When the monsoon rolls in and the school bell rings louder than ever, it’s time to whip out the glue sticks and imagination.
Back to school crafts for kids of all ages aren’t just a way to kill time – they’re tiny memory-makers wrapped in creativity.
I’ve watched my own child beam with pride over a paper bus. Another day, it was a felt pencil topper that became the talk of the classroom.
Ditch the dull and dive into delightful. These crafts are more than cute – they help kids connect, focus, and express themselves.
Some are quirky, some are sentimental, and every single one sparks joy in small hands. Let’s turn ordinary afternoons into school-ready fun.
1. Paper Roll Apple Core Craft By Non Toy Gifts
Credit: NonToyGifts.Com
Here’s a fun little project that screams “back to school” vibes – and it’s made from the simplest stuff you already have at home.
With just a paper roll, cupcake liners, and a dash of creativity, your kids can whip up a cute apple core that’s perfect for classroom displays or fridge art.
Explore the full step-by-step on Non-Toy Gifts, where clever crafts meet kid-friendly fun.
2. School Bus Kleenex Box Craft
Credit: MeaningfulMama.Com
Turn an everyday tissue box into a charming yellow school bus – complete with wheels, windows, and smiling passengers.
This delightful DIY doubles as a classroom gift and a keepsake, especially if you pop in family photos as the riders (yes, even mom and dad can board).
See how Meaningful Mama brings this bus to life with a clever mix of fun and function.
3. Craft Stick School Bus Photo Frame
Credit: hip2save.com
This adorable school bus made from painted craft sticks is more than just a fun back-to-school craft – it’s a sweet little photo frame for those precious first-day smiles.
Add your child’s pic to the “windows,” stick on some buttons for wheels, and voilà… fridge-worthy magic.
Want to make your own rolling masterpiece? Head over to Hip2Save for the full step-by-step.
4. Paper Plate Apple Bag Craft
Credit: kidscraftroom.com
Part craft, part cute accessory – this apple-themed paper plate bag is perfect for stashing pencils, erasers, or even sweet notes for the teacher.
With its rosy cheeks, smiling face, and gingham ribbon strap, it’s a fun mix of form and function kids will love to carry or hang proudly.
Get the full how-to from Kids Craft Room and turn ordinary plates into back-to-school magic.
5. Back-to-School Baking Soda Slime
Credit: 123homeschool4me.com
This isn’t your average slime – it’s smooth, stretchy, and totally mess-free thanks to a baking soda boost.
Turn it yellow for a pencil-themed twist or toss in LEGO bricks for a silly sensory activity that works like magic with preschoolers to third graders.
Want to mix up your own shiny batch? 123 Homeschool 4 Me has the complete recipe and playful ideas to get the gooey fun started.
6. DIY Felt Minion Pencil Topper
Credit: artsycraftsymom.com
This little yellow guy brings all the cheer and none of the homework blues.
If your kids adore Minions like mine do, they’ll love stitching this DIY Felt Minion Pencil Topper.
It’s got everything – big goofy goggles, classic blue overalls, and that iconic cheeky smile.
The best part? It only takes a few felt scraps and a simple blanket stitch.
Pop it on a pencil and boom – instant school desk happiness. Bonus: it makes a sweet handmade gift for classmates too.
Head over to Artsy Craftsy Mom for full step by step instructions.
7. Printable Back-to-School Crowns
Credit: iheartcraftythings.com
Nothing says “school royalty” like a bright, bejeweled paper crown on the first day.
This printable craft is simple: kids color, glue on gems, and wear it proudly as they kick off a brand-new school year.
Download the free template and see how to make your own over at I Heart Crafty Things.
8. Back to School Backpack Craft
Credit: ourkidthings.com
Before the real backpacks get packed, why not make a colorful paper version? This free printable craft lets kids customize and “fill” their backpacks with cute paper supplies – perfect for sparking back-to-school excitement.
