A comprehensive list of school swag ideas and tips on how to delight your employees and their kids during the back-to-school season.
Half of summer is gone, and the back-to-school season will soon be here. For parents, this moment is a mix of excitement and hustle and bustle in one bottle. On the one hand, they anticipate new beginnings; on the other hand, it is a marathon of shopping for clothes, shoes, backpacks, school supplies, tech gadgets, and more.
Getting ready for the academic year is a big event. This is a golden opportunity for your company to shine! Offering thoughtful back-to-school swag with your branding is a great way to show that you care.
When you present useful, high-quality school swag ideas as part of a back-to-school giveaway campaign, you give timely help to your employees juggling these preparations and express genuine appreciation and support for their families. It’s a fantastic way to boost morale, strengthen company culture, and create a lasting, positive impression.
Remember our previous articles on corporate Christmas gifts and employee appreciation gifts? This is another example of how strategic, thoughtful gifting builds strong relationships, both internally with your team and externally.
Why does back-to-school swag matter?
The return to school is a significant financial and emotional investment for many families. Showing up with practical, cool, branded items can be a huge relief and a delightful surprise.
Here are some stats that highlight the scale of the back-to-school season:
- Significant spending. According to Delloitte’s Back-to-School Survey 2025, families with children in elementary through high school are expected to spend an average of over $570 on back-to-school items.
- Spending priorities. According to the National Retail Federation, over 64% of back-to-school spending typically goes towards electronics, clothing, and accessories.
- It is high season. Most parents (85%) prefer to start school shopping in late July or early August, as stated by Delloitte’s Back-to-School Survey 2025.
These numbers confirm that parents are actively shopping and looking for value. Therefore, your branded back-to-school gifts fit perfectly into this landscape, offering a unique blend of utility, quality, and thoughtfulness.
What kind of gifts are best for school pupils?
When thinking over school swag ideas, opt for practical, durable, and appealing to young learners. In general, good gifts fall into a few key groups:
- Apparel: comfortable clothing items that kids can wear daily, fostering a sense of belonging.
- Luggage and containers: backpacks and lunchboxes are absolute essentials for every school-goer.
- Everyday must-haves: items they’ll use daily for hydration, studying, or organizing.
- Technology and entertainment: gadgets or fun accessories that resonate with their interests.
As you can see, the key is to select items that will be used and loved, serving as a constant, positive reminder of your brand.
How to select back-to-school gifts for kids?
Choosing the right back-to-school swag is about understanding the unique needs and desires of each age group:
- Primary school (5-10 years old). Focus on fun, safety, and durability. Bright colors, easy-to-use designs, and items that can withstand rough play are perfect. Think about items that encourage creativity or outdoor play. They love to show off anything new and colorful.
- Secondary school (11-14 years old). Look for items that balance functionality with emerging trends. They appreciate gifts that help them stay organized and look “cool” to their peers. Items that offer more independence (like a watch) or allow for self-expression (like stickers for their laptop) are a hit.
- High school (15-18 years old). Prioritize style, functionality, and technology. High schoolers value items that are practical for their busy schedules, look sophisticated, and keep them connected. Think about gifts that support their studies, hobbies, or increasing independence, and are from reputable brands.
Tailoring your school swag ideas to these age-specific preferences ensures your gifts are valued and used daily. This extends your brand’s presence far beyond the office, right into the heart of your employees’ families.
Top 20 best school swag ideas for every age
For your convenience, we’ve created a list of the most suitable, desirable, and popular school swag ideas you can brand and offer.
Primary school selection (5-10 years old)
For the younger ones, the most important criteria are comfort, safety, and playful appeal. Gifts that are easy to use, durable, and make school life more fun are always a hit.
Versatile custom hoodie
A brushed and soft cotton hoodie in a neutral color is perfect for layering on chilly mornings or in air-conditioned classrooms. A cozy hoodie with your brand’s logo means comfort and visibility wherever they go—from school to the playground and family trips.
Baseball cap
This is a lightweight and comfortable kids’ cap is crafted from organic cotton. It is designed with a soft, unstructured crown, curved brim, and an easy-to-adjust closure. The cap is excellent for sun protection during outdoor activities or as a cool accessory. Bright embroidery branding makes your logo visible.
