12 Must-Have Back-to-School Swag Items

12 Must-Have Back-to-School Swag Items

As the summer winds down and the school bells start to ring, it's the perfect time to gear up with some fresh SWAG for back-to-school promotions. Whether you're a business, a club, or a charity organization looking to make an impact, these items will surely be a hit with students, teachers, and parents alike. Here's our top 10 list of back-to-school swag essentials:

1. Crewneck Sweatshirts

As the seasons change, these long-sleeve staples keep students cozy during those cool morning walks to class while still looking trendy. With plenty of room for customization, you can proudly showcase your logo and colors. Ideal for layering or wearing on their own crewneck sweatshirts are a must-have for students who want to stay both warm and fashionable throughout the school year.
Alternative LS Crewnecks are the kind of shirt you love wearing that gets better over time. The classic Vintage Jersey Keeper tee with long sleeves is perfect for cooler days. 
 

Dri-Power® Crewneck Sweatshirts by Russell Athletic are made from a blend of sustainably sourced USA-grown cotton and polyester for a balance of softness and durability. Dri-Power® technology wicks away moisture and keeps you dry during activity.

2. Branded Backpacks

A sturdy backpack is a back-to-school staple. Choose durable, stylish designs that offer plenty of space and compartments. Adding your brand's logo or unique design will keep you top-of-mind every day. 



The Jansport Cool Student Backpack is designed for maximum carrying capacity. With a 15-inch padded laptop compartment, two large main compartments, a front utility pocket with organizer, pleated front stash pocket and side water bottle pocket, and ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps, this cool backpack is perfect to keep your gear organized. What more can you ask for to return to school with style and functionality?!

3. Eco-Friendly Water Bottles

Staying hydrated is key to a successful school day. Eco-friendly water bottles made from BPA-free plastic or stainless steel are practical and promote sustainability. Customize them with your brand colors and message. We love versatile and high-quality water bottles from top brands like Stanley.


Stanley water bottles are engineered for your commute. Stanley's AeroLight™  low-profile bottle is one-third lighter than regular stainless steel Stanley bottles. The secret is its featherweight technology that doesn't compromise durability or thermal performance. 
 
Your water will stay cold from when you leave home until well after quitting. The drink-through lid locks tight for leakproof carrying in your bag or pack.

4. Fun Hats

Beanies combine style, comfort, and practicality. Perfect for keeping warm during chilly mornings or late-night study sessions, beanies are a cozy accessory that students can wear throughout the school year.

They can be easily customized with logos or your brand's unique design, making them an excellent way for students to showcase their school spirit. Versatile and trendy, beanies add a cool edge to any outfit, ensuring students look good while staying snug.


Low temperatures won't bother you as long as you're wearing this J America Cushy Knit Hat! Made of 100% chenille knit material, it includes a self-fabric pom and a foldover cuff. One size fits most, and it's available in a variety of colors. 

5. Tech Accessories

Tech accessories like portable chargers, phone stands, and earbud cases are invaluable in today's digital age. These items are useful and offer a great way to keep your brand visible. 

We love these Odin Wireless Power Banks. Odin isn't just a power bank; it's a throne for your tech. This 10,000mAh behemoth combines 15W wireless charging supremacy with built-in magnets and a stand, effortlessly fueling your devices while serving up hands-free entertainment.

6. Custom T-Shirts

Everyone loves a comfy t-shirt. We stock shirts in various sizes and styles, from classic cotton to moisture-wicking fabrics—all customizable with your brand's unique design. Here's just one of many t-shirt options you can choose from at TVP.
 

The Youth ICONIC™ T-Shirt from Fruit Of The Loom is perfect for everyday wear, lounging, or layering. We love that it's pre-shrunk and made from sustainably sourced USA grown cotton.

These t-shirts feature a classic fit with shaped armholes, seamless 1x1 ribbed collar with two-needle cover stitching on front neck. It's available in various stand-out colors and sizes, and highly customizable!

7. Fun Stress Relievers

School can be stressful, so why not add a bit of fun with stress relievers? From squishy balls to fidget spinners, these items can help students (and teachers!) remain calm and focused. Here are two of our favorites:

 
Prime Line's Relax Silly Hair Talking Stress Ball has hair, and it talks! When you squeeze it, it tells you to relax, calm down, or take it easy. We like that this stress ball's little face is so cute, you can't help but smile. Laughter is an excellent way to relax!

 
The Fidget Puzzle Ball is a fun and gently challenging puzzle toy perfect for people of all ages. It's a great way to destress while also improving hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. 

8. Branded Lunch Boxes

Promote healthy eating with branded lunch boxes. Opt for both functional and fun designs, and make sure they are easy to clean and durable. This is an excellent product to promote your brand at events - you can even add smaller swag items inside it!

 

Take a trip down memory lane for truly iconic designs when you give out this Compact Classic Lunch Box. This truly special piece gives that nice retro look but still embodies fantastic modern design choices. It's available in various colors and has ample space for your brand's logo or design to showcased.

9. Reusable Tote Bags

Nothing says "Help Save The World In Style" like reusable tote bags! They are perfect for carrying books, gym clothes, or groceries. They're eco-friendly and can be a walking advertisement for your brand.
 
This natural cotton canvas tote is not only good for the environment but also practical and trendy. Choose from various color options and customize it with an imprinted brand name, logo, or message.

10. Personalized Stationery Sets

Nothing says "back to school" like a fresh set of stationery. Pens, pencils, highlighters, and sticky notes can all be customized with your brand, making them perfect for promotional giveaways.
 
This portable highlighter box is handy for keeping highlighters in one place. It comes with five really bright and exciting chisel-tip highlighters.

11. Fun Pajamas

Cool pajamas blend comfort with a touch of fun, perfect for sleepovers, lazy weekends, or study sessions at home. Kids and teens love stylish, cozy sleepwear that reflects their personality and school spirit. Customizable with your brand's logo or design, these pajamas uniquely boost school pride and make nighttime routines more exciting. Plus, they offer a cozy reminder of home, helping students relax and unwind after a busy school day.

 
Who doesn't want a set of dinosaur pajamas? These 100% cotton pull-on jammies are machine washable and super comfy, with a snug fit for extra warmth. Although we love the dinosaur, other designs are available to suit all tastes. 

12. Crop Tops

Crop tops are trendy, comfortable, and perfect for layering. You can pair them with skirts, leggings, or high-waisted jeans, making them versatile for different outfits. They're also customizable with logos or unique designs that highlight your brand.

The Tie-Dye cropped hooded sweatshirt is ideal for a layered look; crop tops add a fun, fashionable touch to any student's wardrobe.

Why Choose These SWAG Items?

Choosing the right SWAG items for back-to-school promotions combines practicality with brand visibility. Here's why these items stand out:

Usability

All the items on our list are practical and useful for students, ensuring they'll be used frequently.

Visibility

With your branding on everyday essentials, your logo and message will be seen regularly, keeping you top-of-mind.

Sustainability

Many of these items can be eco-friendly, which aligns with the growing trend towards sustainability and responsible consumption.
 
Ready to kick off the school year with some amazing swag? At TVP NYC, we've got you covered with high-quality, customizable options that will make a lasting impression. Contact us today to start planning your back-to-school promotions!
 
 
 

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