Back to School – Printify https://printify.com Make it. Your way. Print on Demand and eCommerce solutions. Wed, 04 Jun 2025 16:22:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://printify.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Printify-Green-Favicon-96x96.png Back to School – Printify https://printify.com 32 32 15 Back-to-school marketing ideas for 2025 https://printify.com/blog/back-to-school-marketing/ https://printify.com/blog/back-to-school-marketing/#comments Wed, 04 Jun 2025 16:22:43 +0000 https://printify.com/?p=115403 Find useful stats from previous years and 15 ideas for your back-to-school marketing campaign.

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Get ready to cash in on one of the biggest shopping events of the year. 

From busy millennial parents to Gen Z students, back-to-school means everyone’s hunting for the best deals on supplies and everyday school essentials.

For print-on-demand sellers, this is your moment to shine. Mid-summer to early fall is prime time to drive sales. These 15 back-to-school marketing strategies will help you attract shoppers with custom backpacks, apparel, and irresistible back-to-school bundles.

Key takeaways

  • Launch your back-to-school campaign in July to target both early birds and last-minute shoppers.
  • Combine school essentials into themed product bundles for teachers, parents, and students to increase average order value.
  • Market your offers across email, social media, and store banners for stronger visibility. Partner with creators who have an active audience of Gen Z students or busy parents.
  • Use SEO terms like “back-to-school supplies” and “back-to-school sales” to attract high-intent traffic.
  • Add urgency with flash deals, countdowns, and “limited stock” messaging to drive impulse buys.

Let’s look at some shopping statistics to help maximize your back-to-school promotion ideas.

Every year, back-to-school shoppers increase their spending by billions. In 2024, people spent around $40 billion on school supplies, surpassing every other niche during that time.

This year, 85% of parents say they’d splurge on their child’s must-have school products, and more than half plan to pick up a few things for themselves too. 

Many consumers wait for holiday season discounts to do their shopping. This is your chance to reach a new target audience and delight existing customers with exclusive deals on school products.

Not convinced yet? These back-to-school sales stats might just seal the deal.

Parents plan to spend an average of $253 for school apparel per child.

A screenshot mockup of Statista’s data on back-to-school seasonal spending by category.
Source: Statista
  • The global eLearning market is expected to reach $848 billion by 2030, increasing demand for ergonomic products like chairs and mousepads.
  • 35% of shoppers turn to social media posts to find the best back-to-school deals when shopping online. 

And with fashion being the second-largest online shopping category worth $760 billion, it’s crucial to keep an eye on online shopping trends and use them in your back-to-school marketing campaigns.

The best back-to-school marketing strategies

Here are the top 15 strategies for the back-to-school season that’ll help you boost engagement and sales for bigger profits.

1. Start your back-to-school campaign on time

A group of kids (2 girls, 1 boy) playing on a bed.

Start early and research when the back-to-school season starts in your market region. Even in the US, the first day of school varies from state to state. 

Most school shoppers plan to look for supplies and essentials from July to early August. A good rule of thumb is to launch your campaign in early July for the broadest reach of potential customers.

However, the school year begins at different times across countries. Here are some key regional differences:

  • Australia and New Zealand The back-to-school season starts in late January to early February.
  • Canada – Back-to-school kicks off in early September across most provinces.
  • Europe – Dates vary, but most countries start between mid-August and mid-September, with longer summer sales in places like Germany.
Pro tip

Use our eCommerce calendar to never miss important sales dates and plan your marketing campaigns early.

Strengthen your back-to-school marketing campaign by researching and defining your target audience

  • Students – Promote trendy items like custom backpacks and apparel on TikTok. Focus on aesthetics, self-expression, and what’s “in” this school year.
  • Parents – Emphasize practical product bundles for young children and market via Facebook ads and email. Highlight affordability and stress-free prep.
  • Teachers and academic professionals – Offer exclusive discounts on classroom decor, planners, or personalized gear. 
  • Relatives and gift-givers – Position products like custom notebooks and tote bags as thoughtful presents. Add “giftable” tags to convert.

2. Launch back-to-school products

As the new school year begins, stock your virtual shelves with everything local schools, parents, and students might need. 

