11 Awesome Back To School Gifts To Buy Now

There has never been a year where the first day of going back to school has had so much anticipation around it. If the return of in-person classes and traditional school and college experiences are not enough reason to celebrate, we don’t know what is. Bring on the back to school goodie bags, college dorm checklists, and cool back to school gifts—we’re more prepared to start off the semester than ever before.

Creative First Day Of School Gifts

1. Postmates Gift Card

Let’s face it, a busy college student won’t make enough time to cook every day unless it’s ramen. To simplify the process, get the uni student in your life a Postmates Gift Card. This is a perfectly practical back to school gift for college students because they’re going to be ordering takeout anyway. So, ease the financial burden and gift the opportunity of having an actual meal a few times throughout the semester—you know the alternative dinner won’t be as great.

2. Baggu Bags

Baggu is a San Francisco-based company making fun and sustainable goodies for everyday use. Their popular reusable totes are super versatile—they’re about to be your next favorite purchase, especially if you’re going off to college. Affordable and adjustable, these back to school gifts for students can be used as grocery bags, laundry bags, and everyday carryall totes. We recommend going for the standard pack of three bags for just $36. P.S. Did we mention that the bags are machine washable?

3. LunchBots Bento Box

A good quality lunch box is an appropriate back to school gift idea for students of any age. Coming in a variety of sizes, colors, and portion compartments, LunchBots offers durable bento boxes that are built to withstand. Other school-friendly items to check out from the company include thermoses, dip containers, and salad bowls—these are all great additions to a back to school gift basket.

4. Klean Kanteen Water Bottle

Every other person you see at a college or school has a water bottle or tumbler in hand, and that's why they make the perfect first day of school gifts for students. Klean Kanteen, based out of Chico, makes high-quality and environmentally responsible products a student will use for years to come. These bottles belong in every back to school goodie bag for students—they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. Feeling overwhelmed with all the choices? Opt for the 12-ounce insulated classic, a surefire bet.

5. Apple Airpods Pro

Apple's AirPods have set the standard for true wireless earbuds. The classic AirPods are a common sight, but the AirPods Pro stands out as the top-tier model. They deliver balanced audio and effective noise cancellation that's perfect for tuning out distractions—like a roommate gaming into the wee hours. To elevate this as a back-to-school gift, consider personalizing the AirPod case online at no extra charge. You can add initials, emojis, or a special date for a touch of personal flair. The possibilities for customization are vast and fun.

6. Fitbit Charge 4

Have a student in your life that sits on their butt just a tad bit too much every day? Add a Fitbit Charge 4 to their back to school care package for a little workout motivation. The super-advanced fitness tracker is outfitted with GPS, sleep tracking, and even Spotify support, letting you shuffle between Kendrick and Beyoncé without even needing to pull out your phone. Coming in four sleek color options, the Charge 4 has a battery that lasts a whole week and looks pretty dope on your wrist. 

7. Sonos Roam Speaker

Bluetooth speakers are most definitely back to school essentials. The Sonos Roam is pint-sized, but boy does it deliver when it comes to sound quality. With WiFi, voice control, up to 10 hours of battery life, and high drop resistance, this portable speaker is a best friend to a student on the go—anyone would be happy to see it in their back to school goodie bag.

8. Retrospec Harper Fixie Bike

Getting to and from school and moving around a college campus can be a real hassle. Take that stress away for a student in your life and give them a trusty bike to substitute all their commute problems. Retrospec’s Harper Fixie Bike is a super sleek and easy to maintain option—it’s practically the perfect back to school gift and eco-friendly means of transportation. The California-based company also sells great longboards and skateboards, and, if you’re willing to splurge, high-quality electric bikes. 

9. Poketo Stationery Set

Poketo is a super cool Asian-owned business selling design-conscious goods to cultivate a creative lifestyle. Have a creative student in your life? The brand’s stationery sets are practically ready-made back to school gift baskets designed with students in mind. The Artists set for the left-brained students, and the Entrepreneur set for the right-brained student perhaps?

10. MasterClass Class

MasterClass is an innovative San Francisco-based company revolutionizing the concept of online classes. Whether it’s photography, cooking, writing, entrepreneurship, acting, music, or sports (to name a few), MasterClass delivers an online learning experience by the world’s leading experts. 

Learn cooking with Gordon Ramsey, interior design with Kelly Wearstler, writing with Malcolm Gladwell, or creativity and leadership with Anna Wintour. This back to school gift will help any student discover and advance in their passions, and what could be better than that?

11. Our Place Dinner For 4 Bundle

Nothing encourages someone to take up cooking as a new skill like a good dinner-making set. The Dinner For 4 bundle from Our Place seems like it’s made with a student in mind. Compact, cute, and with just enough necessities, this is a great idea for a back to school gift for college students, and it’s one that they’ll use for quite a long time. Plus, you can customize the colors of each item in the set and make a colorful concoction of the cutest college dorm dinnerware there ever was.

Which back to school essential do you like the most? Let us know in the comments below!