19+ Easy and Fun Back to School Crafts for Kids

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Heading back to school is an exciting time for kids—and what better way to get them in the spirit than with some fun, hands-on crafts? Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just looking for creative ways to keep little hands busy, these back to school ideas are a great way to kick off the new school year.

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From easy DIY pencil toppers to colorful classroom decorations, this list of 19+ back to school crafts is packed with simple and playful projects for kids of all ages. Grab your supplies and get ready to make something fun together!

Be sure to also see our free Ready Confetti printable along with the best 22+ First Day of School Activities for Toddlers, Preschool & Kinder. Kids also love our 3 Free First Day of School Handprint Art Activity Printables and don’t forget to check out 58 Best First Day of School Teacher Gifts for 2025.

3 Free First Day of School Handprint Art Activity Printables

Little ones love making handprint crafts and these are also perfect for parents to love as keepsakes with the current school year.

Popsicle Stick Pencil Door Hanger by The Keele Deal

This popsicle stick pencil craft is a cute door hanger that is perfect for back to school. Kids can do most of the work on their own, under adult supervision.

Name Recognition School Bus Craft by Mama of Minis

Kids can cut out a bus shape with a little direction from parents. Then they can add in windows and either spell or write their name, depending on whether the windows were prepared ahead of time.

School Bus Countdown Craft by A Little Pinch of Perfect

Here’s a fun craft that can help kids count down the days remaining till the start of the school year. The printable template is ready for kids to cut out and color, then add a paper chain with links to match the days left until school starts.

Torn Paper Apple Craft by Little Ladoo

Combine this cute apple printable template with some torn paper for a great craft to start off the school year. Kids can build finger strength and fine motor skills by tearing the paper squares and then gluing them to the apple template.

School Perler Bead Crafts by Rock Your Homeschool

Perler beads are a fun way for kids to work in the medium of pixel art. These back to school crafts are all fun, simple patterns for kids to make, and then parents can melt them together to finish.

Polaroid Photo Name Craft by This Tiny Blue House

This cute idea is a great way to commemorate little learners as they start school. Make a photo frame that resembles a Polaroid picture, then add in letter circles to spell the child’s name.

Paper Plate School Bus Craft by Two Kids and a Coupon

Kids are going to just love turning a paper plate into a cute school bus. Plus the basic shapes they use help with basic geometry skills.

Crayon Box Craft by Simple Everyday Mom

This printable template showcases a cute crayon box that’s sure to bring a smile to kids’ faces. With both pre-colored and black-and-white colorable versions, it’s perfect for kids of all skill levels to enjoy.

Back to School Laptop Craft by The Soccer Mom Blog

For a creative twist on paper photo frames, this back-to-school laptop craft is a perfect choice. With easy-to-follow instructions, it’s a wonderful keepsake card to celebrate the first day of school.

Paper School Bus Craft by Simply Full of Delight

Get kids amped up for school with a fun craft, such as this paper school bus. The printable template is easy to cut out and color, and the wheels really spin when it’s done.

Dog Paper Roll Pencil Holder by Easy Peasy and Fun

Grab the printable template and as many toilet paper tubes as you can find for this next craft. A little cutting, painting, and gluing, and kids have an adorable pen and pencil holder for their desk.

Moving Bus Paper Plate by Life with Darcy & Brian

Turn a paper plate into a road scene fitting for a trip to school. The bus really moves across the road, thanks to a popsicle stick glued to the back.

Printable Back to School Crafts by The Best Ideas for Kids

If kids are a bit nervous about school, a friend or two is the perfect way to calm nerves. These printable school supplies become silly little companions when you add googly eyes.

Back to School Backpack Craft by Our Kid Things

Kids can get in a little practice filling their backpacks with this printable craft. The template includes a backpack and multiple school supplies that kids can cut out, color, and put together.

Pencil Craft by Fireflies & Mud Pies

Here’s another adorable back-to-school photo frame idea. The printable pencil design has space for both the little learner’s details and a photo, making it a memorable keepsake.

Back To School Paper Plate Apple Bag Craft by Kids Craft Room

While kids need a proper backpack, this craft offers a fun alternative way to carry a few school supplies. It’s made from a paper plate and has space for some basic pens, pencils, etc.

Egg Carton Apple Craft by Crafty Kids Play

Hold on to those old egg cartons; they make fantastic crafting supplies! These adorable apple crafts come with a printable worm to live inside, adding a fun twist to the project.

Crayon Craft by Kids Activity Zone

Craft sticks are the perfect base for an adorable little crayon box project. Kids can put this together with just a little help from an adult.

The Kissing Hand Craft for Back to School by I Heart Crafty Things

This cute newspaper racoon is tailor made to go with the book the Kissing Hand. Kids will love this fun craft that is simple enough even for preschoolers.

Colored Pencils Craft by A Crazy Family

Kids can make a fun craft while working on color recognition. Craft sticks and a few other supplies are all it takes for these cute colored pencils.

There you have it—over 19 fun and easy back-to-school crafts to keep little hands busy and excited for the year ahead. Whether you try one or dive into a bunch, these projects are a great way to ease the transition and make some sweet memories along the way. Happy crafting, and here’s to a great school year!