Electronics, clothing, accessories, and shoes make up the largest share of the back-to-school shopping category expenses – making these a must-have for your store.

Browse trending products for back-to-school essentials like backpacks, notebooks, stationery, and lunch boxes. Pair these with custom best-selling t-shirts, journals, socks, and tote bags for an easy upsell.Want to target eco-conscious back-to-school shoppers? Ergonomic mouse pads and eco-friendly school essentials are sure to stand out.

3. Create back-to-school bundles

Offer the ultimate back-to-school bundle to give your customers everything they need for the new year. It’s a win-win situation – you sell more products, while they save time and get a great deal.Promote your school bundles as a budget-friendly way to gear up and save money. They’re bound to attract last-minute shoppers.

4. Update your storefront to match the seasonal aesthetic

A young woman making notes while checking the quality of tote bags.

Give your online store a refresh to match the back-to-school aesthetic. Update your homepage with banners, colors, and messaging that reflect the buzz of the upcoming academic year.

Feature back-to-school products, promotions, and seasonal bundles front and center to boost visibility and conversions.

Need inspiration? Try these timeless visual themes.

  • Classroom vibes – Chalkboards, notebooks, and handwritten fonts.
  • Fall mood – Warm colors and autumn leaves.
  • Academic energy – Calendars and countdowns to the first day.
  • Campus life – Lifestyle shots in courtyards and libraries.
  • School supplies – Aesthetic flat lays of rulers, pencils, tech gadgets, and lunch boxes.

5. Organize a sales event, contest, or challenge

Nothing entices consumers more than the promise of a free prize.

Back-to-school sales are an excellent opportunity to drive user-generated content and positive reviews from happy shoppers for better visibility.

  • Organize a photo or video contest encouraging customers to showcase your products in action – think first-day outfits or custom school gear. 
  • Offer a freebie or discount for shoppers who spend over a certain amount or purchase from your back-to-school collection.
  • Invite customers to share their purchases on social media and tag your brand for a chance to be featured or win a reward.

These campaigns will help increase your sales by creating buzz and a sense of urgency during the back-to-school season.

Pro tip

Let customers personalize their own product for a back-to-school item they’ll cherish year after year. Learn more about setting up personalization with Printify.

6. Follow trends

A person watching TikTok on a phone.

Back-to-school season is a goldmine for viral content. From TikTok trends and trending challenges to meme-worthy moments, tapping into the right trends can get your brand in front of thousands (or even millions).

Use popular formats to show off your custom backpacks, notebooks, or personalized school supplies in action. Whether it’s a back-to-school glow-up or a funny “first day vs second week” meme, trends make your products feel current, relatable, and shareable – everything your audience loves.

7. Create valuable resources

Seasonal content helps improve your store’s visibility, which is crucial for website search engine optimization (SEO). 

Conduct keyword research to create valuable guides, lists, and how-to articles for customers. It’s a great way to build trust around your brand without spending any money.

  • Shopping lists – Provide a list of the best back-to-school picks for parents and students.
  • Survival guides – Recommend essential supplies that every student needs.
  • eBooks and articles – Deep dive into topics on how to prepare for the new school year.
  • Fashion lookbooks – Show the latest fashion trends for the new fall semester and plug your products.
  • Educational resources – List the dos and don’ts of buying back-to-school supplies online.

8. Team up with an organization that supports education

Level up your back-to-school shopping campaign by teaming up with a worthy cause. Donate a portion of sales, sponsor a fundraiser, or launch a campaign tied to causes like teacher support, student workshops, or academic equity.

Purpose-driven marketing efforts build trust and brand loyalty, strengthen your brand, and help you stand out, especially when paired with exclusive back-to-school deals for supporters.

9. Offer special deals

Special offers are the backbone of any strong back-to-school marketing campaign. Great deals drive conversions and encourage repeat purchases.

Check out some of the options below.

  • Percentage or cash-off discounts for individual products or bundles.
  • Free shipping to reduce cart abandonment – factor the cost into your pricing.
  • Promo codes shared via newsletters, social media posts, or partner sites.
  • Student and teacher discounts to reach key shoppers.
  • Special offers for returning customers based on purchase history.
  • Last-minute deals to create urgency as classrooms open up.

