25 Adorable things to make for back to school

Watching my kids get ready for back-to-school always brings a mix of excitement and nostalgia. I see them gathering their backpacks, sharpening pencils, and lining up notebooks on the kitchen table, and I can’t help but remember my own school days. But now, it’s even more special because I get to help them add their own personal touches making their supplies not just useful, but truly theirs.

This year, I watch as they pick out colors, stickers, and little decorations for their notebooks and pencil cases. I feel a small thrill every time they ask for a new charm for their backpack or a homemade organizer for their desk. These little projects do more than make school supplies look pretty they make the school day feel brighter, easier, and more fun. I love seeing their personalities come alive in something as simple as a notebook cover or a custom lunch bag.

I want their school year to start with that same sense of excitement I remember from my own childhood. That’s why I’ve gathered 25 adorable back-to-school projects we can do together. Some of these ideas help keep things organized, some add a touch of art and creativity to everyday items, and a few are perfect as small homemade gifts for teachers or friends. Crafting with them becomes more than just a fun activity it’s a way to celebrate this new chapter, to slow down for a moment before the busy school days begin, and to make these first days feel special. So, we pull out our scissors, glue, markers, and imagination, ready to turn ordinary school supplies into something extraordinary.

25 Adorable things to make for back to school.

1. Personalized Notebook Covers

We start with something simple but exciting: decorating notebook covers. My kids love picking out washi tape, stickers, and colored paper to make each notebook feel like theirs. Sometimes we cut shapes from scrap paper hearts, stars, animals and glue them on top. We even experiment with layering patterns or mixing colors that match their backpacks. By the end, each notebook is not just functional, but a little work of art. I love seeing their eyes light up when they hold a finished notebook they can’t wait to show it to friends on the first day of school.

2. DIY Pencil Case

Instead of buying plain pencil cases, we make our own. We grab a small zip bag, some fabric paint, felt, or tiny decorations, and suddenly a plain case becomes something unique. My kids especially love adding their initials or a small drawing of their favorite animal. Sometimes we even make matching pencil cases for friends, which turns into a fun gift-giving moment. It takes just a little time, but when they slide their pencils inside a case they made themselves, the pride on their faces is priceless.

3. Cute Pencil Toppers

This is a favorite quick craft. We use erasers, small beads, or felt to make tiny pencil toppers. One day, my youngest decided to make little animal heads for all her pencils she spent an hour carefully gluing each piece, and every pencil looked adorable. It’s amazing how a small topper can make homework feel more fun, and my kids love swapping them between friends. These little creations always spark laughter and creativity at the kitchen table.

4. DIY Bookmarks

We cut cardstock into rectangles and let the kids decorate them with markers, stickers, or stamps. Adding a ribbon at the top makes it even more special. Sometimes we write little messages on the back, like “Have a great day!” or “Keep going you’re awesome!” My children love giving a few away to friends or their teacher, which adds a thoughtful element to a simple craft. Every time they open a book, their little handmade bookmark reminds them of the fun we had together.

5. Custom Locker Magnets

We create small magnets using bottle caps, tiny drawings, or printed images. After adding a small magnet to the back, they become perfect for decorating lockers. Seeing their favorite characters or funny quotes every morning brings a smile before school even starts. One of my kids made a set with motivational sayings like “You got this!” and “Be kind today,” and it’s amazing to watch them check the magnets every morning before heading out.

6. Decorative Binder Clips

We take plain binder clips and add washi tape, paint, or stickers. Suddenly, organizing papers becomes exciting. My kids enjoy color-coding their homework. This way it makes it easy to tell math from science assignments at a glance. They also love showing off their designs to friends, who often ask how they made them. It’s a simple project, but it makes keeping schoolwork neat feel fun instead of boring.

7. DIY Lunch Bag Tags

We make small, laminated tags with names or fun designs for lunch bags. It’s cute, personal, and helps prevent mix-ups in the cafeteria. One morning, my youngest carefully drew a tiny pizza slice on her tag because she thought it was “funny and happy.” Seeing her excitement as she clips it onto her lunch bag makes me smile. Plus, it teaches kids to take pride in organizing their own things.

8. Backpack Charms

Using beads, small charms, or felt, we create little decorations to clip onto backpacks. It’s always fun to see my kids show off their charms on the first day. Sometimes they mix and match charms to represent their favorite hobbies, like music notes, animals, or tiny books. They even trade charms with friends, turning a small craft into a fun social activity. By the end, backpacks feel personalized and cheerful, almost like a little canvas for their creativity.

9. Personalized Pencil Holders

We use empty jars, tin cans, or small boxes and decorate them with paint, stickers, or glitter. My kids love having a bright, organized space for pencils and pens on their desks. Sometimes we go a little overboard, adding layers of colors or patterns, but it’s part of the fun. Having a special pencil holder makes their workspace feel inviting, and they always tell me, “Mom, I love my pencils being in their own home!”

