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The first day of school is filled with excitement, a few jitters, and the promise of a fresh start. Whether you’re sending your kiddos off to meet their new teacher or you’re a teacher getting ready to welcome a brand new class, there’s something special about kicking off the year with a thoughtful little gift. These small gestures can go a long way in building positive connections right from the start. And the best part? They don’t have to break the bank!
Why Bring a Gift on the First Day?
Giving a small gift to your child’s teacher is a simple way to express appreciation for the hard work they put into preparing for the school year. It’s also a great way for teachers to greet their new students with a warm welcome. These gifts don’t have to be elaborate or expensive. With a little creativity and some help from back-to-school sales, you can create practical and memorable gifts that both teachers and students will love.
Budget-Friendly Gifts Made Easy
The key to keeping these gifts budget-friendly is to take advantage of back-to-school sales on common school supplies. You can turn simple items like pencils, crayons, or notebooks into fun and practical gifts by adding a little something extra—a cute printable tag!
I’ve created a collection of premium printables that make it super easy to add a special touch to these gifts. These digital files are available in my Etsy shop, and they can be downloaded instantly after purchase. The printables are in easy-to-open PDF format, so all you need to do is print them out and attach them to your chosen gift!
Here are some fun and easy gift ideas that you can create using these printables:
1. “There’s ‘Muffin’ Better Than a Great Teacher!” Tags
Pair this sweet printable with a delicious muffin. It’s a simple yet thoughtful way to start the day and let the teacher know how much they’re appreciated from the very beginning.
2. “A Great Teacher is the TREASURE at the End of a RAINBOW”
Add a small snack-size bag of Skittles candy to this vibrant printable, and you’ve got a colorful and fun gift. There’s also a student version of this printable that teachers can use to gift their new students—a perfect way to sweeten up the first day!
3. “Here’s to a BRIGHT Year!”
Brighten up the start of the school year with this printable attached to a pack of highlighter markers. It’s a practical gift that teachers and students will both find useful. This tag comes in 2 sizes. This tag comes in 2 sizes.
4. “Make Your MARK on a Great Year!”
This printable pairs perfectly with markers, encouraging creativity and a positive start to the school year. It’s a great way to remind teachers and students alike that they have the power to make their mark this year. This tag comes in 2 sizes.
5. “This Year is MEASURING UP to Be a Great One!”
A simple ruler can be transformed into a thoughtful gift when paired with this printable. It’s a reminder that every inch of progress counts, and it’s sure to bring a smile to the recipient’s face. This tag comes in 2 sizes.
6. “Let’s WRITE a New CHAPTER Together!”
Attach this printable to a notebook, and you’ve got a gift that’s not only practical but also symbolic of the new experiences and learning that the school year will bring. This tag comes in 2 sizes.
7. “Let’s COLOR the Year with New Adventures!”
Pair this printable with a pack of crayons to create a gift that’s both fun and inspiring. It’s a great way to encourage students to be creative and think outside the box. This tag comes in 2 sizes.
8. “Kicking Off the Year on the WRITE Foot!”
Add this printable to a pack of pencils, and you’ve got a classic back-to-school gift that’s always appreciated. It’s simple, practical, and perfect for setting the tone for a successful school year. This tag comes in 2 sizes.
9. “Let’s STICK Together for a Great Year!”
Pair this printable with a glue stick or bottle of glue to create a gift that’s as useful as it is punny. It’s a fun way to remind students and teachers that they’re in this together! This tag comes in 2 sizes.
Ready to Get Started?
All of these printables and more are available in my Etsy shop. They’re designed to make it easy for you to create thoughtful, budget-friendly gifts that will make a big impact on the first day of school. Plus, with the convenience of instant download, you can have them ready in no time!
Head over to my Etsy shop to check out the full collection and get started on making this school year the best one yet!
