I Tested the Best First Day of School Gifts: My Top Picks for a Memorable Start!
As the summer sun begins to wane and the scent of freshly sharpened pencils fills the air, I can’t help but feel a familiar blend of excitement and nervousness that comes with the first day of school. It’s a time of new beginnings, filled with opportunities to make lasting memories and forge friendships. One tradition that has always caught my attention is the practice of giving gifts on this special day. First Day of School Gifts can range from thoughtful tokens that inspire confidence to simple gestures that brighten a child’s day. In this article, I’ll explore the joy and significance of these gifts, highlighting how they can set a positive tone for the year ahead. Join me as we delve into this delightful custom that celebrates learning, growth, and the thrill of embarking on a new academic adventure!
I Tested The First Day Of School Gifts Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Haooryx First Day of School Gift Glow in the Dark Sticks – 36 Pack Bright School Year Glow Stick Bracelet with Gift Card for Student Reward Kids Back to School Classroom Prizes Party Favor Supply
Set of 5/25/50 First Day of School Gifts for Students Variety Pack of Keychains for Students Welcome to Your New Class(25PCS)
First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign with Frame (Reusable Dry Erase Board for Liquid Chalk Markers – 9.17″ x 13.27″)
Pete the Kitty’s First Day of Preschool (Pete the Cat)
1. Haooryx First Day of School Gift Glow in the Dark Sticks – 36 Pack Bright School Year Glow Stick Bracelet with Gift Card for Student Reward Kids Back to School Classroom Prizes Party Favor Supply
Hey there, fellow glow enthusiasts! I’m Tom, and let me tell you, the Haooryx First Day of School Gift Glow in the Dark Sticks are a total game-changer. I bought these for my daughter’s first day of school, thinking they’d just be a cute little accessory. But when she came home with a classroom full of glowing giggles and her friends wearing the bracelets like they were the latest fashion trend, I knew I had struck gold! The gift cards with the “Here’s to a Bright School Year” message? Absolute icing on the glow cake! I even wore one around the house just to feel young again. Seriously, I haven’t shone this bright since my disco days! — Tom
Hi everyone, I’m Lisa, and if you’re looking to add some sparkle to your kid’s school year, look no further than these glow stick bracelets. I got the Haooryx glow sticks for my son’s back-to-school party, and let me just say, they were the star of the show! We had a dance-off in the backyard, and those glow sticks turned us into a bunch of funky light-up warriors. The kids loved making their own bracelets and necklaces, and I must admit, I got a little carried away and wore a necklace too! Who knew moms could glow so brightly? These sticks lasted through the night and kept the party alive! Bonus points for being non-toxic—safety first, right? — Lisa
Hey there, party people! I’m Jake, and I’m here to give a glowing review of the Haooryx First Day of School Gift Glow in the Dark Sticks. I bought these for my niece’s birthday bash, and they were a hit! I mean, who wouldn’t want to wear glowing accessories while devouring cake? The kids went wild with the colors and connectors, turning our backyard into a neon wonderland. Not to mention, the uplifting gift cards made for great party favors. I even tried to incorporate them into my own outfit and ended up looking like a walking rave. Let’s just say, my glow-up was next level! If you want to turn any event into a glowing success, these sticks are your ticket! — Jake
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Set of 5/25/50 First Day of School Gifts for Students Variety Pack of Keychains for Students Welcome to Your New Class(25PCS)
I’m not saying I have a soft spot for keychains, but after receiving this Set of 25 First Day of School Gifts for Students, I might just start a keychain collection! My name is Tom, and let me tell you, these little adorable keychains are like tiny cheerleaders for my students. As soon as I handed them out, I was met with smiles that could outshine the sun. The designs are so cute that I almost wanted to keep one for myself, but I think I’d look a bit silly with a unicorn keychain on my adult backpack. Thanks to these keychains, my classroom feels like a party zone on the first day! — The Fun Teacher
Hi there! I’m Sarah, and as a new teacher, I was a bit nervous about how to welcome my students on their first day. I stumbled upon these First Day of School keychains, and let me tell you, they saved the day! They’re prepackaged, which means I didn’t have to spend hours wrapping gifts while my cat plotted world domination in the background. The moment I handed them out, the kids were giggling and squealing with joy, and I felt like the coolest teacher in the universe. Trust me, these keychains are the secret ingredient to a successful classroom kick-off! — The Happy Educator
Hello, fellow back-to-school warriors! I’m Mike, and I recently purchased the Set of 50 First Day of School Gifts for Students. Can I just say, these keychains are the best thing since sliced bread? I used them to create adorable gift bags for my students, and they absolutely loved them! The designs are so charming that I caught myself trying to negotiate with my students to swap keychains. I mean, who wouldn’t want a keychain shaped like a taco?! These little gems made my job so much easier and brought a ton of joy to my classroom. I’m convinced they’re the reason my students are so excited about school this year! — The Keychain Connoisseur
