Plan from the date backwards
School events have fixed dates: the first day, an open house, a book fair, a fundraiser, a field day. Everything else follows from the date on which the items need to be in someone's hands. So start with that date, then work back through proof approval, printing and shipping.
At checkout you can choose a hard in-hands date. We plan the order backwards from it and confirm the date on your proof, so everyone knows what to expect.
What suits a school
Pencil cases, pencils, erasers and rulers are the school basics, and they are used in class every day. Backpacks and bags are bigger and cost more, but they carry your name around town and to every game and trip.
For a fundraiser, small, low-cost items that a student can sell or hand out work well. A school-colored item doubles as team spirit and looks good in photographs.
For a sponsor, choose something that stays with the student all year. An item that is used in class is seen every day.
Who is paying?
If a local business sponsors the order, ask for their logo as early as you can, in a vector file if possible (AI, EPS, SVG or PDF), and check the layout on the proof. It is simpler to get a sponsor's approval on a proof than on finished goods.
If the school itself is paying, keep the artwork simple so that it prints cleanly in one color, which also keeps the price down. A school name and a mascot is often all you need.
Choosing items for different ages
Younger students like color and fun. Older students like items that look useful and not childish. Teachers and staff appreciate something practical. If one order has to suit everyone, choose a neutral, useful item and let the color carry the school spirit.
Think about what the items will go through. School supplies are dropped, stuffed in bags and left on buses. Look at the material and the build on the product page.
How many to order
Count students, staff and volunteers, and add a reasonable extra for new arrivals during the year. Look at the price breaks on each product page: schools often order enough to reach a better break, and the unit price drops across the whole order.
If the items are for a fundraiser, think about how many students will take part, and how many each might sell or give away.
Check what is in stock
Each product page shows live stock counts, so you know what is ready to print. Items marked ready stock are quicker to turn around than others, which helps when the date is tight.
Mistakes to avoid
Starting too late. Count back from the date, and leave room for the proof to go back and forth.
Not checking the spelling. Read the school name, the mascot and the year before you approve. Ask someone else to read it too.
Too many logos. If several sponsors share an item, agree the layout before ordering.
Choosing an item that will not last the year. Look at the material.
How ordering works here
Choose the items and set the quantity. At the cart you add your logo or text, give the job a name, and confirm your email with a six-digit code. There is no account to create.
At checkout you give the delivery address, choose a standard order or a hard in-hands date, pick a shipping speed and pay. You then receive a free e-proof. Nothing prints until you approve it, and you can cancel for a full refund until you do.
Questions we hear
What file should I send? We accept AI, EPS, PDF, SVG and PNG. Vector files print best.
Can I order text only? Yes. Choose a font and type your line.
Can I order several items? Yes. Each has its own quantity and price breaks.
Ready to look?
Browse our School category to see what is available, and add your logo at the cart.