These strategic discounts can help you reach more shoppers while keeping your marketing efforts competitive.

10. Include a gift with each purchase

Adding a small free gift with each order will make your customers glad they shopped with you instead of competitors. What’s more, it may even secure returning shoppers. 

It doesn’t have to be grand – just meaningful enough to encourage future purchases and appeal to existing and potential customers. A custom bookmark, pencil case, or cool sticker pack shows shoppers you appreciate them – without breaking the bank.

11. Get in on influencer marketing

A young woman recording herself using a mobile phone on a tripod.

You might not know what’s trending with teens, what today’s parents actually need, and what’s on a middle-school teacher’s wishlist – and that’s okay. 

Instead of trying to guess their favorite back-to-school items, partner with social media influencers who already speak your audience’s language.

Influencers can combine online trends and informational content for a strong product recommendation, which helps bring you more customers.

Here are some influencer content ideas for your back-to-school marketing campaign.

  • Unboxings that highlight your product features.
  • Fashion try-ons with your custom apparel and accessories.
  • Budget-friendly hauls for cost-conscious families.
  • Stationery must-haves for learning at home and in the classroom.
  • Custom gifts and supplies teachers will actually use.

12. Organize a giveaway

A young woman filming herself while presenting a product as a giveaway back-to-school marketing activity.

Giveaways generate high engagement without breaking the bank. All it takes is a compelling prize, like a custom backpack or a beautiful stationery set.

A great example is Staples’ Restock Your Classroom giveaway, where teachers get a chance to win a surprise box with $500 worth of school supplies just by signing up.

Social media channels like TikTok and Instagram are great for experimenting with various giveaway offers. Make sure to have clear entry rules to drive visibility and engagement.

  • Follows, shares, tags, and reposts to spread the word.
  • Social media challenges featuring your products.
  • Mini testimonials or reviews for a chance to win.
  • Email signups to grow your list.
  • Branded hashtags in user posts.

13. Offer coupon codes for future purchases

Keep the momentum going by offering coupon codes for future use. Many shoppers return for forgotten school supplies or last-minute essentials.Use discounts or free shipping promos to encourage repeat purchases, whether during or after the back-to-school season. It’s a simple way to increase customer satisfaction and boost long-term sales.

14. Create fun, interactive quizzes with shareable results

If your audience includes younger shoppers, get playful with your back-to-school promos.

Quizzes are a fun way to drive engagement and sneak in some product discovery.

Match potential customers with products that suit their personality, niche, or friend group with quizzes like “What kind of back-to-school shopper are you?” or “Which school aesthetic fits your vibe?”.

Make the quiz results entertaining and shareable for social media. Don’t forget to add a call to action that leads to your products or special deals for the season.

15. Create a back-to-school campaign newsletter

Fuel your back-to-school marketing ideas with engaging email content. A well-timed newsletter keeps your brand top of mind and drives traffic to your store.

Here are some high-performing content ideas.

  • Exclusive discounts on back-to-school items like apparel and supplies.
  • Product highlights for backpacks, notebooks, and tech gadgets.
  • Shopping guides and top 10 lists for school essentials.
  • User-generated content from happy shoppers.
  • Bundle deals and limited-time offers.
  • A back-to-school countdown with featured product drops.
  • Loyalty rewards and personalized suggestions based on purchase history.

Regular email updates keep your audience engaged during the peak season, from mid-summer to early fall, right when they’re ready to buy.

Make it happen today!

20 Back-to-school marketing phrases and slogans

Two young smiling girls wearing different kids' party accessories.

Want to boost back-to-school spending? Use these fresh and catchy back-to-school marketing slogans in your campaigns.

From email subject lines to social media captions, these phrases are designed to attract attention and spark sales all season long. 

