The pencils are sharpened, the backpacks are packed, and there’s a fresh box of crayons just waiting for tiny hands. Heading back to school is a big deal at our house, so what better way to celebrate than with a fun little project each day? We pulled together 31 of our favorite kid-friendly school crafts, one for every day of the month.
Grab your glue, round up those googly eyes, and let’s make some sweet school-year memories together. Most of these use simple supplies you already have around the house, so you can jump in whenever the mood strikes. Ready? Let’s craft!
Day 1: Toilet Roll Stamped Band-Aid Butterfly
Turn those first-day flutters into something beautiful! Kids stamp colorful bandage butterflies inspired by the sweet book Butterflies on the First Day of School.
Day 2: Popsicle Stick Crayon Friends
These cheerful crayon puppets double as bookmarks! A super cute way to keep little hands busy on the first day back.
Day 3: Paper Plate School Bus
Get your kids excited about learning with this classic yellow bus. Perfect for toddlers all the way up to elementary crafters.
Day 4: Pom Pom Stamped Apples
Fill a basket with pom-pom painted apples just in time for picking season. There’s even a free printable to get you started.
Day 5: Spatula Stamped School Bus
Grab a spatula from the kitchen drawer and stamp a big yellow bus. A fun way to celebrate that first ride down the street.
Day 6: Oh, The Places Hot Air Balloon Photo Ornament
Inspired by the beloved Dr. Seuss book, this keepsake combines creativity with a special photo memory to treasure.
Day 7: Popsicle Stick Pencils and School Bus
Two crafts in one! Make adorable pencils and a bus decoration to get little minds in gear for the year ahead.
Day 8: Handprint Box of Crayons Keepsake
Turn tiny handprints into a colorful box of crayons. It’s perfect for the classroom and doubles as a keepsake you’ll adore.
Day 9: Love You to the Core Footprint Apple
Capture those little feet with this sweet apple keepsake. Perfect to display at home or gift to a special someone.
Day 10: Fork Painted Raccoon
Drag a paint-covered fork to create the fuzziest little raccoon. Simple, silly, and great for kids of all ages.
Day 11: Pom Pom Stamped Cat
Dip a pom-pom in paint and dab your way to one cool cat. A perfect rainy-day or weekend project!
Day 12: Welcome Back to School Owl Card
Make a personalized “Welcome Back” card with this free printable. A handmade way to kick off the new school year.
Day 13: Popsicle Stick Apple Core
Transform simple craft sticks into an adorable apple core. Super easy and perfect for that back-to-school feeling.
Day 14: Q-Tip Painted Apple
Kick those nervous jitters to the curb with dotty Q-tip painting. There’s a free apple-with-glasses printable too!
Day 15: Poppin’ Into a New School Year Craft
This tissue paper popcorn craft has everyone “poppin'” with excitement. Fun to make and even cuter to display.
Day 16: Torn Paper Super First Day of School
Kids build a superhero emblem out of torn paper to celebrate a “super” first day. A confidence boost and a keepsake in one!
Day 17: Apple Snail
This whimsical paper plate snail is a unique way to ease little ones into the new year. Adorable and easy to set up.
Day 18: Popsicle Stick Books
Inspired by There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Book, these craft-stick books are perfect for story time fun.
Day 19: Paint Splat Sloth
Squish and splat your way to the cutest sloth around! Pairs perfectly with I’ll Love You Till the Sloths Start School.
Day 20: Popsicle Stick Notebook Paper Picture Frame
Yes, notebook paper! This clever craft-stick frame is the simplest way to show off a favorite school photo.
Day 21: Craft Stick School Bus Friends
Rev up the excitement with these smiling little bus buddies. Easy step-by-step fun made from jumbo craft sticks.
Day 22: Craft Stick Apple Picture Frame
Budget-friendly and full of heart, this apple frame captures a precious first-day memory. You’ll love making and framing it.
Day 23: Popsicle Stick Apple Friends
The best pick out of the orchard! These cheerful apple friends come together with just a few simple supplies.
Day 24: Kissing Hand Popsicle Stick Raccoon
Inspired by A Kissing Hand for Chester Raccoon, this easy craft is perfect for soothing first-day nerves.
Day 25: Paper Bowl Apple
Welcome the season with a painted paper bowl apple. Simple, satisfying, and a whole lot of fun for every age.
Day 26: School Bus Picture Frame
Display those precious school-day memories in a bright yellow bus frame. Follow along for step-by-step results.
Day 27: Paper Plate Apple Picture Frame
Practice shapes and colors while framing a favorite photo. This paper plate apple is as educational as it is cute.
Day 28: Paper Bag Raccoon
Turn a paper bag into a cuddly raccoon puppet. A perfect first-day-of-school story time craft for little hands.
Day 29: Paper Plate Apple with Popsicle Stick Worm
Craft a bright red apple and don’t forget the wiggly worm poking out! Playful and easy to make.
Day 30: Handprint Raccoon Hug
This handprint raccoon gives the sweetest little hug. It’s a heartfelt way to spend quality time together.
Day 31: High Five to an Awesome School Year
End the month on a high note! This handprint high-five craft is the perfect way to cheer on a great year ahead.
There you have it, friends: 31 days of easy, family-friendly back to school crafts to keep those little hands busy all month long. You don’t have to do them all (though you totally can!). Pick one a day, cross it off your list, and watch the school-year memories pile up.
We’d love to see what you and your kiddos create. Snap a photo of your favorites and tag us so we can cheer you on! Which craft are you starting with today? Grab your supplies and let’s make this the craftiest school year yet. Happy crafting, my friends!
