Back-to-School Gifts: Heartfelt Ideas for Kids, Teachers, and the First Day of School

Hooray, it all begins

The school cone sits in the corner, the backpack is packed, and somewhere between excitement and pride there’s that one moment: the first day of school. Whether it’s starting school, moving to a new class, or simply the return after the summer holidays, a small gift turns the day into a lasting memory.

Our designs are hand-drawn by Mrs. Panda. They’re printed and made in our workshop in Hannover. That’s exactly why they’re so well suited to the start of school: personal, practical for everyday use, and with that feeling we love to give: a joyful spirit.

For the school cone and the backpack

The best back-to-school gifts are the ones that really come along. Not just on the first day, but every morning after.

The personalized pencil case Bear with School Cone comes fully equipped with pencils, a ruler, an eraser and a sharpener. Plus the child’s own name on the design: a little bear proudly holding his school cone. If you prefer penguins, you’ll find the same back-to-school magic in the pencil case Penguin School Cone design. For fox fans there’s the pencil case Fox Schoolchild.

Matching that is the personalized desk mat Bear with School Cone. With the slogan “Hooray! School at last!” and the child’s name it instantly turns the homework spot into a favorite place. It’s non-slip, wipeable and a gift that parents, grandparents and godparents all appreciate.

For break time, two everyday heroes: the personalized photo lunchbox Bear with School Cone and the drinking bottle Bear with School Cone (420 ml with straw). Both fit in the backpack and make the first day of school feel a little braver.

Find even more for the school cone in our collection Gifts for Starting School.

A thank-you for teachers

The start of school isn’t just a big day for children. Teachers often begin with new classes, new schedules and a school year full of little people they’re helping to grow. That’s exactly what our slogan says, and it hits the tone many parents are looking for: warm, straightforward, without being kitschy.

The tote bag “Teachers make little people great.” fits right into everyday school life. Books, marking, shopping — everything fits inside. Available in Sky Blue, Pastel Brown or Black, made in Hannover, and a gift that won’t end up in a drawer.

Pair it with the Deluxe Card “Teachers Are Amazing”: square, with an envelope and a matte interior for writing. Or the mug “Teachers Are Amazing” for the staff room. If you want it personalized with a name, choose the personalized “German Teacher” mug.

This works just as well for the start of term as for Teacher Appreciation Day, farewells or simply when a class wants to say thank you. The whole selection: Handmade Teacher Gifts.

Why personalization makes the difference

A name on the pencil case, a custom line on the desk mat, a handwritten note inside the card: that’s the moment when a lovely product becomes a gift. You show that you paid attention. And the child, the teacher, the godparent notices immediately.

Many of our school items can be personalized with a name or a short phrase. We check spelling and layout before the piece is produced in the workshop. It’s usually ready to ship from Hannover within 48 hours. That’s the start of the journey, not the doorstep delivery. DHL needs time after that, and the start of school is a busy period: so order a few days earlier to make sure the gift arrives in time for the first day of school.

Small gifts that are well received

Not every back-to-school gift has to be big. Sometimes a card is enough. Sometimes the lunchbox. Sometimes a set of pencil case and desk mat that completes the desk.

A few tried-and-true combinations:

• For starting school: personalized pencil case plus desk mat, name on both.
• For the favorite teacher: tote bag plus deluxe card, with a few lines from the class.
• For grandparents who want to give a gift: photo lunchbox or drinking bottle, plus a card the child has drawn.

And if you can’t decide between designs: bear, penguin, fox. One of them is almost always “the one animal” your little one currently loves.

In time for the first day of school

Take your time browsing our Back-to-School Gifts for First Graders, pick the design that shines, and let us do the rest. Made in Hannover, shipped from the workshop, and with exactly the kind of spirit that makes the first day of school so special.

Whether it’s the school cone, the teachers’ lounge or the desk at home: a thoughtful gift says what matters on that day. You’ve got this. We’re proud of you. And: Hooray, school at last.