Space-Inspired Back-to-School Essentials from Our Gift Shop
- 6th Aug 2026
- Author: Elliott Langley
Looking For Back-To-School Ideas? Our Gift Shop Has Everything Your Child Needs
Whilst summer is not quite over just yet, the start of a new term has a habit of creeping up. The good news is that getting ready for the new academic year does not have to be stressful. In fact, a trip to The Shop could be the perfect way to keep the excitement of the Summer Holidays alive, while making sure your child is ready for their first day back.
Whether your child is spending the holidays exploring our galleries, meeting-and-greeting a dinosaur, or discovering the wonders of science and space, taking home a few special items can help keep those memories alive long after the school holiday has finished.
So, with a little help from our Retail team, I have come up with suggestions for the perfect National Space Centre back-to-school starter kit, to help your child have the best first day of term.
Dinosaur-themed Essentials
Launched for Summer 2026, our dinosaur range has become a favourite with visitors, especially after having seen our prehistoric friends up close. The dinosaur notepad and water bottle make a fantastic combination for school, and features artwork created by our talented in-house Design team. Perfect for jotting down notes, doodles, homework reminders, or simply staying hydrated throughout the school day, these items help bring a little prehistoric magic into the classroom.
Periodic Table Items
For children who love science, our periodic table lunch boxes and water bottles offer the perfect blend of educational and practical. Not only do they keep lunches fresh and drinks close at hand, but they also feature a version of the iconic periodic table design. Who knows, seeing the list of elements all lined up on a daily basis could nourish your child’s love of STEM and set them on the path to become a future chemist.
National Space Centre Exclusives
Do you want your child to represent their love of space exploration while showing off their school holiday visit? Our National Space Centre logo water bottles are a simple but stylish way to do exactly that. Sustainable, durable, refillable, and exclusive to our Shop, they are perfect for school bags, after-school clubs, PE lessons, and family days out. Plus, if you bring them back to the National Space Centre, then you can refill them for free at either of the water stations around our galleries.
The Space Age Range
If you are looking to create the ultimate space-themed school setup, our Space Age range has everything covered. The range features a backpack, pencil case, lunch bag, water bottle, and lunch boxes, and work together as a complete collection. These items allow your child to head back to school in space-inspired style, and they are practical enough for everyday use whilst also celebrating the wonder and excitement of space exploration.
For many young visitors, the journey home after a visit often involves talking endlessly about astronauts, rockets, Ziggy’s misadventures, and the journey aboard our Tharsis Spacecraft. This collection helps keep that enthusiasm alive throughout the school year.
The Astronaut Collection
Many children leave the National Space Centre determined to become astronauts, engineers, scientists, or space explorers. For them, our astronaut range could be the perfect choice. Featuring an astronaut-themed notepad, pen, and travel mug, this collection is ideal for children who enjoy writing, drawing, planning, or recording their ideas.
A Backpack That Stands Out
One of our standout products for the new school term is the fantastic Jetpack Backpack. Fun, distinctive, and guaranteed to stand out in the playground, it is a brilliant way for children to express their personality while carrying everything they need for the day ahead. A little imagination can go a long way towards boosting confidence when starting a new school year, and this backpack certainly helps make going back to school feel a little more exciting.
Every Purchase Supports Our Charity
Many of the products in our Gift Shop are exclusive to the National Space Centre, making them a great way to take a little piece of your visit home and keep those summer memories alive when school returns. If you need help choosing, our Retail Team is always happy to offer recommendations, whether you are putting together a complete back-to-school pack or looking for a small reminder of your day out.
Every purchase also supports the National Space Centre's charitable mission, helping us continue to inspire future generations through space science, exploration, and STEM learning.
With over 80% of our products priced below £20 and nearly 50% below £10, there are options to suit most budgets. And remember, if you have a FREE Annual Pass, you can always book a return visit to explore the galleries and browse the Shop again.
And remember, although September may be around the corner, your National Space Centre adventure does not have to end. Your Annual Pass means you can visit again and again; and with October half-term only a few weeks away, your next space adventure might be closer than you think.