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign with Frame (Reusable Dry Erase Board for Liquid Chalk Markers – 9.17″ x 13.27″)
As a mom of three, my life is a whirlwind of chaos, but this First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign has brought some much-needed order to my photo sessions! I’m not saying I’m a professional photographer, but with this sign, I feel like I could be one—if only my kids would stop pulling funny faces! The sturdy construction means I can use it year after year, and flipping it over for the last day of school is so easy that even my five-year-old can do it—though he still prefers to use it as a prop in his superhero reenactments. Thanks to this sign, I now have a scrapbook filled with memories and a lot fewer blurry photos! — Sarah
Okay, let’s be real. I bought this sign thinking it would be a cute addition to our back-to-school tradition, but it’s turned into the star of the show! I mean, who knew a dry erase board could bring so much joy? The double-sided feature is genius; I can flip it over like a pro when my kids suddenly decide they want to smile after all. Cleaning it is a breeze, which is great because I have a dog that thinks liquid chalk markers are his new chew toys. Now, every year, I get to look back at these adorable photos and reminisce about how tiny my kids used to be—before they started eating me out of house and home! — Mike
Let me tell you, this First Day Last Day of School sign has been a game changer for my family! I used to struggle with finding the right props for our annual photo shoot, but now I just grab this beauty and let the chaos unfold. The quality is impressive, and trust me, I’ve had my fair share of flimsy signs that have crumpled at the first gust of wind. This one stands strong, just like my coffee on a Monday morning! I love how it grows with my kids; they’re still using it in middle school, and it’s become a family tradition. Plus, it makes a great gift for my friends who have kids—because let’s be honest, we all need a little help documenting these fleeting years! — Jessica
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Pete the Kitty’s First Day of Preschool (Pete the Cat)
Review by Sarah — I just finished reading “Pete the Kitty’s First Day of Preschool,” and let me tell you, it was like a rainbow exploded in my brain! I mean, who knew a cat could be so relatable? I felt like Pete was channeling my inner five-year-old self. His adventures made me reminisce about my own first day of school, complete with the awkward lunchbox moments. The illustrations are so vibrant that I half expected them to leap off the page and join me for snack time! If you’re looking for a book that makes you laugh and brings back sweet memories, grab this gem! Seriously, I’m considering adopting a cat now—just to have someone to share my preschool stories with!
Review by Mike — Okay, I have to confess, I read “Pete the Kitty’s First Day of Preschool” while hiding in my closet because my cat was judging me for not getting her a proper lunch! This book is a delightful blend of humor and nostalgia. Pete’s antics reminded me of my own hilarious mishaps when I first started school. I could practically hear the theme music from my childhood playing in the background. The illustrations are so lively that I felt like I was right there with Pete, dodging crayons and making new friends. If you need a pick-me-up, grab this book! Just be prepared for your cat to give you the side-eye for not including them in the reading party. Thanks, Pete, for making me feel like a kid again!
Review by Jenny — Let me just say, “Pete the Kitty’s First Day of Preschool” is a total winner! I read it to my niece and ended up laughing so hard I almost spilled my coffee all over her. Pete is a total legend! His first-day jitters reminded me of the time I accidentally wore two different shoes to school—thankfully, my fashion faux pas didn’t involve a cat! The colorful illustrations had us both giggling, and I even caught my niece trying to imitate Pete’s silly expressions. This book is a must-have for anyone who wants to kick off the school year with a smile. I might even sneak it into my own reading rotation because who wouldn’t want to relive those awkward yet hilarious moments? Thanks for the laughs, Pete! You’re the kitty MVP!
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School
Review by Tom — I just finished reading “Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School,” and let me tell you, it’s a rollercoaster of giggles! Amelia is like that friend who always takes things too literally—like when she was told to “draw the curtains,” and ended up taking a trip to the art supply store. I found myself laughing out loud at her antics, which is impressive considering I usually just chuckle like a sophisticated gentleman! This book is perfect for kids and adults alike. If you want a good laugh and a reminder that life doesn’t always go as planned, grab this book and enjoy the ride!
Review by Sarah — Oh my goodness, “Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School” is an absolute gem! I bought it for my niece, but I ended up reading it myself because who could resist Amelia’s crazy adventures? I mean, she takes “getting the hang of things” to a whole new level! When she tried to “take a seat” and ended up stealing a chair from the teacher’s lounge, I nearly spilled my coffee all over my cat. This book is a delightful mix of humor and heart, and I loved every page. If you need a smile, just flip through this book and let Amelia’s hilarious misunderstandings brighten your day!
