10 Budget-Friendly Back-to-School Gift Ideas for Your Students
Back-to-school season is an exciting time for students and teachers alike. For teachers, it's a chance to welcome a new group of students and set the tone for the school year.
One way to make students feel special and appreciated right from the start is by giving them a small gift or token. But, as any teacher knows, budget is always a concern. That's why we've compiled a list of 10 budget-friendly back-to-school gift ideas and tokens for students .
These items are practical, fun, and sure to bring a smile to your students' faces.
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1. Inspirational Quotes Cards
Why It's a Great Choice: Everyone could use a little motivation now and then. Inspirational quotes cards are a great way to encourage students and start their day on a positive note. These inexpensive cards can be placed in lockers, on desks, or in binders as a constant reminder of their potential.
Create Your Own Motivational Keychains
You can create your own Motivational Quote Keychains as a inexpensive back to school gift for students. All you will need are a few simple items.
My pack of 35 Motivational Quote cards: these are printable cards from my TPT store featuring quotes from various figures in society. Each student will receive a simple design and a unique quote.
Card Stock: print your cards on card stock to make them more durable and sturdy and for a more professional finish.
Scotch Self Sealing Laminating Pouches : These pouches do not require a laminator. They add an extra layer of durability but are completely optional.
After printing and laminating your cards, use a whole punch to punch a hole in the top left corner and attach a key chain clip to your cards.
These are excellent and in expensive gifts that can be paired with other items from this list.
2. Custom Notebooks or Binders
Why It's a Great Choice: Notebooks are essential for any student, and having a custom one can make note-taking a bit more exciting. Custom notebooks can be personalized with students' names, inspirational quotes, or fun designs. This need not be expensive. You can make your own custom notebooks for your students at home.
Set Up Your Custom Notebooks
All you need are hard covered notebooks or composition notebooks, or you can even use these three ring binders .
Start with an 8.5 x 11" page in PowerPoint, Google Slides or Canva and create your design. Add student names, your name or any design you wish. You can then print these out and attach them using glue to your notebooks.
If you want to save some time you can purchase my pack of 6 back to school Customizable notebook covers. This pack has 6 designs (8.5 x 11") that can. be cuztomized in both PowerPoint and Google Slides. They can be used as interactive notebook covers, for student binders or folders.
This personal touch can motivate students to use their notebooks more regularly.
3. Fun Erasers
Why It's a Great Choice: Erasers are a school staple, but they don’t have to be boring. Fun-shaped erasers come in a variety of designs, from animals to food items, making them both practical and enjoyable. They can add a bit of whimsy to a student’s pencil case.
Here are a few of my favorite picks:
Your students will love these cute little animal erasers to add to their pencil cases.
Get them here.
Add two or three to a clear plastic cellophane bag with two pencils and tie with some ribbon. Add the You're a star treat tag from my Student gift tag bundle and you're good to go!
4. Colorful Pens or Pencils
Why It's a Great Choice: Writing tools are essential for students, but colorful pens and pencils can make writing tasks a bit more fun. These vibrant supplies can be used for note-taking, drawing, or even organizing notes by color, which can be especially helpful for visual learners.
These 6-in-1 ballpoint pens are a hit in any classroom and offer great value for your money.
Get the pack of 36 multicoloured pens here.
Pair them off with a pack of Sticky Notes or a Mini Notepad and personalize with "You're a Noteworthy Student", "Let's Start the Year of Write" or "You make Learning colorful " gift tags from the Gift Tags pack.
5. Bookmarks
Why It's a Great Choice: For students who love to read, bookmarks are a practical gift. They help keep their place in their books and can also be a fun way to encourage more reading. Bookmarks come in a variety of designs, from inspirational quotes to favorite characters.
My favorite are these water color science themed book marks
Or these back to School Color Your own book marks which can make a fun activity for younger students during the first week of school.
6. Snack Packs
Why It's a Great Choice: A small pack of healthy snacks can be a delightful surprise for students. It’s a practical gift that shows you care about their well-being.
Snack packs can be a great pick-me-up during a long school day and can help keep students' energy levels up.
You can get a pack of 50 here, offering a variety of options. However, if you prefer all your students to have the same choices , here are a few suggestions.
Popcorn
Popcorn makes an excellent back-to-school gift because it's a fun, tasty, and universally loved snack that can be customized to suit various tastes with flavors like buttered, caramel, and cheese. It's also a healthier option, being a low-calorie, high-fiber whole grain, and is easy to package, personalize, and transport.
If you prefer to pop your own corn at home (the healthier option) these can be added to food grade cellophane bags with a bit of ribbon and a gift tag for a personalized touch.
Try Mott's Assorted fruit snack family pack of 40 and wish students a "fruitful" school year.
Mott's Assorted Fruit Packs are a standout choice due to their trusted brand reputation, use of real fruit juice and natural flavors, and essential vitamins, particularly Vitamin C.
They offer a variety of flavors that appeal to kids, come in convenient individually packaged portions, and are often gluten-free and free from common allergens. These attributes make them a healthier, snack option that parents can trust.
Mints or minty gum
Brach Soft peppermint candy is a great back-to-school gift for students. The candies are usually individually wrapped, making them easy to distribute and hygienic.
They have a long shelf life and are portable, offering a convenient treat that can be enjoyed anytime. Additionally, most peppermint candies are free from common allergens, making them a safe choice for students with dietary restrictions, and their classic taste has universal appeal, ensuring they will be well-received.
7. Stress Relief Toys
Why It's a Great Choice: School can be stressful, and having a small stress relief toy like a stress ball can help students manage their anxiety. These toys are discreet and can be used during tests or other stressful situations to help students stay calm.
8. Refrigerator Magnets
Why It's a Great Choice: Fun refrigerator magnets can be used to decorate lockers or home refrigerators. They can hold up important notes or simply serve as a fun decoration. Students can express their personality with different magnet designs.
Get the variety pack of inspirational refrigerator magnets here.
Check these out here.
9. Plant Seeds
Pair your plant magnets with some plant seeds if you’re feeling extra. You can try the Flower Starter Kits and start a mini garden in your classroom, where each child is responsible for their own plant.
This teaches responsibility, patience, and the basics of plant care, while fostering a sense of achievement and teamwork as students watch their plants grow.
Get the assorted pack of 12 starter kits here.
10. Hand Sanitizers
Why It's a Great Choice: Hand sanitizers are a practical gift, especially in the current health climate. Small bottles of hand sanitizer are easy to carry and use, helping students stay healthy by keeping their hands clean throughout the day.
Try the Purell Variety Pack of 8. I love these becasue they come with the wrap carriers so students can easily attach these to their back packs.
You can also try these lemon scented soaps. Add them to organza bags with a cute little gift tag.
Conclusion
Choosing a gift or token for your students doesn’t have to break the bank. These 10 budget-friendly options are not only affordable but also practical and thoughtful.
By giving your students a small token of appreciation, you can help set a positive tone for the school year, showing them that you care and are excited to have them in your class. Whether it’s a personalized keychain, or a fun eraser, these gifts can make a big difference in making your students feel welcome and valued.
So, as you prepare for the upcoming school year, consider adding one (or more) of these budget-friendly gifts to your back-to-school plans. Your students are sure to appreciate the gesture, and it’s a great way to start the year on a positive note. Happy teaching!
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