15 Creative Back to School Giveaway Ideas for Nonprofits
By Whit Hunter
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The excitement and stress that comes with the start of a new school year is completely understandable. For some families, this means getting back into a routine and keeping their children on track, while on the other hand, it can be a challenging time for those who have a fixed budget or have recently lost their jobs.
As a nonprofit, we believe that we can help alleviate some of these stresses by providing back-to-school giveaways and inspiring other organizations to do the same. Not only does this create a sense of community and school spirit, but it also gives families something practical that they can use throughout the year.
We know that school supplies can add up quickly, and not every family has the means to purchase everything on the list. By providing necessary items for kids, we want to make them feel confident and have the best school year yet.
Our team has come up with a list of fifteen back-to-school giveaway ideas that we believe will be practical for kids and will make them retain their self-esteem.
#1 School Supply Kits
Every child needs a school supply kit for the new year at school. With all the layoffs happening left, right, and center, and the inflation at an all-time high, it’s got extremely difficult for parents to afford basic stationery for their kids.
A school supply kit provided by nonprofits can be a game-changer for families in these distressing times. It can include all the essential items required for a successful start to the school year, such as pens, pencils, folders, and notebooks.
Not only does this show support for the community, but it also helps students feel confident and prepared for the upcoming year. By easing the burden of back-to-school expenses, you can make a meaningful impact on families and their children.
#2 Backpacks and Lunchboxes
There’s no denying that backpacks and lunches are super important for students of all ages, but they can also make a dent in the parents’ pockets. This is why giving away backpacks and lunch boxes during the beginning of the new school year is a brilliant way to help parents save money on school supplies.
To make them look more appealing, you as a nonprofit can customize their designs and add your logo to give them an oomph factor. This will not only give kids a confidence boost but also give them a reason to look forward to going back to school and starting the new term.
#3 Clothing and Uniforms
The back-to-school season should be an exciting time for kids and not one where they constantly have to worry about having enough money to buy clothing and school uniforms. This is the pain point nonprofits need to address and provide a solution to.
The nonprofits can collaborate with local schools to understand the specific needs of the community and provide targeted support. You can give away school uniforms, shoes, jackets, personalized t-shirts, and sweatshirts with the school's logo to promote a sense of belonging and create a positive school culture.
By offering these practical items, you can help students feel confident and prepared, leading to better academic performance and overall well-being.
#4 Technology and Electronics
In today's digital age, technology, and electronics have become central to education. It's super important for nonprofits to play their part in supporting students by providing the necessary tools for educational success.
Giveaway items like calculators, USB drives, and headphones can help students get their homework and classwork done, while interactive learning tools like digital notepads and tablets can help them stay competitive.
By providing technology and electronics, nonprofits can level the playing field for students who may not have access to these resources at home. As nonprofits, you can empower students to excel in their studies and stay connected to the ever-changing digital landscape.
#5 Personal Hygiene and Health Products
The economic downturn and layoffs have hit some families so hard that they no longer have the means to even afford basic hygiene and healthcare kits for their kids. As nonprofits, it’s our responsibility to give back to the community what they need the most.
Personal hygiene and healthcare products can make kids feel clean, confident, and ready for the school year in every sense of the way.
You can give away products like hand sanitizers, tissues, and face masks to help prevent the spread of germs, while dental hygiene products like toothbrushes and toothpaste can promote good oral health.
You can also consider providing personal care items like deodorants, body wash, and feminine hygiene products to support students' overall well-being. By providing these essential items, you can make a meaningful impact on students' lives and help them succeed in school and beyond.
#6 Course Books
Kids can’t do school without course books, so this giveaway item is a must-keep for all nonprofits. In addition to the typical school supplies, you can consider providing course books to support children's learning and development.
By offering these resources, you as a nonprofit, can help students achieve academic success and level up in their educational phase.
It also levels the playing field for students who may not have access to the same opportunities as their peers, and it can help alleviate the financial burden on families who may be struggling to make ends meet.
By investing in education and providing these resources, you can help kids continue their education and not drop out of school.
#7 Lanyards
Lanyards are a practical and versatile item that can make a great addition to any back-to-school giveaway. They can be used to hold student IDs, keys, and other small items, making them a handy accessory for students of all ages.
You can customize lanyards with your logo or school mascot to help promote school spirit and create a sense of community. They’re also affordable giveaway items, which is what makes them an ideal choice for organizations working within tight budgets.
By including lanyards in your back-to-school giveaways, you can provide students with something useful while also making them look forward to the new school year.
#8 Art Supplies
Art supplies are important but they’re expensive, this is why they need to go on your giveaway list. They make for a thoughtful and valuable giveaway option because they offer a means of creative expression, and also hone a child's fine motor skills and cognitive growth.
