The school year is calling, and so is your next merch drop.

Back-to-school season isn’t just about binders and ballpoint pens. It’s one of the biggest shopping moments of the year, and a golden opportunity for creators to sell custom products their fans will actually use.

Whether you're designing for students heading into high school, dorm-bound college freshmen, or even teachers looking to add a little flair to their classroom gear, there's room to stand out.

In this guide, we’re breaking down 15 customizable back-to-school essentials you can design and sell on Fourthwall. Each one packed with style, function, and serious sales potential.

Why Back-to-School Season Is a Goldmine for Creators

Back-to-school isn’t just a shopping season; it’s a multi-billion-dollar opportunity. 

According to the National Retail Federation, families with K-12 students are expected to spend an average of $874.68 on clothes, shoes, school supplies, and electronics this year, totaling $38.8 billion in back-to-school spending. 

And the college crowd? They’re projected to spend even more, with $1,364.75 per student, pushing total back-to-college sales to a whopping $86.6 billion, the second-highest on record.

Here’s what makes this so creator-friendly: over 57% of K-12 shoppers and 50% of college students are shopping online, meaning your custom Fourthwall shop can be right where they’re already buying. 

Plus, most shoppers (86%) still have at least half of their school shopping left to do by mid-July, so there’s still time to drop your own designs and cash in on this seasonal rush.

From custom notebooks and reusable water bottles to personalized tees and school bags, now’s the perfect moment to launch products students and teachers will actually want to bring to class. 

With Fourthwall’s print-on-demand setup, you don’t need to worry about upfront costs or inventory, just design, launch, and let the school-year sales roll in.

Top 15 Back‑to‑School Products to Design & Sell

1. Backpacks

Forgetting your backpack on the first day of school is a nightmare scenario you never want to live. 

It’s the one item students use every single day, hauling everything from notebooks and pencils to gym clothes and half-eaten granola bars. 

That’s why selling a backpack that blends form, function, and drip is a no-brainer.

Fourthwall offers three standout options for creators:

• The Under Armour® Backpack is a premium, embroidered staple that's water-resistant, ultra-durable, and designed for comfort with padded straps and laptop compartments.
• The All-Over Print Backpack lets your creativity go wild with full-surface custom prints, making it perfect for bold, eye-catching designs.
• Want something sleeker? The All-Over Print Minimalist Backpack delivers the same high-quality print coverage with a more compact silhouette that’s perfect for light packers or fashion-forward students.

All are print-on-demand with no minimums, so you can start selling right away; just design, upload, and watch your backpacks become a must-have on everyone’s back-to-school list.

2. Laptop Sleeve 

If you’ve ever watched someone casually toss their $1,200 laptop into a bag with zero protection, then you probably know why laptop sleeves are essential. 

Students live on their devices, whether they’re cramming for finals in the library or editing a TikTok between classes, so keeping their tech safe (and stylish) is a priority.

Fourthwall’s Allcolor LS0042 All-Over Print Laptop Sleeve is a perfect pick for creators looking to sell custom gear that’s both functional and fresh. 

It features a soft inner lining, water-resistant polyester, full wraparound print, and comes in two sizes: 13" and 15". 

With a low base cost and no order minimums, it’s an easy win for tech-savvy students who want their gear to stand out without compromising on protection.

3. Notebooks

Every student has that one notebook they swear by. You know, the one packed with notes, doodles, to-do lists, and motivational messages scribbled in the margins. 

Whether it's used for planning, journaling, or passing notes in math class (no judgment), custom notebooks are a back-to-school staple that never goes out of style.

Fourthwall gives creators two stand-out options to design and sell:

• The Hardcover Bound Notebook | JournalBook® is a durable, UV-printed classic, ideal for planners, teachers, and students who need something a bit more polished to organize their schedules or ace those supply lists.
• The Allcolor Spiral Notebook is perfect for everyday use, featuring sublimation printing across the entire cover, giving you the freedom to create vibrant, personalized designs that students will be proud to toss in their school bags.

Our custom notebooks aren't just functional; they're a creative outlet students can carry with them all year long, so why not make your designs part of their daily routine? 

4. Water Bottles

Plastic water bottles? So last decade. 

Today’s students are all about reusable, stylish options that they can refill between classes and show off on their desk, in their gym bag, or clipped to their backpack.

Fourthwall offers several high-quality options perfect for back-to-school:

• The CamelBak® Thrive Flip Straw Water Bottle is a BPA-free, UV-printed essential that blends durability with smart design, ideal for busy students who want something sleek and spill-resistant.
• The Stainless Steel Water Bottle keeps drinks cold for hours and is a classic favorite for fans of minimalist, bold, or logo-based designs.
• The Glass Water Bottle adds a clean, modern look that pairs well with motivational quotes, branding, or aesthetic vibes.
• And for students who live life on the move, the Journey Bottle is a vacuum-sealed, steel water bottle built for gym class, after-school activities, and everything in between.

These bottles aren’t just part of a school supply list; they’re part of a student’s everyday routine, making them the perfect product to personalize and sell this season.

