With the start of a new school year right around the corner, there's no better time to start stocking up on supplies, and these DIY projects for back-to-school are offering some crafty and cost-effective alternatives to buying them from the store.
The end of the summer season often signifies the time for parents to start shopping around for school essentials and new clothes, but if you find that constantly buying new things is just financially too much, then these DIY activities are a great alternative. Why not add some personal touches and creativity to your school essentials by outfitting them with uniquely customized designs?
From crocheted pencil cases that are designed to look like minions from Despicable Me to chalk-made lunch bags that feature personalized messages, these DIY projects will definitely offer children a crafty way to showcase their personalities.
20 DIY Projects for Back-to-School

20
DIY Minion Pencil Cases
The 'Crochet Minion Pencil Case' Resembles Villains from 'Despicable Me'

19
Leather Lunchbox Tutorials
This Wood + Faulk DIY Makes Bringing a Packed Lunch Cool
18
DIY Cement Pencil Holders
This Simplistic DIY Pencil Holder is Punched with Holes Like a Honeycomb
17
DIY Frosted Supply Jars
The 'Glacier Jar' Will Add a Unique Personal Touch to Your Work Station
16
DIY Crystal-Encrusted Kicks
This Crafty Project Turns an Average Pair of Shoes into a Sleek Design
15
School Supply-Inspired Sweets
The Bakerella Pencil Push Up Pops are Academically Adorable
14
DIY Personalized Knapsacks
The 'Spoonful' Back-to-School Affordable Backpacks are Fun to Make
13
DIY Character Pen Pots
The DIY LEGO Pencil Holder is for Fans Who Simply Adore the Blocks
12
Chic Chained Lunch Bags
Create a Stylish Faux Leather Meal Carrier with This Creative Tutorial
11
Upcycled Notebook Docks
This DIY Project Turns a Book into a Clever Cellphone Charging Station
10
DIY Notebook Lunch Bags
This DIY Teaches How to Make Your Own Lunch Bag for Back-to-School
9
DIY Backpacks
Hoodie Laptop Bag How-To Helps You Turn a Sweatshirt into a Carryall in Seconds
8
DIY Punk Backpacks
Going Back to School is More Fun With a Customized School Bag
7
Sugary School Supplies
Thrifty and Thriving Candy Pencils Will Make School a Sweet Experience
6
Personalized Markers
The Fraser Ross DIY Pen is Custom-Designed to Your Preference
5
Customized Textbook Tutorials
The Classic School Notebook Design Get a Makeover with this DIY
4
Quirky Personified Lunch Bags
The 'Disney Family Fun' Paper Gargoyles Project is Great for Kids
3
Adorable DIY Music Makers
Create a Pitch Perfect Pair of Drums in Just a Few Simple Steps
2
Message Board Switch Plates
The Switch Port Cover is Dry Erase for Leaving Quick Messages
1
Chalky Meal Containers
Linda Facci's Blackboard Lunchbag is a Do-It-Yourself Project
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Versatile Nylon Tote Bags
Davis Active's First Ever Tote Bag is Perfect for Everyday Errands
High-Capacity Laptop Bags
The Offsite Laptop Bag has Extra Space for Chargers, Peripherals
Cheeky Summer Product Lines
Great Jones Has Introduced the Great Float and the Great Tote
Spooky Film-Inspired Stationery Boxes
The Beetlejuice Be Happy Box Features Limited-Edition Goods
Sleek Multifuntional Lifestyle Bags
two-point Introduces the BASK Bag with Various Functions
Whimsical Doll-Inspired Accessories
Pidgin Fashion Dolls Launches a New Accessories Collection
Kid-Powered Imagination Campaigns
Lunchables' A.I. vs K.I. Proves Kids' Limitless Creativity
Picnic-Ready Bottle Accessories
Stanley Introduces a Set of Quencher-Compatible Accessories
Sustainable Back-to-School Capsules
Stonyfield Organic Unveils its Sweet Threads Collection
Inspiring Back-to-School Campaigns
BIC Partners with GRAMMY-Nominated Artist Charlie Puth
Outdoor Dining Kits
Savour Helps Campers and Hikers Dehydrate Their Home-Cooked Meals