Junior backpack
An absolute essential! A sturdy, 12L backpack made from durable polyester is used daily at school and after. It has a zippered front pocket, padded back, and adjustable shoulder straps.
Reflective keyring
Safety first! So, attaching the keyring to a backpack or jacket increases visibility in low light, showing you care about children’s well-being. It’s a small but impactful branded gift.
Dinosaur water bottle
Hydration is crucial, especially for juniors who spend most of their time actively. A cool, easy-to-use water bottle with a bright print is a daily companion, keeping your brand visible and promoting healthy habits.
Zoo lunchbox
The lunchbox is another daily essential that will travel from home to school and back every day. This spacious, eco-friendly lunchbox with a secure clip and soft-edged design makes your brand associated with nourishment, care, and sustainability.
Xiaomi LCD writing tablet
What do children love more than running? Drawing—exactly! This tech gadget offers a fun, mess-free way to doodle, practice writing, or play games.
Custom sticker pack
Kids adore stickers. A branded sticker pack allows for personalization on notebooks, water bottles, or laptops, spreading your brand in a fun, expressive way. Mermaid, unicorns, or superheroes—select whatever plot and add your logo.
Secondary school swag ideas (11-14 years old)
Kids start paying more attention to trends and expressing their individuality at this age. Therefore, trendy, functional, and more mature gifts will be appreciated.
Bomber jacket
A stylish and trendy outerwear piece that’s popular among teens. It is suitable as a schoolwear overshirt and for out-of-school walks and travelling. Your brand will be associated with modern style and comfort.
Classic baseball cap
A timeless accessory that’s always in style. Perfect for casual wear and offers subtle, cool branding.
Medium-size backpack
Another idea is a stylish, functional backpack with your logo is essential for carrying books and supplies.
Waterproof smartwatch
This sleek, minimalistic smartwatch is designed for daily adventures. It’s durable enough to withstand playtime and waterproof for rainy days. This cool tech gadget helps children track time, steps, and communicate. As for parents, it provides control over the child’s safety.
Dopper water bottle
Hydration is key throughout the school day. Therefore, a larger, durable bottle by Dopper with your logo is practical and eco-friendly, keeping your brand in hand. A 3-in-1 solution includes a bottle, cap, and cup. Made from BPA-free plastic, it’s durable and eco-friendly.
A school set and a notebook
A set of drawing tools in a cork case perfectly fits the eco-consciousness trend. It encourages creativity and is essential for schoolwork. Thus, this high-quality set and notebook with your brand promote learning and organization.
Sticker pack
Still loved by this age group for personalizing laptops, binders, and skateboards. A fun and easy way to spread brand awareness.
High school swag ideas (15-18 years old)
High schoolers focus on style, technology, and increasing independence. Therefore, gifts that are sophisticated, highly functional, and reflect current trends will be most appreciated.
Premium bomber jacket
A premium, fashionable item that makes a statement. It associates your brand with high quality and contemporary style, something they’ll wear proudly.
Snapback cap
A popular choice in urban and youth culture, the cap offers a cool way to display your brand on the streets.
Large waterproof backpack
This is an essential and stylish backpack for carrying laptops, books, and sports gear. Made of water-resistant vegan nubuck leather with adjustable straps, it is durable, waterproof, and convenient for active lifestyles.
JBL wireless headphones
A must-have tech item for music, studying, and communication. The headphones are the Swag42’s best sellers with high perceived value for daily use.
Magnetic thermo bottle
High school students drink coffee and watch reels—it is a fact. Gift the thermo bottle to keep drinks hot or cold for hours, which is perfect for long school days or sports. As a bonus, the bottle has a rotating magnetic phone stand.
Create your custom school swag
The return to school is a significant annual event, and your company has a unique opportunity to turn it into a moment of connection and appreciation. By offering thoughtful, branded back-to-school swag, you invest in your employees’ well-being and show genuine care for their families.
Choose from our school swag ideas, tailor them to each age group, and watch your brand become a beloved part of their daily school journey.
