The first day of school is almost here, and whether you’re a parent packing lunches, a teacher decorating a classroom, or a student getting excited for a new year, it’s the perfect time for some fun back-to-school ideas.

From creative teacher gifts and DIY school supplies to printable decorations and first-day surprises, these easy projects will help make the transition back to school extra special.

If you’re looking for back-to-school crafts, teacher appreciation gifts, classroom decorations, and free printables, you’re in the right place!

Back-to-school ideas

Crafting is a fun way to build excitement before school starts. These simple projects are easy enough for kids to help make and create lasting memories before the busy school year begins.

Mason jars from a pumpkin and princess

One of the easiest back-to-school crafts is transforming an ordinary mason jar into a colorful pencil holder.

Spray paint or paint the jar your favorite color, decorate the lid, and fill it with pencils, pens, markers, or scissors.

These make wonderful:

• Teacher gifts
• Student desk organizers
• Homeschool supplies
• Classroom decorations

They’re practical and adorable!

Ball printable for jars: lil luna

Color me excited Printables from capturing joy

Back to School Printables can be printed and attached right to the school supplies, a little gift for the teacher. Many times, teachers end up buying supplies with their own money and some students can’t afford them. So purchase some extras and send them with these cute printables.

Back to school banner

Learn to paint a cute sign for a perfect photo opp! There are also apple printables to recreate these cute balloons!

pretzel pencils with printables

School countdown: the idea room

Giant Pencil

This is perfect for back to school photo ops!

Lunchbox jokes by teach mama

Make lunchtime something to look forward to by printing off these cute little jokes to place inside!

You are going to CRUSH this new year Drink Gift

If you need a quick and cute gift to send off your teacher, student, kid, friend etc, than grab this FREE CRUSH back to school printable!

Apple Donuts: your home based mom

A perfect little snack for the first day of school!

Kids back to school basket (with printable)

Fill a basket with:

• Notebooks
• Highlighters
• Pens
• Sticky notes
• Gum
• Snacks
• Water bottle
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues
• Mini first aid kit
• Phone charger
• Gift cards

Out of this world printable by poofy cheeks

Start the year off with a little treat for teacher!

Bursting with excitement gift tag

There are a couple different things you can pair with this cute free printable!

Getting to know your Teacher Printable

Have your teacher fill this out so you can make sure you buy and support the teachers the best way!

Pencil treat: bloom design

Survival Kit printable

Whether your child is entering kindergarten or heading off to college, survival kits are a practical and fun gift idea.

Apple wreath

Welcome students, teachers, and guests with a festive school-themed wreath.

kiki and company made this AMAZING wreath!

You can also Decorate a wreath with:

• Crayons
• Pencils
• Rulers
• Composition notebook paper
• Apple accents
• Printable pennants
• Ribbon in school colors

Hang it on your classroom door or front porch for an inviting first impression.

Pencil Banner Printables

ROOTING for you this year printable

 

Organizer: sugar bee crafts

Get a homework station all ready with this fun organizer idea!

Apple stickers: oh happy day

Here is a DIY for those parents with kids starting school- print off on sticker paper and add on to any fun items in their lunchbox.

Teacher Caddy

This makes a darling gift to get the teachers everything they need in an easy reach!

School countdown lolly jane

Stenciled BACKPACK lolly jane

Vintage chalkboard sign spoonflower

Apple art: live laugh rowe

Tic Tac Labels somewhat simple

What a fun treat to slip in your kids backpacks!

Teacher Gift basket my sister’s suitcase

Here’s a little take on the most classic teacher gift – a teacher gift basket full of “Apples” to give on the first day of school or anytime you really want to make someone’s day.

Back to School Time Capsule

Since the school year seems to fly by so create these adorable Back to School Time Capsules inspired by iHeartCraftyThings. The kids fill the jar with pictures, questions and answers, and other mementos to open on the last day of the school year. They can see how much they’ve grown and what goals they accomplished this year!

Paper apple claudine hellmouth

This is printable from Etsy but look how darling these are! Fill with treats!

 Back to school I SPY

Button Apple: belle papiers

This would be such a fun sign to create

Back to school Table setting

I drew up some fun back-to-school printables so you can have a festive breakfast or dinner in true school style! It’s a darling idea that makes the first day of school extra special!

Perler bead Craft eighteen 25

Kids can help make this darling apple. You can also make pencils and turn them into magnets or hair clips!

DIY tote bag: A pumpkin and a princess

This tote bag is just the cutest and perfect for toting around books and supplies!

 

Apple Art domestically speaking

Why DIY Back-to-School Projects Are Worth It

Taking a little time before school starts can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable. Handmade gifts, printable decorations, and creative crafts help build excitement while creating memories your family will cherish.

Whether you’re welcoming a kindergartener on their very first day or sending a college student off to campus, small touches can make a big impact.

Save for later

Too busy to get crafting today? No problem! Pin this post to remind yourself about this project later! Sharing my projects helps me reach more people, allowing me to continue sharing free content!