A well-rounded art supply package might include things such as pencils, erasers, markers, crayons, colored pencils, watercolors, and sketchbooks.
For even more creative potential, consider adding glue sticks, scissors, and construction paper to the mix. By supporting kids’ artistic endeavors, you're also encouraging them to explore their individuality and imagination, and that's a priceless gift that can last a lifetime.
#9 Music Supplies
Music plays a crucial role in the educational and personal development of a kid, and some kids want to pursue music as something they’d like to do for the rest of their lives. But, they don’t always have the means to get the music supplies to support their passion, and this is where you as a nonprofit can play your role in making their dreams come true.
Instruments such as guitars, keyboards, recorders, music stands, sheet music, and accessories like guitar picks and reeds are many useful items you can consider.
On top of that, you can consider giving away headphones, speakers, or software for music production as this can open up even more opportunities for students.
#10 Athletic Gear
Athletic gear is an excellent choice for you to consider for your back-to-school giveaway campaigns. Not only does it promote physical activity and healthy habits among students, but it also provides them with the necessary gear to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities.
From sports bags and water bottles to gym clothes and athletic shoes, these essentials can help students feel confident and motivated to engage in physical education classes and team sports.
Moreover, these items can serve as a practical and meaningful way to support the health and wellness of students in the community.
#11 School Bus Passes
School bus transportation is expensive. While the fees vary from school to school, it can still be an added expense for parents to bear to make their kids continue their education. You can help alleviate this financial strain by offering school bus passes as part of your back-to-school giveaway program.
Moreover, by offering school bus passes you can help reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality by encouraging more students to use public transportation instead of driving to school. That’s a win-win we can all work with.
#12 Healthy Snacks
With each passing day, it’s getting difficult for parents to put food on the table for their families. In these times, school lunches can be out of the question for parents and a reason for kids to feel left out.
This is where you as a nonprofit need to bridge the gap.
Some great healthy snack options include fresh fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges, which are easy to pack and provide a natural source of energy.
Vegetables like baby carrots, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes are also great choices, especially when paired with a hummus or yogurt dip.
Non-perishable options like trail mix, popcorn, and whole-grain crackers can also provide a satisfying crunch while keeping kids full and focused.
By including healthy snack options in your giveaways, as a nonprofit, you can support the health and well-being of students as they head back to the classroom.
#13 Flashcards
Flashcards are educational supplies that have stood the test of time. Not only do they offer a simple and effective way for students to memorize important information, but they also help students prepare for tests and exams.
As a nonprofit, you can make a difference in supporting students' academic success by including flashcards in your back-to-school giveaways. These versatile study aids can cover a range of subjects, from math and science to language and history.
By customizing the flashcards with your nonprofit's branding or educational messaging, you can create a lasting impression and demonstrate your commitment to education.
Lastly, including flashcards in back-to-school giveaways is an excellent way for you to provide students with valuable educational resources and support their education and academic achievement.
#14 Tutoring Sessions
You can help students succeed in school by offering tutoring sessions. Find the students who need academic help and decide how you want to hold these sessions. They can be in-person or online, depending on what works best for you and the students.
The next step is that you can cover a wide range of subjects, from math and science to writing and reading comprehension.
And don't forget to recruit volunteers from the community who have experience in teaching so they can make the sessions even more impactful.
This is a good way to give back to the community and support the education of underserved students.
#15 College Application Assistance
For high school students preparing for college, navigating the complex application process can be overwhelming. That's where college application assistance comes in — and it's a valuable resource for students looking to take the next step in their education.
As a nonprofit, you can provide this service as part of your back-to-school giveaway and offer a range of support, from essay-writing workshops to help with selecting schools and completing applications.
This kind of assistance goes a long way for students who face financial and logistical barriers, and it can level the playing field for low-income students without needing access to private counseling services.
By offering college application assistance, you can help support the academic aspirations of young people in their communities.
Final Thoughts
As Mary Kay Ash has beautifully put it, “Ideas are a dime a dozen. People who implement them are priceless.” To become a priceless nonprofit you need to actually work on implementing the giveaway ideas we have suggested in this blog, and not let the ideas remain ideas only.
If you work on these ideas and build the spirit of giving back to the community (students and parents), you will fulfill your purpose of becoming a true nonprofit organization.
By offering supplies, resources, and services that students need to succeed, you can make a real difference in the lives of students and their families. You can even collaborate with local schools, businesses, and organizations to make the back-to-school season a time of excitement, opportunity, and growth for everyone involved.
And if you need more hands-on help, sign-up with BetterWorld today.

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