Grab the template and full instructions at Our Kid Things.
9. Simple Shape Pencil Craft
Credit: adabofgluewilldo.com
Kickstart the school year with a craft that’s as educational as it is fun.
Kids trace and cut basic shapes like triangles and rectangles to build a colorful pencil, boosting their fine motor skills while reviewing shapes.
This craft also doubles as a subtle test of following directions – a teacher’s win! Find all the details and tips at A Dab of Glue Will Do.
10. Paper Plate School Bus Craft
Credit: honeyandlime.co
Get little hands busy with this charming paper plate school bus craft.
Perfect for preschoolers, it combines painting, cutting, and matching shapes to create a fun back-to-school keepsake.
This hands-on project eases the transition into school mode and sparks creativity. All the easy steps and printable templates are waiting for you at Honey and Lime.
11. Toilet Paper Roll Crayon Craft
Credit: thebestideasforkids.com
Turn simple toilet paper rolls into colorful crayons! This back-to-school craft is super cute and perfect for decorating study or craft rooms.
Kids love picking their favorite shades and can even skip the tip to make pencil holders.
Grab the free printable template or draw your own design to get started. It’s an easy, recycled-material craft that’s creative and eco-friendly! Check out all the details at The Best Ideas for Kids.
12. Pencil Mason Jar Craft – Cute and Functional
Credit: ohmy-creative.com
I absolutely love this mason jar pencil holder! It’s super easy to make and adds a fun pop of color to your desk.
Painting the jar to look like a classic pencil is such a clever idea and I think it’s not only perfect for back to school but it also doubles as a cute DIY teacher gift too.
You just need some acrylic paints (yellow, black, pink, tan, grey), a mason jar, and a few brushes and the best part is that you need only about 30 minutes to complete this activity.
Head over to Oh My Creative for full step by step instructions.
13. Paper Plate Lacing (Preschool Activity)
Credit: preschoolinspirations.com
Here’s a neat fall-themed craft that’s perfect for little hands.
The Paper Plate Apple Lacing Activity helps preschoolers build fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, using simple supplies you likely have at home.
It’s a charming way to welcome the season while keeping kids engaged – check out the full step-by-step guide here.
14. Minion Bookmarks
Credit: thebestideasforkids.com
Here’s a super fun and simple craft – making Minion bookmarks.
With just colored cardstock, googly eyes, and a little glue, kids can create these cute characters that are perfect for marking their favorite books.
Want the free template to get started? Just sign up for the newsletter and grab it here.
15. Adorable butterfly paper bracelets
Credit: easypeasyandfun.com
Spring crafts get a colorful twist with these adorable butterfly paper bracelets.
Kids can decorate their own unique bracelets using the free printable template and simple supplies like markers and glue.
It’s a creative, easy project perfect for after school or anytime fun – check out the full instructions and grab the template right here: Butterfly Paper Bracelets for Kids.
16. Toilet Paper Ladybug Craft
Credit: consumerqueen.com
Got toilet paper rolls? Turn them into adorable ladybugs with this fun indoor craft that’s perfect for a rainy day.
This project is easy for kids aged 6 – 10 and gives them creative freedom with painting and decorating their ladybugs using simple supplies like red paper, googly eyes, and black markers.
Ready to flutter into this cute idea? Follow the full steps over at Consumer Queen’s Ladybug Craft.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about watching a child craft their excitement into a crayon made of cardboard or a goofy Minion pencil topper.
These aren’t just back to school crafts for kids of all ages – they’re little sparks that light up the journey ahead.
One minute it’s a messy table, the next it’s a masterpiece ready for the fridge. Shift from store-bought boredom to homemade joy.
Let your kids lead with their hearts (and a glue stick).
Try one or try all – but don’t forget to celebrate the crooked crowns and lopsided apples. That’s where the real charm lives.
Here’s to a school year that starts with scissors, smiles, and sweet handmade memories.
