Make this year their best one yet with original and personalized finds beloved by shoppers around the world.
Whether you’re the parent of a kindergartner or the daughter of a teacher, back-to-school shopping offers a unique kind of joy: the excitement of a new beginning and the fun of picking out gear for the adventure that awaits. And while your list of must-have items might not vary too much year after year (hello again, pencil cases!), when you shop on Etsy, the pieces you'll find are anything but predictable. Notepads? We’ve got some that can be personalized. Lunch bags? Meet Mr. Little Bread Slice, your kiddo's new best friend.
To help jump-start your annual supplies scavenger hunt, today we’re sharing back-to-school buyer faves that have already passed the proverbial test. But don't take our word for it! Scroll on to read real shoppers' rave reviews and discover why these under $50 finds* are topping the lists of discerning back-to-school shoppers everywhere.
1. A set of customized crayons
SHOP: Custom crayons from art2theextreme, $20
Add a lot more color into the new school year with these beautiful crayons. Not only are they great for uninhibited creative expression, they also come customized in their name. The perfect back-to-school present for those who are (or will be) learning how to spell! Take this happy buyer's word for it: "Great little gift for the kids. They loved it and started coloring immediately! Quality and packaging was great! Would definitely purchase again."
2. A personalized back-to-school shirt
SHOP: Back-to-school shirt from Double Joy Designs, $20
The first day of school will be even more exciting in this custom T-shirt with their name printed on it. Let the kids make a style statement and, at the same time, help the new teachers out a bit with keeping all the names straight. "I ordered two of these for my twin daughters' back to school first day outfits," shared one contented parent. "They came out so cute and their new teachers were able to tell them apart! I call it a win!"
3. Corduroy fabric letters
SHOP: Corduroy fabric letters from ButtonsandBells1, $24
For little ones who are just starting to learn the alphabet, these corduroy cuties are the perfect way to celebrate their new school journey. Available in 15 different colors, you can choose to gift their initials, their whole name, or their favorite word to make it even more special. A repeat buyer shared, "This is my third letter from Danielle and she never disappoints. The quality is amazing and it arrived on time and beautifully wrapped. I even messaged her a few days after I ordered asking for a slight adjustment to my letter and she said it was no problem. Amazing customer service, highly recommend."
4. A dino-mite backpack
SHOP: Sidekick backpack from Multiple Monograms, $40
Can’t think about a new school year without a cool new backpack! This one is cute and colorful, with cushioned adjustable straps and two handy side pockets. From airplanes and ladybugs to unicorns and mermaids, pick from a range of fun designs to match their obsession of the moment—though we have to admit we're partial to the dino. "Great backpack for a preschooler. The quality of the bag and stitching are perfect," shared a recent customer.
5. Mr. Little Bread Slice lunchbox
SHOP: Fabric lunch bag from Champu Chinito, $23
Say goodbye to boring lunch bags with this personality-packed satchel! Made with thermal fabric and shaped like a slice of bread, it’s going to be a hit with any PB and J–loving kid. One buyer shared the most heartwarming review: "Cutest lunchbox in the whole school! My son named him Toasty and takes him everywhere!"
6. A personalized lanyard for teachers
SHOP: Teacher lanyard from bythegraces, $27
Make the best first (or returning) impression on their teacher with a thoughtful present. This lanyard can be personalized with the teacher's name and is ideal for their keys or ID badge. The rainbow colors also make it fit right into a cheerful classroom! A satisfied parent shared, "I absolutely love this lanyard! My son‘s teacher was so impressed. The seller pays attention to details and the box and packaging were so cute I couldn’t wait to open it."
7. A sign for the first day of school
SHOP: First day of school sign from Dear Scout Co, $25
The chaos of the first day is inevitable. But you can’t let the kiddos leave without a picture to mark the special day! This wooden pennant will not only be a great prop for the photo but can also serve as bedroom decor for the rest of the year. Words from a repeat customer: "I love to buy these each year for back to school pictures and use them for the last day of that grade. They’re perfect and the owner of the shop is quick to respond and quick to get these shipped out!"
8. A set of personalized erasers
SHOP: Personalized erasers from Southern Miss Design, $7
Smaller supplies are just that much easier to misplace—but not these erasers! The set of three comes laser engraved with the name of your choosing. Here’s proof, in a buyer’s own words, of how much joy these will bring: "So cute! My 1st grade daughter loved them! She will probably request to have them every school year now! Perfect addition to her pencil case!"
9. A crewneck sweatshirt
SHOP: Crewneck sweatshirt from Floss and Fable, $25
Whether your youngest is supporting their siblings at school games or just in the mood to show some school spirit, this crewneck will keep them feeling warm and comfy while they do it. Pick from 11 color and six size options, and have their initial embroidered in the thread color of your choice. Need more customization? Drop a message to the seller to discuss your options! "We couldn’t find a school sweatshirt in my grandson’s size for our local high school games,” wrote a satisfied buyer. “I’m so happy with this sweatshirt and he looks adorable in it."