  1. New semester, new essentials.
  2. Prep for the school year like a pro.
  3. Backpacks packed. Savings stacked.
  4. Back-to-school. Styled your way.
  5. Rule the classroom in custom gear.
  6. The ultimate back-to-school haul starts here.
  7. School spirit? We’ve got you covered.
  8. Fresh fits for your school vibe.
  9. Your A+ back-to-school shopping list – sorted.
  10. From homeroom to dorm room. Smart gear starts here.
  11. Class starts. So do the savings.
  12. Back-to-school bundles built for busy parents.
  13. Style your day – from bus stop to laptop.
  14. Cool stuff for school stuff.
  15. Start fresh with back-to-school deals.
  16. Lessons in style (and savings).
  17. College-bound? Grab your campus must-haves.
  18. Best deals for the busiest season.
  19. Shop back-to-school like it’s a major.
  20. Supplies, style, and serious savings.

Back-to-school marketing: FAQ

A back-to-school promotion is a targeted offer, like discounts, product bundles, or giveaways, aimed at students, parents, and teachers for the upcoming school year

These promotions help businesses highlight relevant products, stand out in a crowded market, and connect with high-intent shoppers during peak buying season.

The best time to launch your back-to-school marketing strategies is in early July, as many shoppers start looking for deals before August. 

Starting as soon as possible means you can reach both early planners and last-minute buyers, giving your brand more opportunities to drive traffic and engagement.

Use a mix of in-store banners, email campaigns, influencer partnerships, and social media posts to spread the word. 

Whether you sell online or in-store, creating timely promotions, using seasonal visuals, and targeting specific audiences are key to maximizing reach and results.

The goal is to connect with students, families, and educators to boost sales during one of the most important retail seasons of the year. 

Successful back-to-school campaign ideas address key considerations like convenience, affordability, and relevance, helping shoppers find what they need fast while increasing brand visibility.

Profit with Printify this back-to-school season

A dad and daughter sitting on a couch, with the dad using a laptop for back-to-school marketing.

Make the most of back-to-school spending by launching your own custom product line with Printify. Target students, parents, or teachers, and get all the tools to create, promote, and fulfill with ease.

Sign up

Create a free Printify account to access our Catalog and print-on-demand automation tools.

Pick products to sell

Browse over 1,300 amazing custom blanks for back-to-school, including apparel, accessories, shoes, and stationery.

Apply your designs

Head to the Product Creator to customize your picks with free graphics, fonts, and our AI Image Generator.

Sell and profit

Publish to your store, put some back-to-school marketing ideas to work, and leave the heavy lifting to us. Our Print Providers will manage production, packaging, and shipping. It’s that simple! 

Final thoughts

The back-to-school shopping season is a huge opportunity to profit. Parents, teachers, college students – everyone’s on the hunt for value and convenience.

Kick off your back-to-school marketing campaign early with engaging content, limited-time offers, gift-worthy products, and fun giveaways.Make the most of this season with irresistible back-to-school promotions that grow your audience now – and keep the sales rolling long after school starts.

Make it happen today!

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Don’t miss: 18 Bestselling back-to-school essentials + free designs https://printify.com/blog/back-to-school-bestsellers/ https://printify.com/blog/back-to-school-bestsellers/#comments Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:12:28 +0000 http://printify.com/?p=13170 Browse our list of back-to-school essentials and discover unique products to sell for students worldwide.

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Sell custom products with Printify

Looking to earn big this summer, but not sure what to sell? You’ve come to the right place.

From cute tees to notebooks made for jotting down info in style, these back-to-school essentials aren’t your average classroom supplies, and they’re sure to sell like crazy. Keep reading to see the must-have print-on-demand goodies that students and teachers of every grade are looking for.

Key takeaways

  • Back-to-school shopping kicks off in July, so early prep is key for online sellers.
  • Families are spending big – over $39 billion for K-12 alone – this is a golden season for selling school supplies.
  • Print-on-demand back-to-school supplies like custom tees, notebooks, and water bottles are trending products among students of all ages.
  • Printify’s Product Creator makes designing unique, custom back-to-school supplies fast, fun, and easy.
  • With the right mix of timing, products, and customization options, your store can earn straight A’s this school season.

When does back-to-school shopping begin?

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t wait until the last bell rings in summer. 55% of families already start hunting down school supplies in early July, from glue sticks to t-shirts and more. 

Why the early rush? First, they want to ensure they have all their gear before the big first day. And second, they want to save money during July sales like Amazon Prime Day – and retailers are ready with cute picks that check off every box on customers’ school supply lists. 
So if you’re selling notebooks, grade-specific tees, or sticker signs for the little ones making their school debut, now’s the time to prep your virtual shelves with personalized school supplies.

