- Pretty Lovely Gift Boutique
- Jul 30
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 6
Heading back to school is an exciting time for kids—and the perfect opportunity to surprise them with a few fun and functional gifts to kick off the new year! Whether you're looking to add a little personality to their lunch routine or help them feel more confident and prepared in the classroom, we've rounded up seven great back-to-school gift ideas for kids that are as practical as they are adorable. From a patch-covered lunchbox to a whimsical toaster-shaped nightlight (yes, really!), these picks are sure to bring smiles and make the transition back to school a little brighter.
Back to School Gifts for Kids:
1. Customizable Insulated Lunch Box
One of our favorite back-to-school finds is this Insulated Lunch Box with 6 Patches that’s as fun as it is functional. It comes with a set of six colorful patches that your child can mix, match, and arrange however they like—making their lunchbox totally unique. Whether they’re into smiley faces, stars, or hearts - or all of the above - there’s a patch to suit every personality. Not only does it keep food fresh, but it also gives kids a chance to express themselves and stand out in the cafeteria crowd. It’s a practical gift with a playful twist!
DIY Twist:Â Make your child's initials or name pop with stick-on or sew-on varsity letters. As the grand finale, have the child select a few favorite stickers or pins to place on the outside as well.
Why it's Perfect:Â Personalization prevents confusion in school and introduces a bit more excitement into lunchtime. This thoughtful gift is all about functionality with a touch of personality!
2. Animal-Shaped Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Stay hydrated in style with an adorable animal-shaped Bestie Bottle 16oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle—perfect for school days, sports, or weekend adventures. Kids can choose their favorite from a fun lineup that includes a bunny, cat, dog, dino, sheep, or unicorn, each with a cute pop-on animal head that doubles as a cap. The twist-off top underneath reveals a built-in silicone straw, making it easy for little ones to sip on the go. Made from durable stainless steel, these bottles keep drinks cool all day long—no matter how busy their schedule gets. As a back-to-school gift, they’re both practical and playful—something kids will love to show off in the classroom or on the playground.
DIY Twist:Â Have your child customize the outside of the bottle with their favorite fun stickers or vinyl decals, and/or draw their name or fun characters using metallic paint pens.
Why it's Perfect:Â This reusable bottle will keep beverages chilled for hours and the DIY element will make your child proud to show off their handiwork.
3. Llama or Flamingo Zippered Pouches
Add a pop of personality to your child’s school supplies with our Llama Zippered Pouches or Flamingo Zippered Pouches. These cute and compact pouches are perfect for holding small essentials like erasers, paper clips, bookmarks, and more. Their slim design makes them easy to tuck into any backpack or desk, while the fun animal shapes add a bit of flair to the school day. It’s a great back-to-school gift that keeps kids organized—with a little extra charm!
DIY Twist:Â Personalize the pouch even more by attaching a cute keychain with their first initial or fun charm like a heart, star or smiley face.
Why it's Perfect:Â A cute pouch adds smiles to their everyday organization and gives kids an easy way to get their things ready and organized at their fingertips.
4. Smiley Face Corduroy Pouch
Brighten up their school day with our colorful Smiley Face Corduroy Pouch! Available in a variety of cheerful colors, these handy pouches are perfect for holding pencils, scissors, glue sticks, and other classroom essentials. Not only do they keep supplies neatly organized, but their happy design is sure to bring a smile every time your child reaches for them. It’s a fun and functional back-to-school gift that adds a little joy to their daily routine.
DIY Twist:Â Add personalization through embroidering their name or initial or sewing on varsity letter patches on the outside. Attach a cheerful pom-pom keychain to the zipper for added enjoyment.
Why it's Perfect:Â The rich color and texture is soft to the touch, and the smiles bring joy throughout their school day.
5. Lavender-Scented Essentials Kit (Pack of 15)
Keeping clean and germ-free at school has never been more important, and our Lavender-Infused Sanitizing Wipes make it easy, and enjoyable. These compact, travel-friendly packets are perfect for tossing into a backpack, lunchbox, or purse, making them a thoughtful and practical back-to-school gift for students, teachers, and parents alike. With a refreshing lavender scent and powerful sanitizing formula, they add a touch of calm while keeping hands and surfaces fresh throughout the day. It’s a smart, stylish upgrade to the usual school supply kit.
DIY Spin:Â Customize the packet of lavender-scented sanitizing wipes by drawing hearts, smiley faces, or anything else fun with a permanent magic marker.
Why it's Perfect:Â Both useful and thoughtful, this gift makes the kids feel confident and demonstrates your concern for their health.
6. "Grumbalina" Book Series Gift Set
Encourage a love of reading and being excited about going back to school with this delightful book series called Grumbalina. The first book in the series, Grumbalina and the Day Everything Changed, tells a delightful tale of a fairy learning her place in school and is the ideal back-to-school book.
DIY Touch:Â Make a bookmark at home with cardstock, ribbons, and stickers. Personalize it with the child's favorite color, or theme of preference, and include a hand-written note indicating how much you believe they're going to love the book-and going back to school.
Why it's Perfect:Â A great book and a home-made bookmark are the ideal pair that makes a perfect gift for encouraging imagination and learning.
7. Homework Nightlight with a Twist
After a long day at school, doing homework, and reading before bed, make bedtime relaxing with this cute Toaster Night Light. This charming night light not only adds a touch of fun to your child’s bedroom decor but also provides a soft and soothing light to help them feel safe and secure at night.
DIY Twist:Â Personalize the nightlight by adding decorative stickers to it or by painting small designs with a puffer pen to suit the child's favorite color scheme or theme.
Why it's Great:Â A non-traditional toaster design brings in a touch of playfulness, yet helps emit calmness. This present makes going back to school and getting good sleep each week even more fun!
Make Back to School Extra Special
These Back to School Gifts for Kids send them off on a good note for the upcoming school year. All of these items, with or without the DIY elements, make amazing and practical gifts that will be cherished and adored all year long. For more back to school gift ideas, check out our entire Back to School Collection at Pretty Lovely Gift Boutique. Sending positive vibes for a great new school year ahead - to students, their parents, and teachers!
