32 Back to School Craft Ideas

Back to school craft ideas that you’ll actually want to try!

Back to school season will be here before you know it. And if you’re a parent or caretaker with kids, I’m gonna guess that you’re searching for clever ways to get kids excited about going back to school. I know I am!

So, I rounded up 29 of my favorite back to school craft ideas – from DIY backpacks and reusable lunch bags to desk organization and pencil pouches.

No kids? You can still get into the back to school spirit with these elevated project ideas. No cheesy red apples here, I promise!

29 Back to School Craft Ideas

1. One of my fave back to school crafts to date is this one for a memo station that serves several purposes at once.

A place to hang a hat or backpack, write notes and reminders, hang your child’s newest masterpiece, and somewhere to throw down the keys or tiny treasures from little pockets. Make your own with this tutorial for how to make a chalkboard.

2. Turn recycled egg cartons into fish keychains with this cute little egg carton craft. My son and I made these years ago and he still has a couple of them. They’ve held up pretty well, surprisingly.

3. A classic pen holders craft with an updated look. Which means you’ll never have to answer the question, “Mom, where are all my markers / pencils / pens?” again! 

4. Another clever way to keep track of reminders for kids or just a place for whimsical doodles is this DIY whiteboard idea. I updated it more recently for my son’s room (pictured) and he loves using it. All the fun of drawing on the walls, without the permanence. 

5. Looking for a new lunch bag? Try these DIY canvas lunch bags – they’re eco friendly and washable too.

6. Something like a DIY drawstring pouch is a colorful way to bring some organization to a kid’s backpack and/or school desk. Easy to make too!

They’re great for small things especially – like erasers, paper clips, crayons, etc.

7. For the kids with paperwork to keep track of – like folders and homework – a modern DIY desk organizer like this one is a solid option. There’s even a spot for a little plant to liven up their desk at home.

8. And speaking of paperwork, this papermaking how to is a fun project for kids to try, especially before school starts back up. Papermaking is easy, messy, and fun – everything a kid could want in an activity, right?

It’s also pretty rewarding though. Picture your kid heading out for their first day back to school with a pile of homemade paper to write notes to teachers and friends.

9. Make a concrete DIY desk accessory for organizing small papers, lists, and photos.

10. Have a kiddo that isn’t into backpacks? What about a DIY ice dye tote, from Alice and Lois, for carrying books around from class to class?

11. For an at-home bulletin board, maybe some gold foil thumbtacks?

12. A wall organizer like this one, made of canvas drop cloth, is not only cost effective, it also holds a TON of stuff! Great for stuffies and small toys for younger kids too.

13. Obsessed with these homemade patchwork pencil pouches – grab the template from Art Gallery Fabrics.

14. Easy and whimsical vibes for this cloud-shaped DIY cork board for back to school.

15. Love a compact way to keep supplies nearby and this DIY rollup organizer does the trick for pencils and pens.

16. What kid wouldn’t want to try melting crayons into whatever shape they can dream up?

17. Mimic the popular Fjallraven style with a mini backpack from scratch from With Wendy.

18. And while you’re at it, maybe throw in a DIY wood block keychain or two for added personality.

19. Stamp your own pencil pouch from Almost Makes Perfect.

20. DIY a pencil holder with a chunk of wood, from The Sweetest Occasion.

21. Grab a roll of cork and try these DIY office organizers.

22. Or what about a basket backpack from Delia Creates?

23. Stumbled upon some unique office organization from an unlikely material.

24. And a way to make brightly colored lunch bags, for back to school and beyond.  

25. Here’s a clever idea for inspiring creativity in kids – a DIY hanging paper roll from The Merrythought. The drawings never have to end!

26. Had to included these shibori lunch bags from Sweet Paul. Probably the most gorgeous lunch bags I’ve seen.

27. Because every kid needs a notebook, here’s an idea for DIY journal covers using leather and wood. Something a little different to display their uniqueness.

28. Make a giant mood board organizer!

29. DIY half moon magnets for hanging fridge art, etc from Almost Makes Perfect.

30. Redecorate a plain basket with this textile-heavy DIY basket storage idea.

31. More mini notebooks, but this time with fun patterns. Learn how to make a notebook with this tutorial.

32. Lastly, use these DIY leather pouches for erasers, pencils, highlighters and more. They’re quick to whip up and can be customized with kids drawings, stickers, and more.

Which back to school craft is your favorite? See anything you might try?!