Back to school party favors are a great way to add extra excitement to the start of a new school year. After a long break, students look forward to meeting friends and starting fresh with new goals. Party favors make this celebration more fun and memorable. They are small gifts that show care and make students feel special. These favors can also motivate and encourage students by reminding them that learning is exciting and rewarding. Giving out party favors helps create a positive and happy start to the school year for everyone.
Back to School Party Favors
Back to School Party Favors are fun little gifts that make the first day extra special. They help students feel excited and ready for a great school year ahead!
Custom Pencil Cases
Custom pencil cases are a perfect party favor to keep school supplies organized and stylish. Students love having their own space for pens, pencils, and erasers. You can personalize these cases with names or fun designs to make them unique. These help kids stay ready and motivated for school work.
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Choose colorful and durable pencil cases
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Add stickers or patches for personalization
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Fill with basic supplies like pencils, erasers, and sharpeners
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Use themed cases matching the party’s color or school mascot
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Encourage students to decorate them with markers or charms
Mini Notebooks
Mini notebooks are handy for quick notes or doodles during school. They are small, easy to carry, and useful for every student. You can find notebooks with fun covers or customize your own. These are thoughtful favors that kids will appreciate and use daily.
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Pick notebooks with bright or fun covers
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Include a motivational quote inside the front cover
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Match colors to the school or party theme
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Add a pen or pencil with the notebook
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Wrap with a ribbon or place inside a cute bag
Personalized Water Bottles
Water bottles are practical and keep students hydrated throughout the day. Personalized bottles with names or favorite colors add a special touch. They encourage healthy habits and reduce plastic waste by avoiding disposable bottles.
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Choose BPA-free and easy-to-clean bottles
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Use stickers or permanent markers for names
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Pick bottles with fun shapes or characters
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Include a small carabiner to clip on backpacks
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Add a note about drinking water often for health
Motivational Bookmarks
Bookmarks with positive messages inspire students while they read. They are simple, lightweight, and perfect for all ages. You can print or hand-make bookmarks with fun designs and encouraging words. These remind students that learning is exciting and rewarding.
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Use bright colors and fun shapes
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Write short positive messages or quotes
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Laminate bookmarks for durability
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Add tassels or ribbons for decoration
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Include a space for students to write their name
Healthy Snack Packs
Healthy snack packs are tasty and good for energy during school. Small bags with nuts, dried fruits, or granola bars show care for students’ well-being. You can decorate the packs with school-themed stickers or tags. These favors keep kids happy and focused in class.
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Choose allergy-friendly snacks when possible
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Use clear bags tied with colorful ribbons
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Add a small note about healthy eating
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Include a mix of sweet and salty treats
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Label snacks clearly to avoid confusion
Fun Erasers
Fun erasers come in many shapes and colors and make schoolwork more enjoyable. They are inexpensive and easy to include in party favor bags. Kids love collecting and using cute erasers that stand out from the usual ones.
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Select erasers shaped like animals, food, or school items
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Buy in bulk to save money
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Include a few in each favor bag for variety
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Combine with matching pencils or sharpeners
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Encourage kids to trade erasers with friends
Colorful Highlighters
Highlighters help students mark important notes and stay organized. Bright colors add fun to studying and homework. Including a set of highlighters in party favors is practical and encourages good study habits.
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Pick sets with multiple bright colors
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Choose non-toxic, student-safe brands
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Package in small pouches or cases
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Add a tip sheet on how to highlight effectively
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Match colors to school or party theme
DIY Craft Kits
DIY craft kits let kids be creative and have fun after school. Kits can include simple supplies like beads, stickers, and paper. These favors encourage creativity and make for a great activity to share with friends or family.
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Include easy-to-follow instructions
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Use safe and age-appropriate materials
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Package all supplies neatly in a small box or bag
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Choose crafts that match the party’s theme or season
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Encourage kids to show their creations at school
Mini Planners
Mini planners help students organize homework and activities. They are small and easy to carry in backpacks. Personalized planners can make the start of school more exciting and help kids build good habits.
