Top Back-to-School Swag & Gift Ideas for Students, Teachers, and Fundraisers | 2025 Guide

Back-to-school season isn’t just about new pencils and fresh notebooks. It’s a chance for schools, nonprofits, and organizations to start the year with excitement, build school spirit, and fundraise for what matters most.

The right branded products can make your school year kick-off memorable — whether you’re welcoming students, thanking teachers, or raising money for your programs. At Lightsource, we keep things simple by curating the best ideas so you don’t have to scroll through thousands of options.

Here are our top picks for 2025. Or check out our full catalog of Back to School Essentials.

 

Students: Practical & Fun Swag Ideas

Giveaways that students will actually use (and keep) are always a win:

• Custom Notebooks & Folders – Perfect for orientation kits and first-day handouts.
• Reusable Water Bottles – Durable and eco-friendly, they keep your logo visible every day. High quality drinkware at low minimums like our Stainless Steel Bottle with Bamboo Loop Handle are sure to put a smile on students faces.
• Drawstring Bags – Budget-friendly, lightweight, and great for carrying gear, our Small Drawstring backpack makes a great giveaway.
• Pens & Highlighters – The classics never go out of style.

👉 These items are affordable, practical, and perfect for orientation events, mailers, or welcome kits.

Teachers & Staff: Appreciation Gifts

Teachers and staff work hard — a thoughtful branded gift goes a long way.

• Tote Bags – A versatile everyday essential. Try our Pocket Tote for a fun and fully customizable tote that's sure to turn heads. 
• Mugs & Drinkware – A morale booster that gets daily use. 
• Desk Kits / Organizers – Useful, professional, and clutter-busting.
• Wellness Items – From hand sanitizer to candles, small touches of care make a big impact. This plant/candle combo is one of our favorites!

👉 These gifts show gratitude while keeping your school’s brand front and center.

School Spirit & Events

Nothing builds excitement like visible school spirit:

• Custom T-Shirts & Hoodies – Perfect for clubs, teams, and spirit days. Check out our low minimum order option for Full Color T-Shirts. 
• Pennants & Banners – High visibility at games, rallies, and homecoming.
• Stickers & Decals – Affordable, fun, and student favorites, our Die Cut Stickers are a top pick for schools. 
• Mascot Plush Toys – A hit for younger audiences and family events.

👉 Spirit items bring energy to pep rallies, games, and big kickoff events.

Fundraising Merch That Actually Sells

Looking for items people actually want to buy? Focus on useful, resale-friendly products:

• Branded Tumblers & Mugs – High perceived value with wide appeal. 
• Graphic Tees – A staple that sells well at any event.
• Custom Notebooks & Journals – Affordable and functional, like our Metallic Notebook Set with Stylus Pen. 

👉 These items make fundraising easier for PTAs, booster clubs, and nonprofits.

 

Orientation & Welcome Kits

Bundle your swag into complete kits that make a lasting first impression:

• Popular combos: tote bag + notebook + pen + water bottle.
• Ideal for schools, universities, and even corporate internship programs.
• Pro tip: ordering as a kit often saves money compared to buying separately.

👉 Welcome kits help new students or staff feel instantly connected.

 

Quick Tips for Ordering Back-to-School Swag

• Plan ahead – Ordering early avoids rush fees and stock shortages.
• Eco-friendly options – Recycled and reusable products are trending.
• Match the budget to the audience – Small giveaways for large groups, premium gifts for staff or donors.
• Leverage kits – Simplify distribution and reduce shipping costs.

Start Your Back-to-School Project with Lightsource

Back-to-school is the perfect time to refresh your swag, build spirit, and make events shine. Whether you’re looking for student giveaways, staff appreciation gifts, or fundraising merch, we’ll help you find the right fit.

✨ Ready to bring your school spirit to life? Start your project with Lightsource and get a free mockup today.

 

FAQ: Back-to-School Swag

What are the best giveaways for back-to-school events?
Pens, notebooks, drawstring bags, and water bottles are affordable, useful, and always popular.

What merch sells best for fundraisers?
Graphic tees and tumblers are consistent top sellers because of their broad appeal.

How early should I order back-to-school items?
Ideally 4 weeks before your event to allow for decoration and shipping. Start planning 6 weeks ahead to give yourself enough time to review product choices and even look at samples.