5 fun first-day-of-school photo ideas

Send your kid up, up and away to school by inflating a big balloon (preferably with helium) and writing a message on it with permanent marker. Tie on some festive fringes or streamers to amp up the look. But remember to protect wildlife by disposing of the balloon properly instead of releasing it into the sky—this will prevent animals from choking on it when it lands.

On Karma: Floral combat boots, $29; Freshster sweater, $24; plaid skirt, $22. On Kyoko: mid-calf boots, $29; floral long-sleeved dress, $16; puffer vest, $29; joefresh.ca.

Sure, your kid has grown a bit since last year, but this easy-to-make craft definitely adds some height. Just wrap some books with colourful paper and write their name and grade on the spines. You can also layer in their favourite books—if you do it every year, it’s a great way to get a snapshot of what they were into at the time.

On Jayden: Combat boots, $29; camouflage sweatpants, $19; denim-style shirt, $16; freshster hat, $10; joefresh.ca.

You can’t go wrong with a classic chalkboard sign. If you don’t have a small chalkboard, paint an inexpensive canvas with chalk paint. Take it to the next level by gluing chalk pieces around the border to frame it. You can also easily erase the message and reuse the board every year with different cute sayings or grades.

On Dakota: Sparkle flats, $22; light denim jeans, $19; denim floral shirt, $22; puffer vest, $29; joefresh.ca.

It’s time to use up those bits of beautiful wrapping paper you’ve been saving. First, glue your patterned paper onto a piece of cardboard or foam core. Write out your kid’s grade or print out the letters in a large, blocky font and trace them onto your patterned paper. Then all you have to do is cut the shapes out and tape wooden dowels to the back for handles. Win!

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You already know your kid is photogenic, but set up the perfect shot by surrounding him with this adorable DIY frame. Use an inexpensive frame or cut one out of foam core. Then grab your glue gun and cover it in colourful pompoms. If you’re feeling extra creative, look for a scenic background to use for your kid’s photo.

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Read more: How parents feel on the first day of school in 10 GIFS 16 first-day-of-school books for your anxious kid What the first day of school is really like