How big is back-to-school spending?

A man carries a child on his shoulders while shopping in a store with a backpack on.

Let’s talk numbers, because school season means serious spending. In 2024, US families with children in K-12 shelled out an average of $874.68 – that’s a lot of notebooks, binders, and ballpoint pens. This all added up to a whopping $38.8 billion nationwide. 

Here’s where the money’s going:

  • Electronics – $309.35 
  • Clothing and accessories – $253.29
  • Shoes – $170.43
  • School supplies (crayons, index cards, paper, pencil pouches, etc.) – $141.62

College shoppers are spending even more – an average of $1,364.75 per student, with electronics, dorm furnishings, and clothing topping their lists.
The top shopping spots? Online stores lead the way, followed by department and discount stores. For online merchants, this is prime time to optimize listings with school-related keywords and highlight back-to-school supplies on their homepage, social media, and ads.

Make it happen today!

18 Bestselling back-to-school essentials for your store

It’s time to fill your shop with trending custom back-to-school supplies that students, parents, and teachers will actually love. From elementary school must-haves to college dorm-ready gear, this list is packed with high-quality, personalized products that belong on every school supply list.

Pencil case

A person is holding a pencil case.

Custom pencil cases are a must for the new school year. With a smooth zipper and three fun colors, these pencil pouches help keep students organized. They’re eco-friendly and built to last – a smart pick for your online store’s back-to-school shopping section.

Matte canvas

Our custom matte canvas turns boring dorm walls or classroom nooks into motivational hubs for the new school year. Add quotes, colorful graphics related to an educational subject, or a vision board design. Durable, high-quality printing means this canvas holds up all year.

Youth short-sleeve tee

These comfy custom tees are an excellent canvas for kids to express themselves with style, perfect for elementary school and middle school kids. Add motivational messages, cute doodles, or let customers personalize with their own text so kids can wear their personality loud and proud.

Softcover journal (with inside prints)

Not your average notebook. These custom journals can act as planners, study guides, or secret sketchbooks. Add subject sections, inspirational note-taking prompts, or even a printed to-do list. High school and college students alike will love the inside-and-out customization.

Laptop sleeve

A laptop cover featuring a green leaf pattern.

Tech is basically another limb these days. Our custom laptop sleeves protect everything, from middle school Chromebooks to college gaming rigs. Stylish, padded, and print-ready, they’re the ideal way to keep electronics safe while flexing some serious design skills – a must-have for high school and college students heading into a busy semester.

Youth heavy blend hooded sweatshirt

Durable, cozy, and customizable, these youth hoodies are meant for cooler school mornings at the bus stop and Friday-night hangouts with friends. Add trendy graphics, fun quotes, or school spirit artwork to turn this everyday essential into a back-to-school favorite. Ideal for kids from elementary school through high school.

Stainless steel water bottle, standard lid

Reusable water bottles are ideal for students and teachers alike. They keep drinks cold during gym class or hot during early morning classes. Customize with names, mascots, or inside jokes to create school supplies that stand out. They’re reusable, stylish, and the ideal companion to lunchboxes and backpacks.

LED gaming mouse pad, wireless charging

This one’s a triple threat: study, scroll, game. Our LED gaming mouse pad features a smooth surface for note-taking or intense clicking, RGB lighting to brighten the desk, and wireless charging to keep devices juiced. It’s a win-win-win for tech-savvy students and your sales numbers. 

Kiss-cut vinyl decals

A collection of colorful space-themed cutout stickers featuring planets, stars, and rockets on a white background.

Permanent markers? Old news. Custom kiss-cut vinyl decals are the ultimate way to decorate laptops, lockers, binders, and water bottles. Let your customers stick their personality anywhere. Designed to stay vibrant through the entire school year.

Unisex casual shoulder backpack

A person with a yellow backpack stands on a set of steps.

It’s not just a backpack – it’s a mobile supply zone that helps children stay well-prepared and organized. Add custom designs so they can fill the bags with index cards, mechanical pencils, ballpoint pens, colored pencils, and yes – even those black pens that always disappear. One bag. Endless back-to-school vibes.

