School
Back to School Class Gifts that aren’t Candy
With school about to start in the Northern Hemisphere, I’ve rounded up some fun, candy-free back to school class gifts ideas you can pair with our printable tags to kick off the school year – minus the sugar rush!
Whether you’re a teacher getting her cack to school class gifts organised or a parent getting ready for the new school year, this will be a handy list to save for back to school but also for any other festive events along the school year!
Crayons and Colouring Pencils
Colouring supplies are always welcome at the start of the school year and all year-round. Crayons, markers or colouring pencils are a practical gift that will be useful in class. These supplies are affordable, easy to distribute, and suitable for a wide range of ages. Gifting them helps students feel excited and prepared for the new school year while promoting creativity and engagement in the classroom.
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Bubble wands
Bubble wands are a classic favourite. Perfect for preschool or kindergarten aged children, they will bring joy and excitement to students, helping ease any first-day nerves. They encourage outdoor play, social interaction, and can be a great icebreaker activity for new classmates.
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Play Dough
Play dough is another great option for younger kids, as it encourages creativity, hands-on learning, and sensory exploration. Pair a small pot of play dough with a cookie cutter for an easy gift.
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Watercolour, Chalk Sticks or Art Supplies
A small watercolour set or a mess-free watercolour pad are great options for a creative gift for students. Parents can gift art supplies to the teacher, as they are always in demand and can be used in a variety of classroom activities.
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Pencil
Kids go through so many pencils during the school year that they can never have too many! A simple pencil is an essential back-to-school gift that every student can use daily in class.
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Pen or Marker
Same as the pencil, a pen or marker is also useful during the whole school year. Bonus points if you choose an erasable pen or a scented pen, as kids have been loving those lately!
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Sticky Notes or Exercise Book
Sticky notes are an out of the box school supply that kids will love – sticky notes will encourage organisation and creativity. Great for older students who might use them to jot down reminders, mark important pages in a book, or take notes while studying.
An exercise book is another practical option, for students to use in class.
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Hand Sanitiser or Liquid Soap
Hand sanitiser and soap are a must to keep the school germs at bay. Liquid soap is great for the classroom and small hand sanitiser bottles that can clip onto the kids’ backpacks are perfect for individual use, promoting good hygiene and keeps students healthy.
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Reusable Straw or Drink
What kid wouldn’t love a silly straw or drink bottle accessory? You can easily buy fun reusable straws in bulk for an affordable gift.
A small juice box can also be a fun addition to the first day of school. Easy to distribute and kid-friendly, juice drinks are a simple way to create a positive and festive classroom atmosphere.
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Snacks like Chips, Cookies or Popcorn
Packaged snacks are a great first day of school gift. From chips to cookies, gold fish crackers and popcorn, most snacks will be well received by students. They are affordable, easy to share, and you can tailor them to your students ages, interests or any class allergies.
Get a bulk box of assorted snacks for an affordable class gift kids will love.
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Glow Stick
Glow sticks make fun and exciting back-to-school gifts that bring a sense of celebration and joy to the first day. Students can take them home and light them up at night time, or teachers can create a fun classroom experience with the glow-in-the-dark sticks for an exciting start to the school year.
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Squishy, Pop It or Sensory Toys
Small squishies, pop-it or sensory toys make great back-to-school gifts by providing students with fun, tactile tools that help reduce stress and improve focus. These toys offer a calming effect, making it easier for children to stay attentive during lessons.
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Back to school class gifts are a simple yet meaningful way to welcome students and set a positive tone for the year ahead. Whether you choose creative supplies, snacks, fun toys, or practical items, these gifts show care and help students feel excited and ready to learn.
Be sure to bookmark this page for easy access next year — it’ll be your go-to guide for thoughtful, budget-friendly gift ideas that make the first day extra special!
Don’t forget to tag @mypartydesign on Instagram if you use any of our printables, I would love to see them!