5. Tote Bags

When lockers are full and backpacks feel bulky, tote bags step in as the go-to carryall for everything from lunchboxes and planners to gym clothes and laptops.

They're lightweight, reusable, and perfect for students who want to show off their style while staying eco-conscious.

Fourthwall’s catalog has a range of custom tote bags to fit every vibe:

• Our newly added Clear Tote Bag is great for campuses or events that require transparency. Plus, it’s fully UV-printable for bold, creative designs.
• The Econscious Eco-Friendly Tote Bag is a budget-friendly, sustainable classic made with recycled materials.
• The All-Over Print Large Tote with Pocket brings maximum storage and visual impact, perfect for students carrying extra supplies or books.
• And finally, the Econscious Organic Cotton Tote is crafted from 100% organic cotton, making it perfect for shoppers, students, or teachers seeking simplicity, sustainability, and style.

For students and teachers alike, these tote bags blend fashion, function, and planet-friendly design all in one must-have school accessory.

6. AirPod Cases

They might be small, but AirPods are basically glued to every student’s ears, so why not give them a case that stands out as much as their playlist?

A good case can keep your earbuds protected and personalized, making them a standout and unique merch item to sell during back-to-school season.

Fourthwall offers two sleek options:

• Our classic AirPods Case features a durable shell with a clean UV-print area for logos, initials, or minimalistic designs that appeal to low-key tech lovers.
• The All-Over Print Case for AirPods is a sublimation-ready design playground. Perfect for adding vibrant art, logos, or matching it to your other product drops.

Both cases are wireless charging compatible and easy to clip onto backpacks, making them practical, portable, and prime for your custom merch lineup.

7. Stickers 

Stickers are the ultimate personality flex. Students can stick them on laptops, water bottles, notebooks, and lockers, showing off their favorite creators, podcasters, or brands. 

They’re fun to collect, cheap to produce, and easy to sell in bundles, making them one of the most profitable print-on-demand products for back-to-school season.

Fourthwall offers a few fan-favorite options:

• The Kiss Cut Sticker Sheet with Custom Background provides a full canvas for creating multiple sticker designs on one sheet.
• The Individual Kiss Cut Stickers are a bestseller for a reason: clean-cut, durable, and easy to peel and slap anywhere.
• For a little extra shine, the Kiss-Cut Holographic Sticker Sheet brings bold, reflective finishes that instantly catch the eye.

Whether you're designing motivational quotes, aesthetic doodles, or fandom-ready icons, stickers are an affordable way to add big personality to any school supply haul.

8. Tees 

Ask any student what they live in during the school year, and chances are it’s their favorite tee. 

From early morning classes to after-school hangouts, a good t-shirt is a daily essential, and when it’s got a cool, custom design, it becomes something they'll reach for again and again.

Fourthwall has tons of premium options to turn your designs into wardrobe staples:

• The Comfort Colors® Garment-Dyed Heavyweight T-Shirt has that worn-in, vintage feel students love. These shirts are great for bold graphics or retro-inspired prints.
• The Bella + Canvas Supersoft T-Shirt is buttery soft and lightweight, making it perfect for everyday layering and subtle, aesthetic designs.
• The Bella + Canvas Women’s Supersoft Relaxed Fit Tee offers a flattering, relaxed cut that pairs well with high-rise jeans or joggers.
• And for the eco-conscious crowd, the Stanley/Stella Unisex Organic T-Shirt is made from 100% organic cotton and printed using DTG for a sustainable yet stylish fit.

When it comes to back-to-school apparel, nothing sells faster than a good old-fashioned t-shirt. If these shirts aren’t your style, check out 30+ other labels that might be your jam on Fourthwall’s catalog.

9. Sweatshirts 

As soon as the mornings get colder and hoodie season rolls in, students start reaching for their favorite go-to layers. 

A well-made sweatshirt isn’t just about warmth; it’s part of the daily rotation for staying comfy, looking good, and repping something they love.

Fourthwall’s catalog is stacked with quality picks to customize:

• The Classic Unisex Crew Neck Sweatshirt is your go-to everyday option—soft, durable, and perfect for bold or minimal prints.
• The Lane Seven Premium Crewneck Sweatshirt features a plush fleece interior and a premium feel that makes it ideal for upgraded designs or brand staples.
• The Stanley/Stella Unisex Organic Oversized Sweatshirt is a sustainable favorite with a fashion-forward fit, great for students who live in oversized everything.
• And for serious brand recognition, the Champion® Cotton Max Sweatshirt delivers on heavyweight quality and classic streetwear vibes, complete with the iconic “C” logo on the sleeve.

Whether you're designing something campus-casual or streetwear-inspired, these sweatshirts are the kind of merch that sells itself once the leaves start falling.

10. Hats

Whether it's to top off an outfit or hide a bad hair day before that 8 a.m. class, hats are a campus essential that students wear year-round. 

From sporty to vintage, a great cap adds personality without trying too hard, and when it’s custom embroidered, it instantly becomes a statement piece.

