15 fun and easy back-to-school crafts

With a few crafty bits and pieces, kids can personalize all their school supplies. It’s a fun project and makes it easy for kid’s to identify their stuff. Get the instructions here

This craft makes a great gift for a new student or even a teacher. It’s a good excuse to practise printing. Get the instructions: helloglow.co

This list wouldn’t be complete without the ubiquitous craft stick pencil bookmark. These are adorable and a fun way to mark your place in a tome of a textbook. Get the instructions: craftsbyamanda.com

A fieldtrip bracelet is a great way to tag your kid with their phone number in case they get lost from the pack. We made it with fun beads that look super cute. Not feeling that crafty? Marker on a duct tape band works just as well. Get the instructions here

For many kids, going back to school can be a source of anxiety and stress. This calming jar is relaxing to make and is a sweet distraction to keep on hand when the days get tough. Hint hint: It works for stressed out parents, too. Get the instructions here

Since they probably shouldn’t wear velcro sneakers forever, here’s a fun way to help kids learn to tie their shoes. The largescale size helps with developing motor skills. Get full instructions here

This variation of the classic caddy uses cereal boxes. Just cut three to different heights, wrap in pretty paper and glue together. Throw some toilet paper rolls in to act as dividers. Everything you need is in one spot, ready for homework (no excuse, kid!). Get the instructions here

We love a good recycled craft! Turn those tins into bright pencil holders with a little duct tape. Get the instructions: minted.com

Back to school is the perfect time to talk about the future and build a little time capsule together. You may be surprised at how your kid curates the items inside. Get the instructions here

Trendy sneakers are expensive, but this is a fun way to primp affordable canvas ones. Just make sure you cover your work surface, this craft gets a little messy. Get the instructions here

This craft uses upcycles household items in a clever way. Little kids can practise the alphabet in preparation for school by plopping letters into the hungry monster’s mouth. It’s so fun, they won’t even realize they’re learning. Get the instructions: icanteachmychild.com

Grab your craft supplies and make this easy routine chart to meet your needs. We laminated ours but you could use packing tape. Pompoms glued to Velcro dots are easy for little hands to move around. Not feeling crafty, download a premade chart here

What time is it, Mr. Wolf? It’s time to learn how to read a clock. This craft is easy to make (and comes with the promise of pizza because you need the box). Once you make your clock, start working on those skills, they will serve him well in the classroom. Old school rules! Get the instructions: mermagblog.com

We couldn’t help ourselves and started coming up with ways to makeover all the canvas shoes we could find. Here’s a less messy alternative to the splatter paint sneaker. Decorate the shoe with a fabric marker then affix a fluffy pompom to the back. Get the instructions here

Go ahead and celebrate the return of schedules and routine. You can make this giant retro eraser piñata with minimal supplies. There is one catch, though, you need to recall math class and draw a parallelogram. No problem, right? Get the instructions: handmadecharlotte.com

Read more:27 bento boxes that you need in your life How to save money on back-to-school shopping 8 essential craft essentials to keep on hand