positive tone that says, “I’m glad you’re here.”

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For younger students in preschool through 2nd grade, a simple gift like a set of crayons with a cheerful tag, a fun slime container, or even color-your-own bookmarks will make their day.
These little ones are just getting the hang of school, so anything hands-on, colorful, or craft-y is a big win.
If you’re teaching upper elementary or middle schoolers, lean into clever tags and small but practical items—think sticky notes with a “noteworthy” message or emoji paper clips that double as bookmarks.
These kids will still enjoy the surprise (even if they try to act cool about it), and they’ll definitely appreciate something they can actually use.
And for teachers of older students, don’t underestimate the power of a simple gesture—like a popcorn bag with a punny note or a DIY time capsule activity that gives students a moment of reflection and fun.
These thoughtful touches go a long way toward building trust, sparking smiles, and starting back to school with a connection that lasts.
More Back to School Ideas 📚✏️
Heading back to school doesn’t have to feel like a drag. With these fun printables and crafty ideas, you’ll send your kids off with a smile—and maybe even a cool lunchbox note or two.
😎 Emoji Lunch Box Notes – Add a little LOL to their lunch with these fun printable emoji cards.
🖍️ First Day of School Signs – Snap those adorable first-day pics with these printable signs.
🎨 Back to School Crafts – Easy DIY projects to get the creative juices flowing before the bell rings.
🍪 Back-to-School Treats for Students – Sweet little surprises that make the first day extra fun.
20 Back to School Gifts from Teacher
Back to School Teacher Gift Tags
Start the year off right by presenting students with a small gift, like a box of crayons.
This adorable printable tag is the perfect way to accent such a colorful student gift.
Back to School Slime Party Favors
Kids love slime, and it’s simple and affordable to make at home.
Package it in small plastic apple containers for a fantastic back-to-school gift from the teacher.
Popping in to Say Have a Great School Year
Send each student home with a bag of microwave popcorn for a popping good start to the new school year.
Print out this printable card to include with each one.
“You Make My Heart Sing”
Pick up some plastic recorders as a fun musical gift for students this year.
Print the “you make my heart sing” tags to set this back to school gift off just right.
Candy Jar Printable
Give kids a sweet surprise by gifting them a jar full of candy as a back to school gift.
Be sure to include the printable “Looking Forward to a Sweet School Year” tag.
Back To School Teachers Gift
Kids can never have too many school supplies, and scissors are always in demand.
Give them a pair along with this printable tag featuring a clever “shear” pun for a fun and useful gift.
Free Printable Back to School Coloring Bookmarks
These printable bookmarks have the cutest little cartoon school supplies on them, and they read “Welcome back to School.
” Plus, they are colorable, so each student can customize their own.
Apple Bookmark Corner
Here’s a printable apple corner bookmark that is just perfect for back to school.
Encourage reading with this cute little gift that kids can use all year long.
Have a Bright School Year Printable Tags
Gift kids a small bundle of markers for a colorful start to the school year.
Be sure to include the printable “have a bright school year” tag.
One Smart Cookie School Themed Gift
Grab some little white paper treat bags and cookies for this tasty gift.
Before loading the bags, use markers and the tips listed here to turn it into a piece of notebook paper.
Homework Supplies Caddy
Any teacher with a Cricut or Cameo cutter is all set up to make a great back to school gift for new students.
Pick up desktop caddies at the dollar store, and cut out this cute message to make them into perfect gifts.
Welcome Back to School Coloring Pages
Keep things simple for littles, and just print out these printable coloring sheets.
They welcome the students back to school, and make a great first day back activity.
First Day Of School Printable Notes
These printable notes offer several different themes for student gifts.
Include them with boxes of crayons, rulers, or even apples to start things off right.
DIY Back-to-School Time Capsule
Check out these instructions for a back-to-school time capsule.
What a great way to help students see all the things that changed for them this year (and the things that didn’t.)
Back to School Supply Gift Idea
These cute little buckets have a chalkboard space to write each new student’s name.
They can be filled with school supplies to start kids off right this year.
Block Crayons
This back to school gift is great because it can be customized to match kids of all ages.
Melted block crayons are a fun, unique gift, and teachers can pick a mold appropriate to their students’ ages.
Back to School Lacing Cards
This printable makes a quick and super easy back-to-school gift for younger students.
Pair the lacing card with a length of yarn, ribbon, or twine, with holes punched out for kids to thread through and help build their fine motor skills.
Back to School Superhero Goodie Bags
Kids love superheroes, so show them that they are the real heroes with this back to school gift.
Each child gets a little treat bag with the “get ready for a super school year” printable tag attached.
DIY Emoji Paper Clips
These emoji paper clips are more than just adorable gifts.
They also make handy bookmarks. Teachers can easily make a whole batch to share with their students.
Noteworthy Year Printable Tag
Here’s a simple yet thoughtful gift idea to welcome new students.
Give each child a small pad of sticky notes paired with a printable tag that says, “Let’s have a noteworthy school year.”
Don’t forget to pin these back to school gifts from teacher ideas:


























