Looking for a First Day of School Gift for Your Grandchild? These Animal Buddies Are Perfect!

🎁 The Gifting Edit: Looking for a First Day of School Gift for Your Grandchild? These Animal Buddies Are Perfect!

There’s something about the first day of school that feels… big. Whether it’s kindergarten or fifth grade, it’s a moment that sticks—new backpacks, nervous energy, proud smiles (and maybe a few happy tears). And for grandparents? It’s a chance to show up with something sweet, supportive, and totally unforgettable.

Image by ambermb

It was his very first day of school. His shoes were double-knotted, his hair carefully combed, and his backpack zipped up tight—but his little hands clung to the doorway. Inside that backpack, tucked between crayons and a snack pack, was a soft sheep with a note from his grandma that read: “You are brave, you are kind, and you are so loved.” She had given it to him as a first day of school gift for her grandchild, hoping it would ease his nerves and remind him that she believed in him. When he spotted it later that morning, his whole face lit up—and he carried that sheep (and her encouragement) with him all year long.

If you're searching for the perfect first day of school gift for your grandchild, meet the Back to School Buddies — the cutest, most encouraging stuffed animal companions designed especially for school-aged kids from kindergarten to 5th grade. Whether they’re off to their very first classroom or just need a little boost of confidence for the year ahead, these plush pals are a heartfelt way to say: “You’ve got this—and I’m cheering you on.”

Why Grandparents Love Giving Back to School Buddies

Let’s be honest—grandparents know how to give the best gifts. They’re not just looking for something cute; they’re looking for something meaningful. A back to school gift for grandkids needs to say, “I believe in you” in a way that’s playful, comforting, and maybe even tradition-worthy.

That’s exactly why the Back to School Buddies are such a win. These soft, adorable animals come with customized encouragement messages tailored to each grade. Whether it’s a sheep for a brand-new kindergartener or a cool jaguar for a confident fifth grader, each Buddy is like a little pep talk in plush form.

It’s more than just a stuffed animal. It’s a keepsake. A memory-maker. And for many families, the start of a new tradition. (And it can be easily incorporated into those first day of school photos each year!) They make great gifts for women to give each of their grandchildren at the start of the school year.

A Gift That Encourages, Comforts & Connects

The beginning of a school year can bring big feelings, especially for younger kids. A stuffed animal for the first day of school can help calm nerves and give kids something familiar to hold on to before they go to school. If your grandchild woke up to find their special Buddy waiting for them with a note and a big hug, it would be a moment they would remember long after the lunchbox was empty.

And here’s where it gets even more special: each Buddy features a message on the front of its colorful tee tailored to the grade level they’re entering. The messaging is age-appropriate and full of encouragement — helping build confidence and joy, not just on day one, but throughout the year.

Shop all Back to School Buddies

No wonder these gifts are quickly becoming favorites among grandparents looking for back to school gifts from grandma (and grandpa too!). They’re sweet, supportive, and best of all — they start meaningful conversations and connections.

The Power of a Small but Mighty Gift

You don’t need something over-the-top to make a big impact. In fact, some of the most cherished back to school gifts for grandkids are simple gestures that come with love, intention, and a little sprinkle of fun.

Whether you hand-deliver it or send it in the mail with a “good luck” note, a Back to School Buddy is a gift that says, “I’m with you — even when I’m not sitting beside you at the table.”

That kind of emotional support is remembered for years to come.

Designed with Grandkids (and Their Grownups) in Mind

Let’s talk details: Each Buddy is soft, huggable, and just the right size for little hands. Each grade level is represented by a different animal—an adorable sheep for Kindergarteners, a cuddly bunny for 1st Graders, a sweet teddy bear for 2nd Graders, a playful panda bear for 3rd Graders, a brave lion for 4th Graders, and a bold jaguar for 5th Graders.

And because they’re made with care by the creative minds at our in-house design team, Heavenly Hues Studio, every Buddy is part of a thoughtful, lovingly made collection designed to help your family celebrate milestones in style.

Whether you’re shopping for your very first grandchild or continuing a tradition with grandkid number four, these make ideal back to school gifts from grandparents who want their love to be felt—even if they can’t be there for school drop-off.

A Tradition Worth Starting

Grandparents are some of the best memory-makers out there, and these Buddies are tailor-made for tradition. Imagine gifting a new Buddy each year as your grandchild moves through the grades. The shelf of plush friends becomes a timeline of growth, love, and encouragement — a visual reminder that someone has been cheering them on from day one.

If you're looking to create a tradition that brings a little magic to every first day of school, Back to School Buddies are a wonderful way to begin. And to top it off, we're even offering quantity discount pricing to help you save when you buy more than one.

Ready to Send Some Encouragement?

So if you're still wondering what to get your grandchild this school year, consider this your sign: a Back to School Buddy is the perfect first day of school gift to help them start strong, feel brave, and carry a little love with them as they learn.

Tap below to shop our full collection of Back to School Buddies and find the perfect plush pal for each of your favorite students.

👉 Shop the Back to School Buddies Collection »

Until Next Time…

We love helping you find thoughtful gifts that tell a story. Check back next Thursday for another edition of The Gifting Edit — we’ll have another unique gift spotlight just for you. And don’t miss our Notes from the Boutique series every Monday, where we share behind-the-scenes stories, meaningful inspiration, and everything we love about the art of gifting.

We’d love to connect with you on Instagram at @heavenlyhuesstudiotshirts — that’s Heavenly Hues Studio, our in-house design team behind every item in the Impact Gift Boutique. Come say hi and see what we’re dreaming up next!

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