The first day of school sets the tone for the whole year—whether you’re homeschooling, teaching in a classroom, or sending your little one off to public school. Make it memorable and stress-free with these creative first day of school ideas and printables designed to celebrate, connect, and capture the moment.
Whether you’re looking for signs, activities, or a smooth morning routine, this post is packed with budget-friendly, Pinterest-worthy inspiration and free downloads to get you started.
📸 First Day of School Photo Ideas
Commemorate the moment with a little flair! These first day of school photo ideas are easy to set up and totally adorable:
- Printable First Day of School Signs
- Chalkboard sign with grade and future goals
- DIY photo booth with printable props
- Matching “first day” outfits or T-shirts
- School bus or backpack photo props
- Use a frame from the thrift store and paint it with chalkboard paint
💡 Tip: Print your signs on cardstock and laminate them to reuse every year.
📝 First Day of School Printables (Free Download)
Make the first day smooth and special with these free first day of school printables you can download:
Free First Day of School Printable Questionnaire
Celebrate the start of the school year with this free First Day of School Questionnaire printable. A fun way to record your child’s favorites and memories each year!
Free First Day of School Printable Handprint Craft
Capture the memories with this free First Day of School handprint printable! A sweet and simple keepsake craft for preschool, kindergarten, and beyond.
3 Free Printable Lunch Notes for Your Child’s Lunch Box
Here’s three free printable lunch note templates to make writing those notes a little simpler. You’ll find fairy lunch notes, bear lunch notes, and car lunch notes– there’s something for everyone!
1st Day of School Checklist Printable
Are you looking to get organized for the school year right from the start? Here are some free printables to start you off right!
Back-to-School Prayers {Free Printable}
If you’re going through all the feels sending your kids back to school this year, the best things you can do for them (and you) is pray!
Crayon Box Name Craft
Start the school year off right with this colorful crayon box name craft that lets kids share their unique favorites in a fun and creative way!
First Day of Preschool Coloring Page
Coloring can be a very soothing activity and it might be fun to have a little coloring time on the first day of preschool.
Paper School Bus Kids Craft
Kids of all ages can capture the season’s spirit with this fun paper school bus photo book craft.
Back to School Kindness Pencil Toppers
Help your kids spread kindness to their classmates with these back to school crafts kindness pencil toppers they can gift or surprise classmates with.
Back to School Lunch Planner
This handy planner is designed to take the stress out of meal planning. With thoughtfully designed pages and useful sections, it streamlines the process of creating a diverse and balanced menu for your kids’ school lunches.
Back to School Memory Book
These DIY books, along with the set of free printables to go with them will make organization a breeze this school year.
Back To School Coloring Pages
5 delightful sheets that celebrate the excitement and adventure of a new school year.
All About Me Craft
Kids will love decorating a paper craft that looks just like them, with this FREE All About Me Craft Template!
Back to School Laptop Craft
This pop-up laptop craft for kids is an adorable photo keepsake to celebrate the virtual learning experience!
School Organization Binder for Parents
Never lose an important school paper again with this DIY school organization binder (for parents)!
Back-to-School Name Tags
A great way to get kids creating, break the ice, as well as get to know each other!
3d Back to School Coloring Pages
This is a set of quirky back to school designs to help students settle back into the classroom in those first few weeks.
Self Portrait Paper Doll Craft
Create a 3-D self portrait paper doll for all kinds of occasions using these free printable boy and girl body and clothing templates.
🎉 First Day of School Activity Ideas
Ease into the school year with fun, low-prep activities:
- Scavenger Hunt (find supplies, classroom spots, or household learning areas)
- Time Capsule Jar (add a picture, list of favorites, goals, and more)
- Goal Banner (each child writes or draws a goal and you hang them)
- Get-to-Know-You Bingo (great for co-ops or groups)
- First Day Ice Cream Party or Pancake Breakfast
- Back to School Role Playing to Practice Kindness
- Back to School Don’t Eat Pete Game
- Back to School Word Search
🎁 Teacher Gift Ideas for the First Day of School
Start the school year on a thoughtful note with a small, affordable gift for your child’s teacher. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a little gesture to show appreciation and build a positive connection from day one.
- Back to School Teacher Gift Tags (Cute printable tags for your gifts)
- DIY Teacher Appreciation Gifts (Cheap Gifts for Teacher Appreciation that Won’t Get Thrown Away)
- Super Easy DIY Dry Erase Markers Gift (This is the #1 thing I fly through as a homeschool mom!)
📚 First Day of Homeschool Ideas
Starting your homeschool year? These first day of homeschool traditions help you build excitement and set the tone:
- Take a “Not-Back-to-School” field trip
- Decorate notebooks or learning spaces together
- Do a silly “Back-to-School Bootcamp” obstacle course
- Make a family pledge or mission statement
- Introduce subjects gently with a themed activity or hands-on project
- A special breakfast or read-aloud picnic is a beautiful tradition!
Homeschooling offers the flexibility to make this day meaningful AND memorable.
🛍️ Budget Tips for the First Day
Make your first day special without overspending:
- Reuse frames, chalkboards, and props from previous years
- Print photo signs at home (instead of ordering)
- Use what you have for decorations—books, backpacks, apples!
- Check dollar stores or thrift shops for cute supplies
- Keep your breakfast or snack celebration simple but sweet
Make It Yours
The first day of school doesn’t have to be picture-perfect—just memorable, intentional, and joyful. Whether you use all the ideas or just a few, these first day of school printables and traditions can help you create a day your child will always remember.
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