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Pick planners with fun designs and bright colors
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Include stickers or stamps for marking important dates
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Add a section for goals or notes
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Include a pen or pencil with each planner
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Encourage students to personalize their planners
Stress Balls
Stress balls are fun and help relieve tension during busy school days. They come in many shapes and colors and make a playful party favor. Giving stress balls shows students that it’s okay to take breaks and relax.
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Choose soft and safe materials
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Pick shapes related to school or sports
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Package with a small note about stress relief
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Combine with breathing or relaxation tips
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Encourage sharing and trading among friends
Personalized Name Tags
Name tags help kids feel special and make new friends easily. Personalized tags can be attached to backpacks or lunch boxes. They are practical and add a personal touch to school gear.
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Use durable materials like plastic or laminated paper
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Include fun fonts and colors
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Add a clip or string for easy attachment
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Include space for emergency contact info if needed
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Encourage kids to decorate their tags
Small Whiteboards
Small whiteboards are great for practicing math or writing at home. They are reusable and eco-friendly. Including a whiteboard in party favors encourages learning and fun outside the classroom.
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Choose lightweight and durable boards
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Include a small dry erase marker and eraser
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Use boards with fun borders or designs
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Add simple practice sheets or tips
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Encourage sharing with family members
Character-Themed Stickers
Stickers with popular characters or school themes are always a hit. Kids can decorate notebooks, laptops, or lockers. Stickers are inexpensive and add personality to everyday school items.
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Pick stickers kids love (cartoons, animals, sports)
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Use waterproof and durable stickers
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Include sheets with a variety of designs
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Encourage creativity by decorating personal items
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Package sheets in clear envelopes or small folders
Reusable Snack Bags
Reusable snack bags are eco-friendly and great for carrying lunch or snacks. They come in many designs and sizes. Giving reusable bags teaches kids about caring for the environment.
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Choose washable, food-safe materials
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Pick fun colors or patterns
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Include a small snack or note inside
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Encourage kids to use bags daily
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Combine with a reusable water bottle
Fun Keychains
Keychains are small and fun favors that kids can attach to backpacks or pencil cases. They come in many shapes and styles and make great keepsakes. Personalized or themed keychains add a special touch.
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Choose durable materials like rubber or metal
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Pick designs that match the party theme
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Personalize with names or initials
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Include a small charm or tag
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Encourage kids to trade keychains with friends
Tips for Distributing Party Favors
Giving out party favors is a special moment that can make students feel happy and appreciated. How and when you give these favors can make a big difference in how much students enjoy them. Here are some helpful tips to make sure your party favors are shared in the best way.
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Best time to hand them out: Give party favors during the welcome party or on the first day of school to make students feel excited and included right from the start.
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Personalizing distribution for each student: Try to give favors with each student’s name or something special just for them. This makes each student feel unique and cared for.
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Including a small note or motivational message: Add a short, kind note or a motivational message with each favor to encourage students and make them smile.
Following these tips will help your party favors bring joy and positive energy to the new school year!
FAQ
What are back to school party favors?
They are small gifts given to students to celebrate the start of a new school year. They can be useful school supplies, fun toys, or snacks.
When is the best time to give party favors?
The best time is during a welcome party, the first day of school, or a back to school event to make students feel excited and welcomed.
How do I choose the right party favors?
Think about the age of the students, your budget, and what is useful or fun for them at school. Personalizing favors also makes them special.

Hi, I’m Victoria, an art and craft teacher at Newark City Schools, where I have the joy of working with middle school students to help them explore their creativity and develop their artistic talents. I believe that art is a powerful way for students to express themselves, and I strive to make every lesson a fun, engaging, and inspiring experience.
I created this website to share the art and craft projects, techniques, and resources that I use in my classroom, hoping to inspire both educators and young artists alike. Whether you’re a teacher looking for new ideas or a student eager to try something new, I’m excited to provide creative tools and projects that anyone can enjoy.
When I’m not in the classroom, I love experimenting with different art forms and learning new crafting techniques. My goal is to help others discover the joy of making things with their hands, and I hope my website serves as a space for everyone to explore their creative potential.