Youth midweight tee

This versatile tee is a wardrobe MVP. Soft enough for everyday wear and durable enough for schoolyard games, it’s ideal for custom printing school logos, funny quotes, or sibling designs. An easy win for parents checking off back-to-school supplies and looking for something kids will actually wear. 

adidas® unisex sport t-shirt

This moisture-wicking adidas® tee keeps students cool during P.E., after-school practice, or just sprinting to class with seconds to spare. Slap on a custom design, school logo, or inside joke, and boom – you’ve got a sporty-chic staple that customers can’t resist. Did we mention it’s adidas? Instant high school street cred.

Mouse pad with wrist rest

Studying just got comfier. This ergonomic mouse pad with wrist support is a must for digital learners. High-quality prints make it pop with personality, while the soft wrist rest prevents strain during long homework sessions. An essential addition to any college or high school desk setup.

Unisex heavy faded tee

Vintage vibes meet modern print quality in this heavy faded tee. Custom artwork pops on the soft-washed fabric – a great choice for school spirit wear, nostalgic designs, or trendy graphics. Add this standout piece to your back-to-school supplies collection that students, teachers, and parents will love year-round.

Kid’s jersey tank top

Designed for movement and personality, this kids’ tank top is ideal for gym class, recess, or casual days. Customize with funny phrases, team colors, or inspiring messages to create a staple that keeps kids cool and confident throughout the school year, both in and out of class.

Unisex midweight softstyle fleece crewneck sweatshirt

Sweatshirt featuring the phrase "The Art of Balance" in stylish typography on a neutral background.

Soft, warm, and made to last, this custom fleece sweatshirt belongs in every school supplies collection. It’s perfect for fall days, chilly classrooms, and showing personality with bold designs. Parents love the durability, kids love the comfort, so definitely add this to your seasonal product lineup.

Youth Joggers (AOP)

These custom youth joggers are meant for everything from P.E. class to weekend lounging. Lightweight, stretchy, and printed edge-to-edge, they’re built for movement and style. Two side pockets make them great for storing small school supplies or everyday essentials. A must-have if your target audience is high school or middle school students.

Mesh Sneakers

Step up your school supply list with mesh sneakers. Designed for active college commutes, high school halls, and after-class hangouts, these breathable kicks bring comfort, style, and print power. Add some flair to give high school students fantastic shoes they’ll wear daily.

Save time and increase sales with free back-to-school designs

No time to sketch glue sticks and doodles for spiral notebooks and other goods? We’ve got your back(pack). Our platform is loaded with free t-shirt designs – all 100% original and copyright-safe, ideal for turning any plain tee, backpack, pencil pouch, or hoodie into a bestseller.

Customize them to suit your niche, or just click, print, and sell. You’ll save time, stock your store, and help parents have a successful school shopping season.

And don’t forget to explore our ever-growing graphics library inside the Product Creator, or dive into our guide on creating your first design to learn how to create something snazzy like a pro. Merch magic is only a few clicks away.

Printify makes it easy to get an A+ in back-to-school sales

Looking to launch your own line of back-to-school supplies or just want to rock something cool this semester? Printify makes it easier than ever! With the largest Product Catalog and best prices in the game, you’ll find school-ready essentials that are as fun and functional as they are profitable – think custom notebooks, school apparel, and everyday accessories students actually want to use.

Our free Product Creator is your go-to tool for designing stand-out gear – no design degree required. Just pick your product, add your touch, and hit publish.

Now that you’re done taking notes, you’re ready to create spectacular school supplies and crush this back-to-school season!

Design your own back-to-school supplies!

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The top 20 personalized school supplies for 2025 https://printify.com/blog/personalized-school-supplies/ Wed, 02 Oct 2024 06:05:00 +0000 https://printify.com/?p=70535 A list of the top 20 personalized school supplies that are sure to get an A+ from the toughest crowd – your and your customers’ little ones.

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Sell custom products with Printify

There’s just enough time to prepare for the new school year by creating for yourself or adding personalized school supplies to your store.

Whether you want to ace the school year, add new products to your store’s current collection, or find some great gifts, we’ve got the right back-to-school supplies for you.