Cartoon Mouse Carrying Capsules
Loungefly Launches a Mickey & Minnie Checkered Bag Collection
Stylish Cooler Accessories
DaCosta Verde's Tote Cooler Bag Collection is Fun and Functional
Candy Bowl Costumes
Reese's and Kit Kat Created the Trick-or-Treatable Costume
Branded Electric Lunch Boxes
The Crock-Pot GO Lunch Box Warms Meals on Demand
Cute-Themed Collectible Bags
Sugoi Mart Launched its Kawaii Lucky Bag, Featuring Japanese Goods
Snack-Inspired Backpacks
The CHEETOS x Sprayground Backpack Collab is Functional
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Toy Brick-Inspired Luggage Sets
LEGO Introduces a New Bright Trolley and Backpack Set
Crayon-Themed Water Bottles
The Crayola x S'well Collaboration Features Vibrant Bottles
Grocery-Themed Holiday Cosmetics
Benefit Cosmetics Presents the Playful Benemart Collection
Gen Z Crafting Events
Red Heart Hosted an Exclusive "Crafternoon" in NYC
Spooky Lunch Snack Ranges
These General Mills Halloween Products Come in New and Returning Options
Snack-Stashing Pullovers
The Pop-Tarts Crunchy Poppers Pullover Features Practical Pockets
Micro-Sized Candy-Themed Backpacks
Haribo Mini Backpacks Offer Novelty to Consumers of All Ages
Compost-Turned Paint Toolkits
A Team at Virginia Tech Developed the Sustainable Painting Art Kit
Everyday Sustainable Bags
Out of the Woods Offers Versatile Bags for Essentials
Modernized Ergonomic Sling Bags
114 Index and Sealson Create the Technical Grab Bag
Affordable Artisan Handbags
Patricia Nash Designs Offers a Line of Artisan Handbags & Accessories
Back-To-School Beauty Kits
ESW Beauty Launches the Glow Getter Kit
90s-Style Cosmetic Cases
e.l.f. Cosmetics x Caboodles and Laurel DeWitt Created a New 'It Bag'
Affordable Celebrity-Endorsed Kitchenwares
The Dolly Parton Kitchen Collection 2025 is Chic
Minimal Desk Accessories Concepts
The DESKRISK Series Organizes the Working Space
Whimsical Garbage Bags
Staff Expands Its Collection with Playful Garbage Bags
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
Collage-Themed Cookie Collections
Insomnia Cookies Just Launched Its Back to Campus Collection
Revived 90s Lunch Kits
Lunchables Lunch Kits are Arriving Back in Canada After a 15 Year Hiatus
Convenient Kid-Focused Snack Options
KIND Healthy Snacks Debuts a Product Line Called KIND Kids
Deflated Balloon Clothing Hangers
Chong Shop Has Revamped the Iconic Clothes Hanger Using Waste
Build-Your-Own Hydration Solutions
DIY Beverages Offers a Fully Customizable Hydration Experience
Creativity-Inspiring Kids Campaigns
Cra-Z-Art Inspires Young Creative Beauty-Focused Campagn
Homestyle Cookie Starters
Homemade ish Helps to Create Freshly Baked Treats with Minimal Effort
Sustainability-Oriented Kids Toys
Learning Resources Unveils a New Sustainable Toy Capsule
Reimagined Sleek Paper Bags
MUJI Labo Reimagines a Paper Bag for Spring/Summer 2025
Back-to-School Recycling Challenges
Takis and TerraCycle Teamed Up to Reward Recyclers
Sugarcane Fabric Backpacks
PLEZi Partners with Kheris Rogers to Present the PLEZi Sugar Pack
Easy Drawing Inspiration
Simple Drawing Ideas Offers Creative Prompts For All Skill Levels
Samurai-Inspired Dynamic Backpacks
Noriki Okada Creates the Randoseru Inspired by Samurai
Multifunctional Travel Totes
Sidney Byron Debuts Hat-Carrying Bags with Vegan Materials
Eco-Friendly Pencils
Sprout World Launches Eco-Friendly Plantable Pencils
Low-Cost Back-to-School Promotions
The Dollar General Back-to-School Campaign is Launching Now
Tape Crafting Kits
Curious Universe's Nano Tape Magic Kits Create Fun Crafts for Kids
Crafting Game Apparel Collections
Bioworld is Expanding its Minecraft Collection
Lengthy Halloween-Inspired Events
Michaels Has Launched Its 100 Days to Halloween Campaign
Cookie Tin Beauty Palettes
Kara Beauty's Creative Beauty Palette is Styled Like a Sewing Kit
Glam Bracelet-Making Kits
