Hey girl, today let’s chat about the best 1st day of school gifts for 2nd grade boys.
It is almost time for school to start again and I bet you are looking for amazing 1st day of school gifts for your 2nd grade boy. Girl, you are in luck!
As a mom of a 2nd grade boy, how did my sweet baby boy get so old, I am here to give you the best 1st day of school gifts that will get him excited for school to start.
Some of these fantastic gifts are also perfect as Christmas gifts, birthday presents, Easter basket fillers, and any other special occasion you celebrate.
Let’s jump into the best 1st day of school gifts that your kiddo will be excited to get from you.
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Best 1st Day of School Gifts
1. Water Bottle
Help him stay hydrated with an amazing spill-proof water bottle.
Go with a solid color so he can use it for many years to come.
2. Backpack
Maybe he doesn’t like the character backpack from last year or that one broke, either way, get him a new backpack.
Now that he is a little older, have him pick out a solid color or lightly printed backpack that he can use for multiple years. My oldest son is in year 7 of using his backpack, yes, the same backpack!
Save the character stuff for his t-shirts because those are much cheaper to replace.
JanSport has quality backpacks. Make sure you get one that has a water bottle holder.
3. Thermos
If you plan on having him take lunch from home any time during the school year, get him a Thermos Funtainer.
Don’t be fooled by its small size. It holds a lot of food – hot and cold. I filled it up and tried to eat all the food in it and I was so full by the end.
All 4 of my kids have one in their favorite color.
4. Lunch Bag
If he needs a new lunch bag, this is it.
It can hold quite a bit of food and has an easy-to-clean inside lining. The handles make it easy to carry.
Best of all, it is inexpensive.
5. Books
Books, books, and more books. They make great gifts.
Build him a good library mama so he will be interested in reading.
My almost 2nd grader loves to read, along with his older brothers. Here are a few books that have been fan favorites for 2nd graders that I know your son will love too.
6. Joke Books
If your son is anything like mine, he loves jokes and loves to laugh. Get him a few joke books.
Be prepared to answer all of them😊.
7. Clothes
I am sure your son has grown right out of last school year's clothes. If he didn’t, I am so jealous of your good luck!
Get him some new clothes. Target’s Cat & Jack brand is usually on sale for back-to-school. Their quality is good, true to size, and I have never had anything shrink in the wash.
He will be so excited if you find his favorite character on a shirt and it will instantly become his new favorite thing to wear.
8. Snacks
Stock up on his favorite after school snacks because girl, he will be hungry.
Amazon has great snack boxes if you are looking for a variety pack.
What do you like to keep on hand for healthy snacks? Let me know in the comments below because we are always looking for new snacks to try.
9. Stuffed Animal
You can find stuffed animals of what seems like everything these days so search for what he is into.
I like getting the small ones for my boys and those are the ones they snuggle with the most.
10. Sports Equipment
Get your son a new sports ball or 2 so he has something active to do when he gets home from school. Don’t be shy about going outside with him. He will talk your ear off telling you about his day.
Nerf Football (We have 3 of these and they are all out all the time – it is my favorite football too)
11. Stomp Rocket
Wow, have you ever seen a stomp rocket before? They are so much fun and your 2nd grade will make it a challenge to see how high he can get the rockets to go.
We have the single stomp rocket, which is okay. However, we gifted a dual stomp rocket to our friend’s kids and that thing is way better. Get the dual, you won’t be sorry.
And girl, give it a whirl. I do every time my boys have it out and it is fun for adults too.
12. Activity Books
For those rainy days after school, get him a few fun activity books. It is something to keep his brain active that doesn’t involve a screen.
There are how-to-draw books, dot-to-dot books, word searches, sticker by number, and so many others.
The ones I mentioned are the ones my kids enjoy doing the most.
13. Slime Kit
Ah, boys and slime – they can’t get enough.
Here are 2 different kits that allow him to make his own.
The Ultimate Slime Kit has everything you need already in the kit and can make glow-in-the-dark slim, regular slime, slime with beads in it, and so much more.
There is also this Galaxy Slime Kit that has everything you need and makes even makes glow in the dark slime..
He will be asking to make slime and play with it right away.
14. Science Experiment Kit
Keep his brain working after school with this science experiment kit.
I was a daycare provider for 9 years and once a week during the summer was science experiment day and that was the day all the kids looked forward to the most.
It might get messy but just let it happen, mama.
15. Knee Hockey
Whether he is into hockey or not, this knee hockey set is a blast for all boys. It will keep him active all winter long.
16. Board Games
Get him a new board game. Every board game teaches something and kids don’t even realize it since they are having fun.
Try Sorry, Trouble, or even good old Checkers.
Chess is something fun you can learn together too. My oldest son just got this book – Across The Battlefield – and it is the perfect way for kids to learn how to play chess.
Have you ever noticed that he talks way more when you play board games together?
17. Legos
There are so many fantastic Lego sets that it can be hard to choose. My boys have sets from Super Mario to Firefighters to Lego Ninjago to Star Wars and more.
But you know what, they play with the bin of loose classic Legos the most. It allows them to be the most creative. And you can never have enough of them.
So, if you go with the classic bin, get him a few base plates too. They aren’t as exciting to open but they for sure will get used!
18. Nerf Guns
There are so many Nerf guns to choose from and they are all amazing.
With 3 boys, we have so many of them. The Nerf Moto Blitz and Nerf Disruptor are the ones I try to go for when we are having a Nerf battle.
If you think he has enough Nerf guns, get him a refresh of Nerf darts.
19. Laser Tag
Here is something that he can grow with – Laser Tag. And this amazing set is built to last. It comes with 4 laser guns and vests and everything has sensors on it.
You will have just as much fun as I do watching the laser tag battles unfold, especially when they play in the dark.
My brother and his buddies still play and they are 20 now.
20. Remote Control Vehicles
Boys can't get enough of driving around remote-controlled vehicles. Our 50-something-year-old neighbor even has a pretty epic remote control indoor/outdoor car.
But I don’t want to tell you about that one because it costs hundreds of dollars. A little much of a 2nd grader if you ask me.
Instead, check this one out. It is also made for indoor/outdoor use and is very durable.
21. Pokémon
If your son is into Pokémon then get him something Pokémon!
There are Pokémon cards, The Pokémon Handbook (which is my favorite), the Pokémon Battle Academy Board Game, and so much more.
I think Pokémon is clever and engaging but I still haven’t figured out what you do with the cards besides memorize the stats on them. If you know, let me know in the comments below.
I hope your son has the best time going back to school and that you take too many pictures. The days are long but the years are short. Soak it all up while you can Mama!
This post was all about the best 1st day of school gifts for 2nd grade boys.
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How busy is your fall schedule? Let me know in the comments below. With 4 kids getting older, ours is filling up – cross country, softball, football, and martial arts to name a few.
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.