10. A DIY gift card holder
SHOP: Gift card holder from Paper Built Shop, $6
A small personal touch goes a long way. If you’re hoping to start the new school year with gift cards (Etsy has great ones!) or small treats for the teachers, choose this creative, original idea for packaging them. This DIY pencil-shaped box comes pre-cut and pre-creased, and doesn't need any glue for assembling. You can even pen(cil) down a sweet note on the notebook-style favor tags that come along with it. Take this recent buyer’s word for it: "These were so cute and easy to put together. They were the perfect size to give my kids teachers candy, a gift card, and a little thank you note. Thank you!"
11. A pencil case with personality
SHOP: Pencil case from Tombella Designs, $7
Stationery lovers know the excitement of putting together a new pencil case. And it’s not all about what goes inside it either. This pencil case is made from cotton canvas, and comes in 10 colors and even more designs. Better yet, the design of your choice can be personalized with a name on the front to make it one of a kind. “Bright colors, I ordered two and my kids love them! Thanks very much again,” said an excited parent.
12. A 'Be Kind' pin badge
SHOP: Be Kind pin badge from daniwhitedesign, $11
A reminder to be kind is a welcome addition for any big first day—of school or otherwise—and these on-trend enamel pins deliver a wearable rallying cry for kids and adults alike. "Fantastic pin that looks great on my lanyard at work, a great reminder for my students and I to be kind," shared a teacher about their purchase.
13. Tumbler name tag
SHOP: Tumbler name tag from Sprout and Sparkles, $24
Tumblers are all the rage among every age group now and here’s a small way to elevate yours. This nameplate goes onto the lid, not only making a style statement but also ensuring it can find its way back to you in case you misplace it. "Awesome service and the nameplate was perfect for my granddaughter’s cup,” shared a happy nana. “She was one happy little girl."
14. Teacher stamp set
SHOP: Teacher stamp set from Moa Stamps, $14
Gold stars but make them personalized? Etsy seller Moa Stamps sure got the memo. Whether you’re a teacher looking to encourage your kids or the parent of a student looking for an appropriate teacher gift, this stamp set is bound to bring a lot of joy into the classroom. An excited teacher recently shared, "These are adorable and work great! I can’t wait to use with my students."
15. Name stickers
SHOP: Name sticker from Peachblossomds, from $6
Is your little one’s backpack a little bit lighter when they come back from school sometimes? Don’t worry, they’ll love to take care of their things when they’re all labeled with these lovely name stickers. One satisfied mom shared, "Super cute stickers! My girls love them for their water bottles."
16. Custom notepads
SHOP: Custom notepads from joycreativeshop, $24
Everything is a little bit cuter when it’s personalized, isn’t it? Make taking notes a super fun experience with these custom notepads. Both teachers and students would look forward to classes with these in their backpack. In a satisfied buyer’s own words, "These turned out so cute! My daughter loves her personalized notepad!"
17. An embroidered hat
SHOP: Blue embroidered hat from Wild And Free Kids Hats, $22
If you’re looking for your kids to be able to express their personality at school, the snapback hat might be just what they need. Made from cotton, it’s embroidered with snowy mountain caps and the words “Wild & Free”. The adjustable closure will make sure they’re able to use it for a couple of years at least. One excited parent shared, “Love, love, love. Perfect for my almost-5-year-old. Thank you so much!”
Plus: shop the back-to-school trends coming to classrooms everywhere this fall!
Charms
SHOP: Personalized dinosaur keychain from Libelle Studio Co, $9
Individuality is key this year, and charms are a surefire way to stand out amongst the crowd. Whether adorning backpacks, cups, or keychains, these eye-catching accessories allow students to express their unique style. The small dinosaur details make this one a must-have.
Prep revival
SHOP: Hand-knitted vest from sonjablum, $44
Nostalgia meets contemporary style in the prep revival trend. This trend brings a modern twist to timeless preppy aesthetics, making it a hit amongst fashion-forward students. This hand-knitted vest is the the perfect way into this trend, and you can pick from three different colors—or even all three if you're really committed!
Book club essentials
SHOP: Bookmark with purple tassel from alumandink, $6
As book clubs gain popularity, essentials such as beautifully designed bookmarks that celebrate the joy of reading are increasingly on the rise. This sweet bookstack bookmark not only makse reading more enjoyable for kids—it also guarantees they'll never lose their place.
* Pricing excludes tax and shipping. Offer subject to change by sellers. See individual shops for terms and up-to-date pricing.