This Juicy Couture Bracelet Kit Features Ten Unique Charms
Holiday-Ready Toy Product Lilnes
Crayola Has Unveiled Its 2025 Holiday Product Lineup
Lunar New Year-Inspired Noteboooks
Moleskine Adds New Designs to the 3 Artists, 3 Countries Series
Back-to-School Countdown Kits
Post-it and Scotch Brands Partner with Actress JoAnna Garcia Swisher
Reusable Paper Lunch Bags
Out of the Woods Reinterprets a Nostalgic Lunch Classic
Mix-and-Match Scented Bracelets
Jelly Bands Simplify Jewelry-Making with Snappable Beads
Japanese Bento-Inspired Stationery
NOOE's Bento Jot Offers an Efficient Storage Solution
Artisanal Wooden Kitchen Tools
WoodenHouse Presents an Alternative to Plastic Cooking Utensils
Easter Marshmallow DIY Kits
The Dip and Decorate Dozen Kit Features Decorative Edible Pens
Vibrant Food Storage Solutions
Caraway Launches the Summer Food Storage Collection
Anxiety-Alleviating Animal Experiences
The Gentle Barn May Alleviate Stress During Back-To-School
Globally Inspired Microwavable Lunches
Bonduelle Lunch Bowls Entice Gen Z with Bold Flavors
Adorable Character Merchandise Offers
The Line Friends Store Launched Black Friday Deals
Educational Snack Packs
Hannaford Snack Pals Teach Children About Healthy Nutrition Habits
Child-Forward Travel Planning Kits
Trip Jones Offers Kid-Friendly Travel Planning
Crystal Floral Arrangement Kits
Cra-Z-Art's DIY Crystal Floral Kits Double as Decor for All Ages
Brainteaser Advent Calendars
The Project Genius Advent Calendar Shares 12 Days of Puzzles
Workstation-Equipped Laptop Bags
The 'Workpod' Mobile Office Briefcase is Durably Designed
Upcycled Carrying Bags
Targus Unveiled its 'Coastline EcoSmart' Collection at CES 2024
Product-Packed Beauty Tote Bags
The Fenwick Summer Beauty Tote Has Handpicked Beauty Products
Industrial Sci-Fi Backpacks
The SPRAYGROUND x Dune Collection Has an Otherworldly Design
Cartoon-Adorned Parenting Bags
JuJuBe Partners with tokidoki on a Playful Bag Capsule
Plant-Based Lunch Kits
Mighty Yum's Reformulated Kits Meet the Demands for Healthier Food
Convenience-Focused Lunch Boxes
The W&P BYO Lunch Bundle is a Convenient and Stylish Solution
Toy-Specific Storage Systems
Step2 Debuts a Toy Storage Box for Developing Organizational Skills
Premium Bundle Footwear Programs
Clarks' Back To School Collection Offers a Price Freezing Benefit
Gen Z-Focused Bag Charms
Travel Blue Launches the Memory Collection to Appeal to Gen Z Shoppers
Mini Kitchen Solutions
Caraway Launches Mini Bakeware & Mini Food Storage Sets
Anti-Distraction Student Smartphone Features
Google School Time Limits Features During Class
Book-Shaped Toolkits
The Hot Girl Toolkit by Mandy Supplies Women with Seven Must-Have Tools
Cheeky Lettuce-Inspired Blankets
P.F. Chang’s Marks the Back-To-School Season with Lettuce Wrap
Charming Children's Handbags
The Cosy Cabin Bag by MIMI & LULA is Fun and Intricately Detailed
Kid-Friendly Customizable Bags
Pop ‘n’ Swop Bags Can Be Decorated with Badges, Handles & More
Customizable Bag Collections
MonoBlanks Has Introduced a New Line of Customizable Bags
Sleepaway Camp Kits
Welly's Happy Campers Kit Helps Parents and Kids Prepare for Sleepaway Camp
Functional Grocer Tote Bags
The Latest Trader Joe’s Totes Build on the Brand's Viral Styles
Mess-Free Eco Craft Kits
Brainstorm's Create N Colour Let Kids Magically Paint with Water
Targeted Customer Appreciation Sales
Plum Paper is Marking Several Notable Occasions
Figurine Compartment Tote Bags
Sonny Angels Can Be Comfortably Stored in the My Crew Bag
Book-Inspired Tech Organizers
The Twelve South BookBook CaddySack Organizes Laptop Essentials
Daycare Organization Essentials
Colle à Moi Offers Daycare Organization Tools
Retro Cartoon Back-to-school Capsules
Boy Meets Girl x Strawberry Shortcake Present Unisex Styles
Student Skincare Packs
Lush's Curated and Custom Boxes Make Day and Night Skincare Accessible