Fourthwall gives you a variety of styles to match your brand’s vibe:

• The Otto Vintage Wash Dad Hat brings laid-back, throwback energy that’s perfect for casual fits and nostalgic designs.
• The Flexfit® Bucket Hat delivers both trendiness and sun protection. They're ideal for outdoor events, festivals, or late-summer drops.
• The Yupoong Wool Blend Snapback adds structure and edge, making it a top choice for bold logos or streetwear-style merch.
• And for fans of clean, athletic looks, the Adidas® Performance Cap offers premium quality and subtle branding potential with its sleek embroidered surface.

No matter the season, hats are easy wins because they offer low-cost, high-wear visibility and are endlessly re-wearable by students and fans alike.

11. Joggers

When students want to roll out of bed and still look put together, joggers are the answer. 

They’re the go-to for study marathons, campus strolls, gym class, or just vibing in comfort. And by adding your custom design, you can make them even more appealing as wearable merch.

Fourthwall offers a variety of joggers that blend comfort with style:

• The Lane Seven Fleece Joggers are ultra-soft and made for lounging, perfect for minimalist branding or cozy winter drops.
• The Cotton Heritage Unisex Fleece Joggers offer a relaxed, premium feel that works great for unisex streetwear collections.
• Want to go bold? Our All-Over Print Recycled Men’s Joggers give you full creative freedom with wraparound designs and eco-conscious appeal.
• The Jerzees Unisex Joggers are a budget-friendly essential with a classic fit. They’re great for creating matching sets or everyday campus wear.

Custom joggers are more than just comfortwear; they’re a fashion-forward merch option that’s equal parts laid-back and on-trend.

12. Shoes

Everyone wants to step into the new school year with fresh kicks, and custom shoes are the ultimate way to stand out from the crowd. 

They’re not just functional; they’re a statement, making them a smart (and stylish) addition to any merch lineup.

Fourthwall’s catalog includes a variety of customizable kicks for every vibe:

• Men’s and Women’s Athletic Shoes are perfect for students on the go. Great for gym class, long walks across campus, or just flexing in comfort.
• The Slip-Up Canvas Shoes offer a laid-back, skater-inspired look with an easy slip-on design that’s ideal for casual wear.
• Prefer a classic silhouette? The Lace-Up Canvas Shoes bring timeless streetwear energy that pairs perfectly with joggers, hoodies, or crew socks.
• And for warmer days or dorm life, our Men’s and Women’s Slides are an easy sell. They're cool, comfy, and begging for bold, all-over designs.

If you’re looking to offer something unexpected that still fits seamlessly into a student’s day-to-day, custom shoes are where it's at.

13. Dresses

When spring semester hits and the weather starts warming up, it’s officially “ditch the sweats” and time to swap the hoodies for something breezy, cute, and campus-ready.

For girls looking to stand out between classes, custom dresses offer the perfect blend of comfort and style with a splash of personality.

Fourthwall offers two all-over print options that are made to stand out:

• The All-Over Print Skater Dress features a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette and vibrant sublimation printing that works great for artistic patterns, logos, or eye-catching graphics.
• The All-Over Print Slip Dress delivers a sleek, modern look that’s perfect for layering over tees or styling solo for warmer days.

Both styles are lightweight, fully customizable, and ideal for creators looking to expand their merch lineup into more expressive and fashion-forward territory.

14. Socks

They may be small, but socks are one of the most underrated ways to add personality to any outfit.

Quirky, colorful, or branded just right, they are the kind of everyday accessory that can sneakily build brand recognition with every step.

Fourthwall offers customizable options to keep your fans’ feet cozy and styled:

• The Premium Sustainable Crew Socks feature all-over sublimation printing and eco-friendly materials, perfect for bold patterns or artistic designs.
• The Custom Crew Socks offer a clean look with printable zones, great for logos, mascots, or matching merch sets.
• The Custom Athletic Cotton Socks deliver a more classic, sporty vibe. Ideal for PE, gym workouts, or just everyday wear.

Add them to your back-to-school product lineup as a fun, functional add-on that fans won’t think twice about slipping into.

15. Towels

If you’ve ever lugged a ratty old towel to gym class or the dorm showers, you know the value of having one that’s actually soft and stylish. 

That’s what makes custom towels a surprisingly smart back-to-school merch item. They’re practical for everyday campus life and make the perfect blank canvas for bold branding.

Our Sublimated Towel is ultra-absorbent, full-sized, and fully printable across the entire surface, giving you endless design freedom. 

Whether it’s for workouts, beach days, or dorm essentials, it’s a low-key must-have that adds big value to any back-to-school product lineup.

Get Ready for Back-to-School with Fourthwall

Want to cash in on back-to-school season without dealing with warehouses, bulk orders, or boring products? You’re in the right place.

With Fourthwall’s print-on-demand tools, you can design and sell your own custom products, perfect for high schoolers, college students, or even teachers looking to add some personality to their day-to-day. 

No inventory, no stress, just fully personalized gear that stands out in the classroom, dorm, or locker.

Sign up for Fourthwall today and start creating merch that stands out on campus and beyond.