Back-to-School Gift Card Ideas
July 23, 2025
The end of summer evokes thoughts of sports, festivals, and the return to school. It’s an exhilarating lead-up to the first day of class, with needs for new notebooks, equipment, and clothing. Shopping, whether in person or online, is an exciting rite of passage. And that’s what makes gift cards an exceptional gift for anyone you know who’s preparing to go back to school. For the gift-giver, they’re convenient to send as a digital or physical gifts, and for students at different levels, they’re versatile for their specific needs. Even smarter? They’re a great gift for the teacher who’s headed back to the classroom and would appreciate their own choice of annual necessities or appreciated indulgences.
Need ideas for the top gift cards for students? Read on for remarkable gifting for anyone who’s preparing to go back to school.
Why Gift Cards Are a Great Back-to-School Gift
What does a student want most when returning to school? That depends on the person, their age, and their preferences—and that’s what makes a gift card a best-in-class gift. Trends may change, but the need for school supplies always remains, and many students love hand-picking exactly what they’re getting, from clothing styles and accessory colors to new gadgets and sports gear. With a Mastercard® Gift Card, they can enjoy incredible flexibility and widespread acceptance. This allows them to choose to spend their gift card on technology, apparel, or whatever they need most.
Back-to-School Gift Cards for Students
Students of every age can appreciate the freedom of shopping with funds from their gift card. And Mastercard Gift Cards can accommodate everyone with a fitting design, from children to college students. With a wide variety of choices, from lively looks for younger students to more sophisticated styles for high school students and Fancard team-themed gift cards for university students, there truly is something for everyone.
Gift Cards for College Students
There are many ways you can cheer on college students as they return to class. Our winning picks include our collection of gift cards representing top university sports teams, adding a cool edge to your gifting style. Check out these options for passionate sports fans.
Mastercard Fancard Gift Cards: Select from 26 top college teams with styles featuring their colors, logos, and mascots in vivid designs fans will go wild over.
University of Michigan Gift Card
Choose the card that screams “Go Blue” to rally the Wolverines to victory in yellow and blue team colors.
University of Tennessee Gift Card
Unite Vols fans with their adoration of Smokey the mascot, appearing on this crisp white card.
Invigorate Longhorn fans with this burnt orange design that matches the spirit of their “Hook ’em, Horns” chant.
University of Alabama Gift Card
Energize fans with this crimson-colored card that roars “Roll Tide” in support of their team.
University of Florida Gift Card
Give fans a reason to celebrate with this vibrant blue and orange style representing Gator Nation.
Gift Cards for High School Students
For those eager to get back to their friends, interests, and studies in high school, there are many thoughtful options. These timeless designs make it easier to choose the right gift for each student. Here are just a few ideas for treating high schoolers as they prepare to go back to class.
Brightly colored with delicate gold accents, this classic motif is subtle yet spectacular for spending as they please.
Reminiscent of a fresh bouquet, this cheerful style with pops of color is an elegant, sophisticated choice.
Colorful and enthusiastic, this style sets the right tone of anticipation and joy for the year ahead.
A stunning style, this stiped design with an immaculate bow speaks to the student who’s ready to return to class.
Gift Cards for K-8 Students
Younger students have their own focus—backpacks, lunchboxes, clothes, and more. Gift cards for middle schoolers allow them to pick and choose as they define their preferences and develop organizational systems with essential items like notebooks and highlighters. And they’re not alone. Kids just entering school may have favorite colors or characters on their mind. Gift cards for elementary students make back-to-school shopping even more joyful. Check out these suggestions for all K-8 students.
Match their excitement with this bright and bold gift card in vivid blue, orange, and pink hues.
Make it a celebration with this striking blue style, bursting with confetti and a wonderful wish for happiness.
With a petite white bow and pretty patterns in a lush purple hue, this style stands out as fun and festive.
Glittering with rich color and a beautifully wrapped gift box, this dazzling design is a thrilling choice.
Our Favorite Back-to-School Gift Cards for Teachers
On the other side of the classroom is the teacher, who has a lot of planning to do as the school year begins. Gift cards give them the ability to choose what they want or need to prepare. Whether that’s an enhancement of their classroom setup or new supplies, books or educational materials to load up their class library, or even self-care experiences like a spa day or a trip to the salon, they have the freedom to spend as they please. Here are some great gift card ideas for the educators in your life:
Deliver bunches of joy with this spirited style, dotted with blooms in bright colors.
A vibrant blue background topped with a pristine white bow, this chic design makes a memorable gift.
With an array of green shades accentuated with golden lines, this fresh style is full of energy.
This impressive design radiates rich colors, making it ideal for back-to-school gifting.
Crisp and clean, this marvelous blue style wrapped in a golden bow is a popular pick.
Back-to-School Gifting Excellence
For students and teachers alike, the days and weeks before school are full of excitement, anticipation, and planning. It’s a time to pick out essentials and extras, from basic classroom supplies and trendy new clothes to character-themed backpacks and must-have books. When you give them a Mastercard Gift Card, you give them their choice of gift. Whatever they want or need in person and online, they can spend it how and when they want. Even better, our collection of designs allows you to find just the right style for everyone, one that speaks to their passion or personality.
Use this guide and start exploring our collection of gifts to make their back-to-school experience brilliant.