Celebrity-Coveted Travel Bags
Sprayground Introduces Functional Bag Options for the Holidays
All-Black Travel Accessories
Goldwin Unveils a New Travel Equipment Line for Outdoor Exploration
All-in-One Baking Toppings
FANCY Baking Confetti Combines Sprinkles, Sugar Shapes, Morsels & More
Playful Back-to-School Sweepstakes
Sunkist Growers is Giving Away Sunkist Merch for Back to School
Charming Hair Accessories
Clementine Grove Offers Handmade and Sustainable Products
Chic Water Bottle Bags
WanderFull is a Stylish Hydro-Bag for the Consumer on the Go
Parent-Friendly Workout Plans
Matalan and Mr Motivator Tailor-Made Exercises for Parents
Interactive Oral Hygiene Programs
Smile School Makes Oral Care Exciting to Kids with Fun & Flavor
Accessible Seasonal Celebration Products
These Target Holiday Products are Priced at $5 or Less
Eco-Friendly Insulated Lunch Bags
CALPAK's Insulated Lunch Bag is a Stylish & Practical Solution
Pastel-Tonal Mini Tote Bags
Trader Joe's Presents its Mini Tote Bags in Light Shades
Creative Kid's Drawings
Joyful Outlines Inspires Creativity in Kids with Fun, Educational Themes
Low-Cost Holiday Retailer Guides
The Dollar General Holiday Toy Guide Has Options Under $20
Nostalgic Revived Crayon Colors
Crayola is Bringing Back Some Retired Colors of its Archives
Colorful School Desk Designs
NOS Design Designs the Clever – School Desk Concept
Customizable Pen Kits
Clementoni's Pen Creator Studio Helps Kids Create Their Own Pens
Homework Management Tools
Due Tomorrow Simplifies Assignments With Canvas & Google Classroom
DIY Nail Art Printers
Preemadonna's DIY Nailbot Kit Gets Girls Interested in STEM
Back-to-School QSR Deals
SONIC will Add Free Items to the SONIC Teachers' Circle Program
Resilience-Focused Children's Books
Savvy Suzanna Inspires Young Entrepreneurs with Creativity
Comic Book Coloring Kits
The Made by Me Manga Artist Set Offers Step-by-Step Instructions
Supportive Scholastic Retailer Funds
The ALDI Back-to-School Fund Supports Parents This September
Kitschy Private Label Kitchenwares
These New LIDL Kitchenwares Come in Many Affordable Options
Educational Back-To-Cafeteria Campaigns
ASHA Offers Guidance to Families During Back-To-School
Pottery-Inspired Artful Notebooks
Sutta Design Creates the Dynamic Kintsugi Art Notebook
Craft Starter Kits
Noah Makes It Easy to Begin a New Hobby
Smart Study Planners
Selfplanr Helps High Schoolers Stay Organized and Reduce Stress
Introductory Connected Device Kits
Arduino's Plug and Make Kit Supports Beginner-Level Projects
Shopping List Organizers
Potato: Shopping List Invites People to Add Items andTick Off as You Shop
Eco-Friendly Kids Lunchware
Duck Duck Books and Duck Duck Eco Goods Unveil a Lunchware Collection
Task Management Tools
The Productivity Template Organizes Your Academic and Personal Tasks
Mobile Dorm-Designing Features
Pottery Barn Teen Unveils a New Dorm Shop and Expanded Features
Customizable Shopping Management Tools
HandyTote Ensures Items are Easily Classified and Located
Academic Planner Platforms
'Student Planner' Helps Users Organize, Set Goals, and Track Progress
Inclusivity-Centric Back-To-School Campaigns
Sistema Launched a Back-To-School Survey
Teacher Appreciation Giveaways
GIMME Beauty's Back-To-School Campaign Focuses on Teachers
Private Label School Supplies
Meijer is Introducing a New Selection of Products for Back-to-School
Kiln-Free Pottery Kits
The Sculpd Pottery Kit Fosters Creativity and Calms the Mind
Digital Community-Branded Product Lines
The Girl Math Gang Debuts New Product Offerings
Child-Friendly Cartoon Art Lines
Peanuts and OOLY Unveil an Arts and Crafts Collection for Kids
Imaginative Pared-Back Art Supplies
Woset Designs a Range of Stationary and Furniture for Kids
Early Childhood Independence Straps
EaZyHold Grip Support Develops Engagement for Children