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?
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
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
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
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
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
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!
