Back to School gift guide
Kids, teachers, and the college kid moving out.
Chosen by Presently · Updated July 2026
Three audiences, three plays. Kids respond to a fresh backpack, a planner, headphones, the thing that makes them feel ready. Teachers, the most undergifted group in America, appreciate a real coffee setup, a thoughtful notebook, a gift card to somewhere they actually like. College-age kids moving out need everything: kitchen basics, towels, a real desk lamp. The fall is the second gifting peak after Christmas; don't sleep on it.
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12 picks for Back to School
Chosen from our catalog of more than 1,000 products
For teachers specifically: the apple/mug/"#1 teacher" stuff has earned its retirement. A nicer version of something they actually use every day at work, such as a great water bottle, premium coffee beans or a clutch-quality tote, clears the bar by miles.
Where else to look
For desk and dorm setup, Target and IKEA cover lamps, storage, and organizers. Staples and Office Depot are the reliable stops for planners, backpacks, and bulk pens, while Moleskine and Rifle Paper Co. handle the nicer journals and notebooks worth gifting.
Frequently asked questions
What's a good back-to-school gift for a teacher that isn't another mug?
How do I pick a gift for a college kid moving into their first dorm?
What should I get a younger kid heading back to the classroom?
How much should I spend on a back-to-school gift?
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