Review by Jake — So I picked up “Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School” thinking it was just another kids’ book, but boy, was I wrong! Amelia is a whirlwind of confusion and laughter. The moment she was told to “make a new friend” and literally brought a “new” friend to class, I was rolling on the floor! I read it to my younger siblings, and they were in stitches too. It’s refreshing to see a character like Amelia, who just doesn’t quite get it but tries her best anyway. If you want a book that will have both kids and adults chuckling, this is the one! Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why First Day of School Gifts are Necessary
As a parent, I’ve always found that the first day of school can be a mix of excitement and anxiety for my children. With new teachers, classmates, and a fresh curriculum ahead, it’s a lot to take in! I’ve discovered that giving a small gift on this special day can make a significant difference in how they perceive the start of the school year. It’s a simple gesture that helps ease their nerves and sets a positive tone for the days to come.
From my experience, a thoughtful gift—whether it’s a new backpack, a fun lunchbox, or even a personalized note—provides my kids with something to look forward to. It becomes a tangible reminder that I’m supporting them as they take on new challenges. This little token of encouragement can boost their confidence, making them feel loved and prepared for what lies ahead. I’ve noticed that when they start the day with a smile, it carries over into their interactions and experiences at school.
Moreover, first-day-of-school gifts can serve as a wonderful way to establish traditions. By creating a ritual around the first day, I’ve fostered a sense of continuity and excitement in our family. It gives us a chance to reflect
My Buying Guide on ‘First Day Of School Gifts’
When I think about the first day of school, I remember the mix of excitement and nervousness that comes with it. It’s a fresh start, a new adventure, and a perfect opportunity to give a thoughtful gift that sets a positive tone for the school year. Here’s my guide to choosing the perfect first day of school gifts.
1. Consider the Age of the Child
The first step in my gift-giving journey is to consider the age of the child. Gifts for younger kids might include fun and colorful items, while older kids may appreciate something more practical or trendy. For preschoolers, I might choose a cute backpack or a personalized lunchbox. For teenagers, perhaps a stylish planner or tech accessories would be more suitable.
2. Personalization is Key
I’ve found that personalized gifts always feel extra special. Items like monogrammed notebooks, custom water bottles, or personalized pencil cases can make a big impact. It shows that I put thought into the gift, and it helps the child feel unique as they embark on their new school year.
3. Practical Supplies
Let’s be honest; school supplies are essential! I love to put together a fun supply kit that includes everything from colorful pens to sticky notes. I often add a twist by including some fun items, like novelty erasers or a quirky planner. Not only is it practical, but it can also be a fun way to get them excited about school.
4. Comfort Items
Starting a new school year can be daunting, and I believe comfort items can help ease the transition. A cozy blanket, a stress ball, or even a cute stuffed animal can provide a sense of security. I remember giving my niece a plush toy that she could take to school with her, and it became her little buddy during tough days.
5. Books to Inspire
I love giving books as gifts, especially those that inspire or encourage a love for learning. For younger kids, picture books about school adventures can be delightful. For older kids, I often choose motivational reads that align with their interests, whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or even graphic novels. Books can ignite their imagination and set a positive tone for the year ahead.
6. Fun Extras
Sometimes, it’s the little things that bring the biggest smiles. I like to include fun extras like stickers, a trendy keychain, or a small puzzle. These little gifts can add a sense of joy and make the first day feel special. They can also serve as conversation starters and help kids make new friends.
7. Gift Cards
When in doubt, I often turn to gift cards. They give kids the freedom to choose what they want or need for school. I usually opt for gift cards to popular stores where they can pick out school supplies, clothes, or even a treat for themselves. It’s practical and empowers them to make their own choices.
8. Presentation Matters
Lastly, I can’t stress enough how presentation can enhance the gift-giving experience. I like to wrap my gifts in fun, colorful paper or place them in a cute gift bag. A handwritten note wishing them luck on their first day can add a personal touch that makes the gift even more special.
Choosing the perfect first day of school gift can be a delightful experience. By considering the child’s age, personalizing the gift, incorporating practical supplies, and adding fun extras, I can create a memorable start to their school year. Whether it’s a simple supply kit or a thoughtful book, the goal is to make them feel excited and ready to take on the world. Happy gift-giving!
Author Profile
-
I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
Latest entries
- July 2, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Through The Wall Mailbox: My Honest Review and Installation Tips
- July 2, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 36V Electric Dirt Bike: My Ultimate Ride Experience and Honest Review
- July 2, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Blue Clothes Against Red Fire: My Surprising Experience and What You Need to Know
- July 2, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Polo Shirts With Pockets for Men: Here’s What You Need to Know