Back-to-School Gifts With Color for Teachers and Students

Back-to-school season has a way of turning everything gray. Gray binders, gray supply lists, gray little pencil pouches. Which is a shame, because this is the exact moment a small hit of color does the most good, whether you are gifting a teacher, setting up a student, or just refusing to let your own planner be beige. A colorful supply is a tiny bit of daily cheer for a long semester.

Here is where I would spend a small back-to-school budget for maximum joy per dollar.

For the teacher

Teachers get a lot of mugs and a lot of apples. Give them something they will actually use all year. A few rolls of washi tape for labeling, bulletin boards, and planner spreads is small, useful, and genuinely fun. The Desk Mess washi tape is a cheeky pick for anyone whose desk lives up to the name. Bundle a few colors into a reusable gift bag and you have a teacher gift that is both thoughtful and affordable.

For the student

A sturdy Spring Garden Tote Bag carries books, gym clothes, or art supplies and looks a lot better than the free conference tote. Add some vinyl stickers for water bottles and laptops, which is the universal love language of every student from eight to twenty-two.

For you

Back-to-school energy is real even if you have not been in a classroom in decades. A little washi tape on your own planner, a cheerful art mug on the desk, and suddenly your fall routine feels a touch more put-together. If you want ideas for the washi specifically, my washi tape tour and my post on using washi tape for scrapbooking are full of them.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good back-to-school gift for a teacher?

Small, useful supplies they will use all year, like a set of colorful washi tape for labeling and bulletin boards, bundled into a reusable gift bag. It beats another mug and costs very little.

What are useful back-to-school gifts for students?

A sturdy tote bag for books and supplies plus a few vinyl stickers for water bottles and laptops. Practical items with personality get used far more than novelty gifts.

What can you do with washi tape for school?

Label folders and supplies, decorate planners and notebooks, dress up bulletin boards, and color-code schedules. It peels off cleanly, which makes it ideal for classrooms and lockers.

Is a tote bag a good back-to-school gift?

Yes. A durable, colorful tote works for books, gym clothes, art supplies, and campus life, and it lasts far longer than a school year, which makes it a practical and lasting gift.

What is a good small teacher appreciation gift?

A roll or two of washi tape, a fun mug, or a small sticker set are all affordable, useful, and cheerful. Presentation in a nice gift bag makes a small gift feel considered.