These Are the Top 5 Back-to-School Trends on Etsy Right Now

The 2021-2022 school year is already almost upon us, and, while some things are starting to look like they did in pre-pandemic days, others still do not. In its back-to-school trends report, Etsy is finding that parents are more hopeful than they were last year as we approach the 2021-2022 year, and many have already begun to prep and shop for supplies.

The online marketplace recently released its back to school data for 2021, which shows how parents, students and shoppers are preparing for the upcoming school season. Among this year’s trends are first day of school signs, early teacher appreciation, personalized supplies and at-home learning necessities. Below, a full breakdown of Etsy’s findings, along with products you can shop for each.

First day of school signs

Many parents look forward to documenting their child’s first day of school as an annual tradition. According to the report, parents are searching for customizable first day outfits, reusable chalkboards, printable pennants and more.

JHCreative Co. First Day of School Reusable Chalkboard, $42, Etsy.com

Sugar Bee Clothing First Day of School Dress, $45, Etsy.com

Little Things Village Back to School Pennants, $5, Etsy.com

Early teacher appreciation

Many parents usually opt to get teachers gifts towards the end of the school year, however data shows parents are thinking about appreciation now. There’s been a 76 percent increase in searches for teacher gifts in the past three months. The report finds that some of this appreciation is also geared toward parents who’ve been doubling as teachers.

Newton and the Apple Periodic Table Card, $4, Etsy.com

Stickerscape Personalized Butterflies Notebook, starting from $15, Etsy.com

Moonwake Designs Co. Personalized Teacher Pencil Case, $11, Etsy.com

Personalized school supplies

Many parents want to celebrate their child’s return to school after a year of uncertainty with customized supplies. The retailer has seen a 65 percent increase in searches for custom lunch boxes, a 25 percent increase in searches for personalized notebooks and an 18 percent increase in searches for personalized pencil cases in the last three months.

Rocket and Fox Personalized Pencil Case, $8, Etsy.com

Art2theextreme Personalized Crayon Name Sign, starting from $20, Etsy.com

Create Gift Love Personalized Rainbow School Bag Tag, $24, Etsy.com

At-home learning necessities

After a year of virtual school, many parents are looking for ways to level up their at-home learning spaces. In the past three months, Etsy has seen a 128 percent increase in searches for classroom posters, a 28 percent increase in searches for desk organizers and accessories and a 23 percent increase in searches for wall calendars on Etsy. While more kids may be going back to school in person this year, the trends show us that at-home learning will be a part of our new normal even after the pandemic.

Circle and Square Decor Acrylic Wall Calendar, starting from $169, Etsy.com

Downright Creative XL Kids Artwork Display, $59, Etsy.com

Frau Ottilie Kids Solar System Poster, $24, Etsy.com

Making use of learning tools

More parents have been incorporating learning tools and games into their kids’ daily routine. These tools feel like play, but also help little ones learn. In the past three months, Etsy has seen a 74 percent increase for searches in sensory toys, games and puzzles.

My Sunshine Designs CM Rainbow Stacker Wooden Toys, $50, Etsy.com

Baby Puzzle Studio Name Puzzle, starting from $4, Etsy.com

Mazais Meistars Montessori Coloring Pencil Holder, $41, Etsy.com