The short version: Schools use custom-printed products all year: back-to-school kits and orientation giveaways in August, spirit gear for homecoming and game days, fundraising items for booster clubs and PTAs, teacher appreciation gifts in May, and keepsakes for graduation. Printed with your school name, mascot, and colors, the most popular items start at around $0.21 for pencils, $1–$2 for drawstring backpacks, bottles, and spirit items, and $3–$10 for notebooks and premium backpacks. Most ship 4–7 business days after proof approval. Order about 4–6 weeks ahead of your event to leave time for school approvals.
Why Schools Use Promotional Products
- Build school pride. Students, parents, and alumni love showing off their school's name and mascot.
- Welcome new families. A branded welcome kit makes a strong first impression at orientation and open house.
- Raise money. Booster clubs and PTAs sell spirit items at a markup to fund teams, trips, and programs.
- Recognize students and staff. Small rewards for attendance, reading goals, and good behavior go a long way.
- Support recruitment. Private schools, colleges, and charter schools hand out branded items at open houses and college fairs.
Back-to-School and Orientation
The first weeks of school are when students need supplies, and when a branded item gets used every single day.
- Buy Write Pencil: about $0.21 (minimum 500). The most affordable classroom giveaway there is.
- Mood Pencil: about $0.32. Changes color in students' hands.
- 4-Pack Crayons (about $0.31) and the 12-Piece Crayon and Pencil Set (about $1.99) for elementary schools.
- 12-inch Ruler: about $0.88.
- Pencil-Shaped Sharpener: about $1.33.
- Nylon Drawstring Backpack: about $1.89. The classic "welcome kit" bag.
- Full-Color Notebook (8.5" x 11"): about $3.35. Prints your school photo or artwork in full color.
- Brio Urban Backpack: about $9.67 (minimum 50). A premium option for staff or student leaders.
- Cotton Laundry Bag: about $3.72. A college move-in day favorite.
See all back-to-school products.
School Spirit and Game Day
Nothing fills the stands like a sea of school colors. Spirit items are also some of the best sellers for booster clubs.
- Foam fingers and mitts: the 18-inch Foam #1 Hand (about $1.46) and the Paw Print Mitt (about $3.30), perfect for any "Tigers," "Bulldogs," or "Wildcats."
- Noisemakers: FAN-ta-STICKS (about $1.64), the Large Cow Bell (about $2.02), and an 8-inch Megaphone (about $1.01).
- Poms, pennants, and towels: poms in school colors (about $1.07), felt pennants (about $1.56), and rally towels (about $1.43).
- Wearables: mood bracelets (about $0.77), beads with a custom medallion (about $0.96), and caps with your school logo.
- Hot weather: laminated hand fans (about $0.98) for early-season games and outdoor graduations.
See all cheering and team spirit items and sporting event products.
Booster Clubs, PTAs, and Fundraising
Spirit items do double duty: they build pride and raise money. Buy in bulk and sell at games, concession stands, and school events.
- Paw Shape Magnet: about $0.18. An easy add-on sale at the concession stand.
- Sports-Themed Drawstring Backpack: about $1.39.
- Full-Color Ceramic Mug: about $1.79. Great for parents and grandparents.
- 32 oz. Translucent Sports Bottle: about $1.77.
- Full-Color Tube Socks: about $7.20 (minimum 50). A fun spirit-wear item that sells well.
- Magnetic sports schedules, which you can sell or give away. Local businesses will often sponsor them in exchange for an ad.
Fundraising tip: Ask a local business to sponsor your spirit items, with their logo on the back or on a magnet schedule. That can cover the cost entirely, so every sale is profit. See our booster club products and fundraiser products.
Student Recognition and Rewards
Small, fun rewards motivate students for reading goals, perfect attendance, good behavior, and honor roll.