10. Mini Dry-Erase Boards

We make small boards with laminated cardstock or clear plastic sheets. My kids use them for doodling, practicing spelling words, or keeping track of homework. Decorating the edges with colorful tape makes them cute and unique. I love seeing them use the boards to quiz each other or write little reminders, turning a small craft into a tool for learning. It’s one of those projects that combines creativity with practicality.

11. DIY Eraser Stamps

We carve simple shapes into small erasers to make homemade stamps. My kids love stamping their notebooks, planners, or even little cards for friends. One day, my youngest made tiny stars to mark completed homework it became a game to see who could stamp the most stars correctly. It’s fun, creative, and helps make repetitive tasks like marking assignments exciting.

12. Washi Tape Book Labels

We use colorful washi tape to create fun labels for books and notebooks. Kids enjoy mixing patterns and colors, and it makes finding the right book in their bag so much easier. Sometimes they even design little “themes” for each subject: stripes for science, polka dots for art. These small touches add organization while letting them show off personality.

13. Homemade Sticky Notes

We cut small squares of paper and decorate the edges with stickers or colored pens. They become handy little reminders for homework or notes to friends. My kids love leaving notes for each other around the house before school, and sometimes they tuck a sticky note in a lunch bag with a funny doodle. These tiny creations make the ordinary feel playful and thoughtful.

14. Custom Folder Covers

Plain folders get a complete makeover. We use colored paper, stickers, and markers to personalize folders for each subject. My kids enjoy mixing patterns or adding doodles in corners. By the time we’re done, they can tell at a glance which folder is for which subject, and it gives them a small sense of ownership over their schoolwork.

15. DIY Pencil Pouches with Zipper Pulls

We add tiny charms or beads to the zipper of pencil pouches. It’s a small touch, but it makes opening and closing the pouch fun. My kids love picking charms that represent them sometimes it’s a favorite animal, sometimes a tiny rainbow. Little details like these make even a routine activity feel special.

16. Decorative Paper Clips

We use beads, ribbon, or small felt shapes to create cute, functional paper clips. My kids enjoy using them to organize homework or decorate notebooks. They sometimes even make a few extra to trade with friends. It’s amazing how a tiny paper clip can make schoolwork feel playful.

17. Personalized Water Bottles

We use stickers, vinyl, or permanent markers to decorate water bottles. Kids love having a bottle that feels theirs, and it’s easy to spot in the cafeteria. My youngest even made a “rainbow theme” water bottle, and she won’t stop showing it off. Functional items suddenly feel fun and personal.

18. DIY Sticky Bookmarks with Tassels

We create sticky bookmarks with small tassels or ribbon attached. My kids use them to mark pages in textbooks or favorite books. Sometimes they make matching tassels for friends, which adds a little joy to reading time. It’s a simple craft, but it brings pride and ownership to their schoolwork.

19. Homework Reward Chart

We craft a small chart to track completed homework, reading minutes, or other goals. Kids add stickers or stars each day they finish a task. My children love seeing their progress build visually it makes homework feel like a game, and the chart becomes a source of pride.

20. DIY Name Tags for Desks

We make small, laminated desk name tags with drawings or fun patterns. It adds a personal touch to their classroom space and makes them feel proud of their spot. One child even drew a tiny garden on the side, and it becomes a conversation starter with classmates.

21. Locker Shelves or Organizers

Using small cardboard or plastic containers, we make little organizers for lockers. Kids decorate them with stickers, paper, or tape to make their space feel fun and personal. It’s amazing to watch them arrange supplies neatly while still letting creativity shine.

22. Cute Eraser Holders

We craft small holders for erasers using felt, tiny boxes, or recycled containers. My kids love that their erasers have a “home” and don’t get lost at school. They even personalize each holder, turning a tiny object into a miniature craft project.

23. DIY Clip-On Pencil Charms

We create small charms from beads or clay and attach them to pencil tops or clip onto notebooks. It’s a tiny addition but makes their supplies feel playful and unique. My kids love seeing their designs in action and swapping them with friends for fun.

24. Personalized Notebook Dividers

We make dividers for notebooks or binders using cardstock, stickers, or markers. Each child adds colors, patterns, or little doodles to make each section easy to identify. It helps them stay organized and makes studying a little brighter.

25. Back-to-School Mini Gift Bags

We fill small bags with decorated pencils, stickers, or little treats as gifts for classmates or teachers. My kids love handing them out on the first day it’s a simple way to share creativity and kindness. Seeing their smiles when a friend or teacher opens the bag makes the effort feel so worth it.