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First Day of School Gifts for Students and their Families – 2025

If you are looking for ideas for first day of school gifts for students and their families, you found the right place! In this post, we’ll share our absolute favorite gifts for students and their families to celebrate the new school year and begin building the home-school connection. Check out the list of first day of school gifts for students and their families below!

first day of school gifts for students

3 First Day of School Gifts

Below are 3 ideas for first day of school gifts for students and their families.

1. Bookmark

The first idea on this list of first day of school gifts for students is a bookmark. All of our classroom theme bundles include a printable bookmark that you can send home with your students on the first day of school. Pair it with a simple note. Some examples are “Happy Reading,” “I am so excited to start this next chapter with you!”, and something that related to your classroom theme (e.g. “Camp Out With a Good Book” and “Let’s Read S’More” for a camping theme). It’s a great way to encourage families to read together.

2. Photograph

The second idea on this list of first day of school gifts for students is a photo. Take a picture of each of your students in the morning on the first day of school. Strategically place students in the classroom when taking pictures to make sure there is a nice background behind them that is not too distracting. Consider giving them props to pose with like this back to school DIY photo frame.

Print two copies of the picture. Use the first one on a bulletin board to accompany student writing samples about their first day of school. Send the second copy home to students’ families with a hand-written note at the end of the first week. This simple gesture means so much to each family! It also helps to start building the important positive connection between home and school.

3. Family Dinner Conversation Starters

This last idea on this list of first day of school gifts for students is my favorite. A family dinner conversation starters gift is a container filled with question prompts for students and their families. Families can ask each other the prompts during dinner time. The prompts initiate thoughtful conversations between the student and their families. It’s a great way for families to be intentional about their interactions with one another, discuss important topics, and be present during their time together.

Teachers love these because they are inexpensive to make, quick to assemble, help build family connection, increase family conversations around school, and encourage home-school communication. This resource includes a teacher guide, donations letter, information letter to families, container labels, question cards, and more. Learn more about this family dinner conversation starters resource!

In closing, we hope you found this list of first day gifts for students and their families helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in these posts:

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