Hey girl, today let's chat about the best back to school gift ideas for kids in kindergarten through 6th grade.
Holy smokes summer went by in a flash, again, and if you are anything like me you are gearing up to get your kids ready to go back to school.
As a mom of 4 myself, my oldest is in 6th grade and my youngest is going into kindergarten, I want them to feel all the love and support I can give them and pump them up with these back to school gift ideas.
You are going to read all about some amazing back to school gift ideas like school essentials, ways to relax after school, fun homework supplies, and so much more.
After hearing about all of these fabulous back to school gift ideas, I know you will be able to find the perfect gift for your kiddo.
Let's jump into the best back to school gift ideas that every kiddo kindergarten through 6th grade is going to go nuts over.
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Best Back to School Gift Ideas
Back To School Gift Ideas
School Supplies
1. Backpack
Every student needs a backpack, so why not make it special and give it as a gift.
This backpack brand is stellar. Make sure you get one with a water bottle pouch.
Now, I am a big believer in getting a nice backpack that can span multiple years. So far, I have had to buy only 1 backpack for each of my older 3 kiddos.
I didn’t let them pick any character prints that they could grow out of. We save that for t-shirts, much cheaper!
2. Lunch Bag
If your child is planning on taking a lunch ever, let him pick out a lunch bag.
This lunch bag is big enough for every he may need for lunch and has ice packs built into it.
You just have to toss it in the freeze the night before and it will keep food cold all day long.
We went with the same rule of thumb here, no character lunch bags.
3. Water Bottle
Oh man, we have gone through some water bottles before finally finding this one.
I love how durable it is, since I know they have been dropped multiple times.
4. Thermos
This 10 oz thermos is worth the money!
My older 3 kids each have one and my soon-to-be kindergartener is getting one as well.
It holds way more than enough food for lunch.
And if you follow the directions properly, it will keep the food hot or cold until your kiddo is ready to eat.
5. Pencil Bag
Maybe your kiddo needs a pencil bag. Wow, there are so many to choose from.
I find that this see-through bag is amazing. It travels easily when they need to bring it back and forth to school.
My kids like how they can see what they need from the outside of it.
But if it is just for home, this monster bag is hilarious. My daughter got it as a gift a few years ago and it has been working great for her gel pens.
Back To School Gift Ideas
Homework Supplies
Ugh, homework time! Can you hear the groans already? I know I can.
But you can help make homework a little more fun with these items.
6. Erasers
Sometimes I feel like my kids make mistakes just so they can use these fun erasers.
6 come in a pack so you are going to only get a “girl one” or a “boy one”.
They do a fine job of erasing at the house but my kids never take them to school. I think they would be distracted by them.
7. Flash Cards
As fun as it may be, or not be, learning math fact fluency is necessary.
This brand of flashcards does the trick, and you guys, they are cheap.
8. Crayola Back to School Supplies
I am sure your K – 6th grader is going to come home and have to work on some kind of project, whether it is art or not.
This Crayola back to school supplies set has everything you need to help with that.
I have tried other brands of school supplies and I can’t find anything that compares with Crayola.
You get what you pay for, I guess.
9. LCD Writing Tablet
This LCD writing tablet is absolutely amazing! Electronic scratch paper.
It is a great tool for homework or just drawing. Your kiddo is going to love it.
It is thin and lightweight with magnets on the back. All 4 of my kids have one and they keep them right on the fridge.
Back To School Gift Ideas
Inside After School
10. Snacks
Are you new to sending your kiddo off to school? Then get ready, he will be hungry when he gets home.
I am always shocked at how much my kids eat after school. Usually, I have healthy options ready for them but…
As a back-to-school treat, this snack box is fun.
11. Books
Giving books as gifts is huge!
Reading is so important to everyone, but especially this age group. This is where they develop the habits of being lifelong readers.
With so many screen options around it is easy to skip, but don’t!
If you say, my kiddo isn’t a reader, I am not sure you have found the right kind of books for him. Talk to your public librarian and discover your options.
My daughter loves chapter books and one of my boys loves graphic novels.
These are some of my kids’ favorite books by age, and they are highly rated on Amazon.
Let me know in the comments below what books are a hit at your house. We are always on the hunt for the next great book!
Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade and 6th Grade
12. Games
Playing games can be a great way to pass the time after school and your kids are learning something as they play too. It could be counting, strategy, STEM, good sportsmanship, and so much more.
We love playing all of these games. And there are so many more out there to choose from.
Let me know in the comments below what board games you like to play with your kids. We are always looking to add to our collection.
I always stop what I am doing to play games with my kids. They seem to open up about their day and I learn so much information.
13. Art Supplies
Another great option for some after school fun is to get creative with art.
I do home daycare so we have way more art supplies around than the normal house but these are the art supplies that are brought out more than the rest with all of my kids.
It is very relaxing for me to join in as well.
Back To School Gift Ideas
Outside After School
I send my kids outside every day the weather allows. They need time to burn off all that bottled-up energy from being "still and having to pay close attention" at school.
And it is just healthy to get moving and grooving!14. Playset
If your youngest kiddo is above 3rd grade, I would skip this. You won’t get the biggest bang for your buck.
However, if they are in 3rd grade or younger, I would highly recommend it this playset.
Your kiddos will spend hours crawling all over it.
Make sure you get the one with swings! My daughter is going into 6th grade and she, along with her friends, loves the swings.
15. Walkie Talkies
I haven't found anyone yet who doesn't like playing with walkie-talkies, and I am not just talking about kids here.
My boys gravitate to these more than my daughter but she does use them.
16. Ball Games
Any one of these ball games will get your kids on the move. Try and keep up!
With having daycare at our house, these toys are put through the wringer and still look amazing.
Don’t be afraid to join in and get some exercise too. I am more than happy to get some movement with them.
Football Gear
Baseball Gear
Basketball Gear
17. Sidewalk Chalk
This is our favorite sidewalk chalk and it is a great gift option for the younger school-age kids, but I have seen my older kids use it plenty.
My older kiddos love to make chalk obstacle courses – stop here and do your favorite dance move or hopscotch through this section. I like seeing what they come up with because no 2 courses are the same.
Your kiddo will be able to get super creative while enjoying being outside.18. Bike
Last but certainly not least, a great bike. What a great way to burn off some energy!
With my younger kids, we mostly go up and down our street but the older ones get to venture further.
Remember to stress biking safely – wear a helmet and watch for cars. After school the volume of traffic increases!Happy back to school for you and your kiddo. I hope you both have a wonderful school year.
This post was all about the best back to school gift ideas for kindergarten through 6th grade.
What is back to school like at your house? The build-up for my kids can get pretty tense sometimes.
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.