7 Back-to-school gift ideas this fall

Getting ready for the new school year? Whether you're a parent, teacher, or cool auntie, choosing the right back-to-school gift can make that first day extra special. From personalized pencil cases to creative DIY kits, the right gift brings joy, eases nerves, and adds excitement to the school routine. And for crafters? This is your season to shine.

Let’s dive into a world of colorful crayons, adorable bags, and hands-on projects designed to help kids (and students of all ages) start the school year with a smile.

1. DIY air-dry clay kits for students and teachers

Let’s start with a back-to-school gift that fuels creativity. Air-dry clay is perfect for both kids and teachers. Students can create their own classroom name tags, sculpt pencil holders, or even design a funky room decoration. Teachers can use them for first-week craft activities to break the ice. Best of all, with air-dry clay, firing is not needed!

It’s such a fun and versatile material that creates unique and functional gifts for friends and family. Check out the all-inclusive air-dry clay pottery kit, where you’ll not only have the clay, but also the tools to work with it.

2. Personalized pencil holder 

Why settle for a regular pencil holder when you can create one from scratch? With a bit of clay, paint, and imagination, kids can create and personalize their own pencil holder using air-dry clay. It’s a fun, hands-on project that yields something truly unique, adding a little excitement to school days.

Pair it with colourful crayons or name tags to make it extra special. It's one of those school gifts that adds a personal touch and gets used every single day.

3. Lunch box labels

Make lunchtime more exciting with handmade name tags or food labels crafted from clay. Use polymer clay to sculpt fun shapes, initials, or favorite characters. These are great for clipping onto stylish lunch boxes or school backpacks, making your child’s things stand out in a sea of similar styles. Plus, it’s a fun bonding activity to enjoy before the first day arrives.

4. Adorable backpack charms

Every child wants to stand out with their new school backpacks. Help them customize theirs with handmade backpack charms. Think mini rainbows, stars, smiley faces. Whatever your child loves, they can create it using polymer clay and a variety of colors. This small but stylish touch adds excitement to the daily routine and brings personality to their bag.

These charms can also be used to mark other items, such as water bottles, notebooks, or even clothing. It’s a gift that’s as cool as it's practical. 

5. Custom desk organizer

This is an extension to the pencil holder. Nothing says success in a new school year more than a tidy desk. A desk organizer can be shaped to hold pens, crayons, and sticky notes. It's fun to make and extremely functional. This one is also great for the teacher’s desk—who wouldn’t want a custom organizer made by a thoughtful student?

6. Teacher appreciation gift: handmade magnets

Show your child’s teacher some love on the first day with handmade magnets. Easy to create using clay and some paint, they make for great gifts that are both practical and thoughtful.

Stick a few in a box with a thank-you note, and your child is guaranteed to make a memorable first impression.

7. Custom keychains for students

For older students who carry locker keys or swipe cards, clay keychains make a stylish and useful back-to-school gift. It’s also a sneaky way to make sure they don’t lose their keys (again).

Make this school year unforgettable

Whether you’re shopping for a teacher, a student, or your own child, these back-to-school gifts bring joy, creativity, and a whole lot of fun to the first day of school. Pottd’s air-dry clay kits make it easy to personalize every gift—no kiln needed, just imagination.

Explore the full range today and create school gifts your child (and their classmates) will remember all year long.