We know the sun’s (hopefully) shining, the paddling pool is out and the school shoes have been chucked in a corner. But before you switch fully into summer mode, here’s a gentle nudge, now is actually the perfect time to get ahead of the September scramble.
At Porky Penguin, we’ve pulled together some of our most loved back to school gifts that help make the first day a little less daunting and a whole lot more special. Whether your child is heading off to school for the first time, starting a new year or facing a big change like high school, our thoughtful, personalised gifts are designed to support, reassure and celebrate them.
Here are four of our favourite ways to make their back to school journey smoother, with meaning that lasts beyond the first bell.
Personalised Affirmation Cards
Back to school nerves are normal. Whether it’s a change in routine, new faces, or a fresh set of challenges, kids of all ages can feel the pressure. That’s where our Personalised Affirmation Cards come in.
Each set is packed with encouragement, positivity and gentle reminders of their strength and resilience. From exam season jitters to the first day in a new classroom, these cards offer a daily dose of support they can carry with them — or keep in a drawer to dip into whenever they need it.
You can personalise them with your child’s name, making each message feel like it was written just for them. Think of them as confidence cards with heart — a quiet cheerleader for every stage of the school year.
Letter to My Little One for Their First Day
There’s something unforgettable about the first day. Whether it’s the start of reception, a new school or even moving up a year, it’s a big moment. Our Letter to My Little One is your chance to turn that moment into a memory they’ll treasure.
You write it. We print it. Your words on thick card, paired with a kraft envelope, delivered in a way they can hold onto and reread whenever they need a little love from home.
You can keep it short and sweet or pour your heart out — either way, this simple gesture speaks volumes. It’s one of those keepsakes that will be pulled out years from now and still mean the world.
Let’s be honest, new school gear has a way of looking the same as everyone else’s. Give their bag a pop of personality with one of our Acrylic Initial Bag Tags.
Each tag is custom cut with their initial and name, adding a splash of fun to their rucksack while making it much easier to spot in the cloakroom chaos. They’re bright, bold and built to last — ideal for making their school bag feel a little more theirs.
If your child is on the shy side, this small touch of custom style can give them a quiet confidence boost too. It’s like a wearable name badge, minus the awkward pin and peeling sticker.
The Little Back to School Pocket Hug
If your child’s feeling a bit wobbly about school, a tiny token of comfort can go a long way. Our Little Back to School Pocket Hug is exactly that — a palm-sized piece of reassurance they can carry with them every day.
It comes with a personalised message and a small heart-shaped hug they can tuck into a pencil case or pocket. Whenever they’re feeling unsure, they’ve got a bit of home with them, quietly reminding them they’re loved and capable.
This one’s a favourite for younger children, but we’ve seen older kids hang onto them too. There’s something quietly powerful about knowing someone’s thinking of you, even when you’re sitting in a noisy classroom far from home.
Why Shop Now?
We get it. July feels early. But anyone who’s ever tried to buy school supplies in the last week of August knows the pain of last-minute panic. When you get ahead, you get choice. You get personalisation done in time. And best of all, you get to relax, knowing their first day is sorted.
These small, thoughtful gifts make a big impact. They support your child emotionally, help them feel seen and let them start the year feeling proud of who they are. And as parents and carers, that’s what we want most — to help them walk through those gates with confidence, curiosity and a smile.
Ready to Get Started?
Take a peek at our Back to School collection today. Every item is made with care, personalised just for your child and designed to make their school journey a little brighter. Prep now and glide into September ready for anything.