With the start of a new school year, there’s also renewed demand for tutoring centres, gyms, language classes, music lessons, and other extracurricular activities. In this context, offering personalised gifts is an effective way to stand out from the competition and keep your brand visible in the daily lives of students and parents.

Our suggestion is to invest in promotional items in the form of school supplies, such as backpacks, notebooks, notepads, pens, pencils, drawing kits, reusable bottles, and more. These products not only meet a real need, but they are also used in a variety of settings — at school, at home, on public transport, or even at work — multiplying the brand’s touchpoints.

Whether you’re looking for giveaways for primary school children or university students, Wapi is here to help you find the perfect item for this back-to-school season!

The role of giveaways in student motivation

Motivation is key to academic success, and educational institutions play a crucial role in this process. Providing good programmes and qualified teachers is essential, but not enough: if students are not engaged or emotionally invested in learning, achieving success becomes much harder.

Personalised gifts can help create a welcoming environment, reinforce institutional identity, and spark a sense of belonging. From a psychological perspective, they also activate the so-called law of reciprocity — the human tendency to return a favour — which strengthens the emotional connection to the brand or institution.

Giving gifts also:

• Builds a welcoming culture, especially important for students starting a new school cycle

• Fosters team spirit, when students use the same items featuring the school’s logo

• Promotes equality, particularly when backpacks, T-shirts or uniforms are offered, reinforcing that all students are treated equally

• Acts as an effective marketing tool, with the logo visible in school, family, and urban settings

Actions to boost back-to-school engagement

Every student has a unique personality and learning pace. That’s why we suggest that schools and educational businesses consider initiatives such as:

• Improving infrastructure: a beautiful and well-maintained environment boosts performance. Getting students involved in decorating classrooms can also increase their sense of belonging.

• Individual recognition: rewarding talent in arts, sports, or science helps build self-esteem and motivates future achievements.

• Event planning: theme days, competitions, and outdoor activities enhance engagement and create positive memories.

• Practical support through useful gifts: providing items students really need — from writing tools to backpacks — is a tangible way to show care and attention.

Gift suggestions by age group

Ages 5 to 9

This is a stage full of energy, creativity, and discovery. Gifts should be colourful, safe, and functional.

Product suggestions:

• Backpacks

• Drawing and painting kits with non-toxic materials

• Ergonomic reusable water bottles

• Multi-compartment pencil cases

• Educational board games

These items spark enthusiasm and make the transition into the school year smoother.

Ages 10 to 15

In this transitional stage, students value functionality with style. Gifts should support learning and reflect growing maturity.

Product suggestions:

• Trendy backpacks with compartments for tech devices

• Personalised power banks for charging gadgets

• Comfortable, well-designed headphones

These gifts help boost productivity and keep students focused on school tasks.

Ages 16 to 21

For high school and university students, gifts should be stylish, useful, and designed for everyday academic life.

Product suggestions:

• Sectioned notepads and planners

• Highlighters and marker pens

• Custom sticky notes

• Modern headphones

• Backpacks with space for laptops and books

• Compact portable chargers

• Multi-functional organisers and pencil cases

Useful and versatile, these giveaways convey professionalism and follow students across different settings — from the library to a café or the metro ride.

More branded gift ideas for school settings

• Custom T-shirts or polos: great as part of a uniform or for use at school events, promoting both equality and identity

• Folders and binders: perfect for staying organised in class or for presentations

• Caps and hats: useful for school outings or outdoor sports activities

• Personalised aluminium bottles: encourage healthy hydration and reduce plastic waste

Conclusion

Offering promotional gifts during back-to-school season is much more than a marketing tactic — it’s an investment in the motivation, well-being, and loyalty of those who receive them. Whether you're a school, a gym, a tutoring centre, or a business offering products and services to young people and families, custom giveaways position your brand in a positive, practical, and memorable way.

Discover our online back-to-school promotional gifts — we’ve got just what you’re looking for!