What are the essential back-to-school supplies?

Essential Back-To-School Supplies

Whether you enjoy back-to-school shopping or would rather get over it as quickly as possible, kids need the best supplies to start the new school year right.

Recent statistics reveal the hottest categories for students this season:

The Printify Catalog is home to over 1,000 high-quality products, including bags. Customize a backpack with kids’ favorite animals, colors, names, and more to send them to school in style.

Make your own custom school supplies today!

The top 20 custom school supplies for 2024

Set the right mood for the best school year yet with personalized school supplies.

Whether you’re a professional designer or have no artistic experience at all, our beginner-friendly Product Creator allows you to easily customize any of the following products.

1. T-shirts

An irreplaceable product in every children’s wardrobe, t-shirts have no rivals for everyday life.

Anyone can easily create awesome t-shirts for every occasion – a casual day at school, a fun-filled playdate, or a family gathering.

2. Hoodies

With a great graphic or a meaningful message, custom hoodies become a fashion statement, providing a stylish way to express one’s individuality.

As a practical necessity, they appeal to children and students alike. Whatever size, color, or style you need, we’ve got you covered.

3. Sweatshirts

When it comes to great apparel, sweatshirts are at the top of the list, stemming from their comfort and versatility. 

As the popularity of personalized school supplies continues to grow, awesomely-designed sweatshirts might be just what children need to stand out.

4. Backpacks

Whenever anyone thinks of personalized school supplies, backpacks are one of the first items that spring to mind. 

As a practical accessory, personalized backpacks make the perfect companion for children and students. They are a must for stylish back-to-school supplies.

Make your own personalized backpacks today!

5. Socks

Say hello to the exciting world of colorful patterns and original style. With one-of-a-kind designs, these everyday essentials turn into true fashion statements.

Create custom socks that provide style and comfort in every step.

6. Sneakers

As far as personalized school supplies go, custom shoes are a wallet-friendly novelty, bringing joy one pair at a time. With our timeless sneakers, you can end the era of basic shoes and create something truly unique.

7. Laptop sleeves

Laptop sleeves have become a practical necessity, protecting shiny investments from scratches, dust, and small accidents. As a product with an evergreen demand, they won’t fall out of favor anytime soon.

Today, anyone can design a custom laptop sleeve. Whatever the size, shape, or model, our products provide a snug and stylish fit to any laptop.

8. Water bottles

Water bottles have become increasingly popular, proving themselves to be one of the best back-to-school supplies children want and need.

Water bottles are perfect for students on the go, providing hydration throughout the day.

Quick tip

In addition to water bottles, design other eco-friendly products to help take care of our Earth.

Make your own water bottles today!

9. Stickers

Stickers are one of the most popular back-to-school supplies anyone can personalize. Whether it’s a cute animal or a witty phrase, they’re great for various designs.

Quick tip

If you’re on a search for a profitable eCommerce niche, consider selling stickers on Etsy. Appealing to Etsy’s audience isn’t hard with original designs..

10. Pin buttons

Synonymous with fun, pin buttons make a great addition to your collection of custom school supplies. They’re widely enjoyed by children and adults alike.

If there’s an eye-catching design close to your heart, pin buttons are the perfect canvas – wholesome in style and appealing in price.

11. Desk mats

Students can add a touch of style to their study space and create a more enjoyable learning environment with personalized desk mats.

Not only do they protect the desk from unappealing scratches and accidental spills, they improve the overall aesthetics of the whole room.

Today, anyone can take advantage of our Print Providers’ state-of-the-art printing techniques to create beautiful custom desk mats.

Make your own custom school supplies today!

12. Lunch bags

Lunch bags are a lifesaver for those who prefer preparing meals for their children themselves.

They provide a practical way of carrying meals while also adding a touch of personal style in the form of names, quotes, or illustrations.

13. AirPods case covers and wireless earbuds

Our AirPods covers safeguard your earbuds against scratches, bumps, and drops while providing the perfect canvas for any design you want.

The Essos True Wireless Earbuds – with an ergonomic design for a comfortable fit – is another great option for custom back-to-school supplies.