- Wild Smilez Color Pop Pen (about $1.05) and Paper Mate Flair Markers (about $2.27)
- Stress balls before testing season
- PopSockets® (about $4.75) for middle and high schoolers
- Flying discs (about $0.77) for field day
Teacher and Staff Appreciation
Teacher Appreciation Week falls in early May, and it's the most popular time for PTAs and administrators to say thank you. Staff gifts also fit the first day back, the holidays, and the last day of school.
- Insulated tumblers and mugs for the morning coffee
- Quality pens and full-color notebooks
- Tote bags for carrying papers home
- Desk items like phone stands and sticky notes
For more gift ideas by budget, see our client and employee gift guide.
Open House, Enrollment, and College Fairs
Private schools, charter schools, and colleges compete for students. A useful branded item at an open house or college fair keeps your school in front of families while they decide. Drawstring backpacks, water bottles, pens, and PopSockets are the most popular choices. The tiered approach from our trade show guide works well here too.
A School-Year Promotional Calendar
| When | Event | Popular items |
|---|---|---|
| August–September | Back to school, orientation, move-in day | Pencils, rulers, drawstring backpacks, notebooks, laundry bags |
| September–November | Fall sports, homecoming, pep rallies | Foam fingers, noisemakers, poms, rally towels, spirit beads |
| Late October | Red Ribbon Week, Halloween safety | Bracelets, pencils, reflective items (see our Halloween guide) |
| December | Holiday staff gifts | Mugs, tumblers, ornaments |
| Winter–spring | Winter and spring sports, open houses, testing | Spirit items, stress balls, water bottles |
| Early May | Teacher Appreciation Week | Tumblers, pens, notebooks, totes |
| May–June | Field day, graduation, end of year | Flying discs, hand fans, keepsake items |
| Spring (for fall) | Next year's planners | Academic planners (see our calendar guide) |
Tips for Ordering School Promotional Products
- Order early. School approvals and purchase processes take time. Start 4–6 weeks before your event, and order back-to-school items in June or July.
- Match your school colors. Provide your official colors (Pantone/PMS numbers if you have them) for spirit items. See our logo and artwork guide.
- Use your mascot. No print-ready logo? Our free stock art library includes more than 1,400 sports and mascot images that can be customized with your school name.
- Think about age. Crayons and pencils for elementary students, bottles and bags for middle schoolers, and PopSockets and tech items for high school and college.
- Get a written quote. Our instant quotes include shipping and setup and are valid for 30 days, which helps with purchase approvals.
- Leave dates off spirit items. Without a year printed, leftovers are still good next season.
Frequently Asked Questions About School Promotional Products
What are the most popular promotional products for schools?
Pencils, drawstring backpacks, water bottles, notebooks, and rulers for back-to-school, plus foam fingers, noisemakers, poms, rally towels, and spirit bracelets for game days. All can be printed with your school name, mascot, and colors.
How much do custom school promotional items cost?
Imprinted pencils start around $0.21 each, rulers around $0.88, spirit items like foam fingers and poms around $1–$2, drawstring backpacks around $1.39–$1.89, and full-color notebooks around $3.35. Prices drop as quantity increases.
What are good fundraising items for booster clubs?
Spirit items sell well at games and school events: foam fingers, rally towels, felt pennants, mugs, water bottles, magnets, and full-color socks. Ask a local business to sponsor the order, with their logo included, to cover your costs.
What should a school give teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week?
Practical gifts teachers use every day: insulated tumblers, coffee mugs, quality pens, notebooks, and tote bags. A handwritten thank-you note from students or the PTA makes any gift more meaningful.
How far ahead should a school order promotional products?
Order 4–6 weeks before your event to allow time for school approvals, proofs, and shipping. Most items ship 4–7 business days after proof approval. For back-to-school, order in June or July.
Can you print our school mascot and colors?
Yes. Send your school logo, or choose from more than 1,400 free sports and mascot images that our art team can customize with your school name and colors. Every order includes a free digital proof.
Ready to show your school spirit? Browse education products, spirit items, and back-to-school products, or call us at 888-926-6385. We've been helping schools since 2004.