Get kids excited for a new school year with these 10 fun and easy back-to-school crafts. From personalized pencil holders to colorful bookmarks, discover creative DIY projects for kids.
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The start of a new school year is the perfect time to get creative with fun and colorful crafts. Back-to-school crafts can help children feel excited about returning to the classroom while giving them a chance to personalize their school supplies and create something they can actually use.
From decorated pencil holders and custom bookmarks to colorful paper projects and fun classroom signs, these crafts are simple enough for kids to enjoy and can be made with affordable supplies you may already have at home.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend activity, a classroom project, or something fun to do before the first day of school, these 10 back-to-school crafts ideas for kids are sure to inspire creativity.
1. DIY Pencil Holder
Turn an empty can or recycled container into a colorful pencil holder.
What You’ll Need
- Empty container
- Colored paper
- Glue
- Stickers
- Markers
- Ribbon
How to Make It
Clean the container and cover it with colorful paper. Let kids decorate it with their names, stickers, stars, or school-themed drawings.
2. Personalized Bookmarks
Encourage kids to read by letting them create their own personalized bookmarks.
What You’ll Need
- Cardstock
- Colored markers
- Scissors
- Stickers
- Ribbon
How to Make It
Cut cardstock into a long rectangular shape and decorate it with names, favorite characters, patterns, or motivational messages. Punch a hole at the top and add a colorful ribbon.
3. Paper School Bus Craft
A paper school bus is an easy and fun project for younger children.
What You’ll Need
- Yellow construction paper
- Black paper
- Glue
- Scissors
- White paper
- Markers
How to Make It
Cut out a simple bus shape from yellow paper. Add black wheels and windows, then decorate it with a school name or child’s name.
4. DIY School Supply Box
Give an ordinary box a creative makeover and turn it into a personalized school supply organizer.
What You’ll Need
- Small cardboard box
- Wrapping paper
- Glue
- Washi tape
- Stickers
- Markers
How to Make It
Cover the box with decorative paper and let kids personalize it with stickers, drawings, labels, and colorful tape.
5. Apple Paper Craft
Create a cute paper apple to celebrate the beginning of the school year.
What You’ll Need
- Red paper
- Green paper
- Brown paper
- Glue
- Scissors
- Markers
How to Make It
Cut out several red apple shapes and layer them together to create a 3D effect. Add a green leaf and brown stem.
6. DIY Pencil Toppers
Make ordinary pencils more exciting with colorful handmade toppers.
What You’ll Need
- Craft foam
- Colored paper
- Glue
- Scissors
- Pencils
- Markers
How to Make It
Cut small shapes such as stars, hearts, flowers, or animals from craft foam or cardstock. Decorate them and attach them securely to the top of pencils.
7. First-Day-of-School Sign
Create a special sign for those memorable first-day photos.
What You’ll Need
- Cardboard
- Markers
- Colored paper
- Stickers
- Glue
How to Make It
Write “First Day of School” in large letters and let children decorate the sign with their grade, favorite colors, stars, pencils, or other fun details.
8. Paper Plate Backpack Craft
Turn a simple paper plate into a cute backpack-themed craft.
What You’ll Need
- Paper plate
- Paint
- Construction paper
- Glue
- Yarn
- Scissors
How to Make It
Paint the paper plate and add a decorative flap made from construction paper. Attach yarn straps and personalize the mini backpack with stickers or drawings.
9. DIY Motivational Pencil Cards
Create little motivational cards that kids can keep in their pencil cases or notebooks.
What You’ll Need
- Cardstock
- Markers
- Colored pencils
- Stickers
- Scissors
Message Ideas
- “You Can Do It!”
- “Keep Learning!”
- “Be Amazing!”
- “Dream Big!”
How to Make It
Cut cardstock into small cards and decorate each one with positive messages, colorful borders, and fun school-themed drawings.
10. DIY Name Tags
Make colorful name tags that kids can attach to backpacks, lunch bags, or notebooks.
What You’ll Need
- Cardstock
- Markers
- Stickers
- Hole punch
- Ribbon or string
- Clear tape
How to Make It
Cut cardstock into fun shapes such as stars, circles, apples, or pencils. Write the child’s name and decorate the tag with colorful designs. Cover it with clear tape for extra durability.
Tips for Making Back-to-School Crafts with Kids
Keep Projects Simple
Choose crafts that match the child’s age and skill level. Younger children can focus on coloring and decorating while older kids can handle more detailed projects.
Use Affordable Materials
Construction paper, cardboard, markers, glue, stickers, and recycled containers can create countless fun projects without spending much.
Encourage Creativity
Let children choose their own colors, patterns, and decorations instead of trying to make every project look identical.
Reuse Household Items
Empty cans, cardboard boxes, paper rolls, and old containers can easily become useful school organizers and decorations.
Make It a Learning Activity
Use crafts to practice spelling, writing names, identifying colors, counting, or organizing school supplies.
Back-to-School Craft Supplies
Keep a small craft box ready with:
- Construction paper
- Cardstock
- Colored markers
- Crayons
- Colored pencils
- Child-safe scissors
- Glue sticks
- Washi tape
- Stickers
- Craft foam
- Ribbons
- Paper plates
- Recycled containers
Safety Tip: Younger children should use child-safe scissors and be supervised when using glue, small craft pieces, or any other materials that could present a safety risk.
Final Thoughts
Back-to-school crafts are a fun way to turn the excitement of a new school year into a creative activity. Kids can personalize their supplies, practice useful skills, and create decorations they’ll be proud to take into the classroom.
From DIY pencil holders and bookmarks to first-day signs and colorful name tags, these 10 back-to-school crafts ideas for kids are easy, affordable, and perfect for making those first days of school feel extra special. Gather your supplies, let the kids choose their favorite projects, and start crafting!