14. Wireless chargers

Promote a more convenient charging experience by reducing the risk of tripping, pulling on cords, and accidentally damaging smartphones. Just add an awesome design, and you’ve got a product students are sure to love and use on a daily basis.

15. Notebooks

Notebooks – personalized with names, graphics, or quotes – are a great addition to any student’s school supplies. Design personalized pencils, bags, or water bottles for a perfect complementary product.

Whether you prefer lined pages for schoolwork or blank pages for doodling, we’ve got journals and notebooks to suit every preference.

Make your own personalized back-to-school supplies today!

16. Pencil cases

If you’re after inexpensive personalized school supplies, these customizable pencil cases are an ideal choice.

Is there a better place for personalized pencils or Post-it® notes than a pencil case with beautiful graphics, names, initials, or quotes? Highly unlikely.

17. Mugs

Create personalized mugs with names, monograms, or initials so that the little ones know exactly which items are meant for them.

Personalized mugs enjoy unwavering demand and continue to bring joy to millions at an affordable price.

18. Clipboards

In the world of plain back-to-school products, custom-made school supplies – just like these clipboards – are like a breath of fresh air. 

Welcome the extraordinary and customize the clipboard to your heart’s content, creating a product everyone will love.

19. Bookmarks

If you want to create practical items that’ll easily find a place to call home, bookmarks help students to never lose their place in a book.

A practical, stylish, and civilized alternative to the dog-earing method, keeping books in pristine condition.

20. Phone cases

As an all-time bestseller, phone cases have already proved their usefulness in the everyday struggle of safeguarding these shiny investments at an affordable price.

Personalize back-to-school products with Printify

Today, anyone can make personalized back-to-school supplies. Whether for yourself or your eCommerce store, we’ve got a world of products for everyone.

When the product’s ready, we’ll swiftly print, pack, and ship it directly to your or your customer’s address.

Sign up

Sign up for a free Printify account. Get access to 900 customizable products, our easy-to-use Product Creator, and our global network of Print Providers.

Choose a product

Whether personalized backpacks, water bottles, or notebooks we’ve got high-quality custom school supplies for everyone. Simply select a product, and click Start designing.

Add your design

Our free design tool gives you endless creative freedom – add graphics, names, photos, or a combination of these to create custom school supplies children will love.

Make your own custom school supplies today!

Back-to-school spending in numbers

The top 20 personalized school supplies for [bp_year] 1

The back-to-school spending in 2023 reached an unprecedented $41.5 billion. There’s certainly a market for personalized school supplies and custom school supplies in general.

$890

The average planned back-to-school spending per person in 2023

$1.367

The average amount college students and their families planned to spend per household in 2023

Quick tip

Increase the likelihood of success with the best back-to-school marketing strategies.

Start selling custom school supplies with Printify

No upfront costs

You can start selling custom school supplies with minimal investment. No need for any inventory or storage space, because we take care of everything.

State-of-the-art quality

As a company obsessed with quality, we make sure you get the best prices on the market.

Various integrations

With our seamless integrations, you can be up and running quickly, easily selling on all major eCommerce marketplaces and platforms.

An extensive network of Print Providers

Whatever the address, we’ll swiftly print, pack, and send products straight to your or your customer’s doorstep.

Frequently asked questions

Simply sign up for a free account, design your products, and we’ll do the rest – print, package, and send them directly to your doorstep.

Design and create backpacks, notebooks, water bottles, and various other custom-made school supplies with our beginner-friendly Product Creator.

We have no order minimum, so it’s perfect for those who want to create a single or just a few items for their children and send them to school in style.

In 2024, these are going to be the most popular product categories with the highest expected spending:

This list is not exhaustive – there are plenty of other back-to-school bestsellers that can be easily personalized with our free design tool.

When preparing for school, don’t forget to pack the backpack at home with these items.

A few closing thoughts

We hope you found our A+ list of personalized school supplies for 2024 useful. While creating a product may take some time, the joy it’ll bring is worth the effort.

Whether you’re looking for new products to add to your store or a gift for your little ones, the Printify Catalog has a wealth of personalized school supplies that you can customize to your heart’s content.

Make your own custom school supplies today!

The post The top 20 personalized school supplies for 2025 appeared first on Printify.

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