Back to school time is full of all kinds of decisions, and one of the biggest is the Choosing of the Backpack. After all, this is a large contraption that kids carry around with them all day long. No matter what they are wearing or doing, their backpack is usually one of the most noticeable parts of their attire. Is it any wonder that kids might want it to fit their personality?
I found some wonderful ideas for backpacks that you and your kids can make. Some are projects you can make from scratch, and others are ways to personalize backpacks purchased elsewhere. But all of them are creative and fun, as well as handy. Whether you have a preschooler wanting a backpack for outdoor walks, an elementary student needing a way to bring home those important school papers, or a teenager with way too many books to carry every day, there are backpacks here to fit their needs.
And all of the clever DIY backpacks on this list gives you the wonderful opportunity to help your kids express themselves!
How to Make a Mermaid Tail Backpack – Polka Dot Chair
For the little girl who dreams of being a mermaid, why not help her dream come true – if just a little. This super cute backpack is also a handy storage container for all the things a young child needs to get through their day. Just make sure your kids know that it won’t actually help them to swim.
DIY Teddy Bear Backpack – Doodlecraft Blog
If you have an old teddy bear waiting for some new life, this precious teddy bear backpack is a great way to help. Teddy will be so thrilled when he gets to go to school or on other outings with his favorite kid. And your kids will be pretty happy to take him, too!
Twilight Sparkle DIY Backpack – Cutefetti
My Little Pony fans are sure to love this Twilight Sparkle backpack. With the big eyes and cute little unicorn horn, this handy backpack is full of charm, even when it is also filled with books!
Adorable Sloth Backpack – Tried and True Blog
When kids see their sweet smiling faces, they often fall hard for the slow and mysterious sloth. And now they can carry the friendly little animal rght on their back throughout their school day!
DIY No-Sew Pumpkin Backpack – Bless This Mess Please
When it gets close to Halloween, kids get really excited about dressing up. Unfortunately, they aren’t allowed to do that every day of October. But they CAN carry an adorable pumpkin backpack. And it requires no sewing, so it’s easy for you, too!
How to Make a Beach Towel Backpack – Craftaholics Anonymous
This beach towel backpack is a lovely way to carry a beach towel through the summer. But it’s also handy for physical education students when they return to school, especially swimmers. This handy backpack is a lot of fun.
Simple Kid’s Backpack – Polka Dot Chair
This simple drawstring backpack is so cute and easy to make. Perfect for little ones, the simple design allows for much creativity when you put it together. That way, it can look exactly the way your child chooses!
Sprinkle Jar Backpack – Studio DIY
Whimsical and fun, this sprinkle jar backpack is so much fun. It even looks a bit magical when you see the glitter move around, but never fall out. This is a fun backpack for kids and adults alike!
Custom Drawstring Backpacks – My Sister’s Suitcase
These drawstring backpacks are a lot of fun, especially since they make such a lovely matched set. Mama bear and her Baby Bear can travel in style – whether that’s an actual mom and her child – or a child and their doll.
DIY Chameleon Backpack – Cutefetti
This cute Chameleon Backpack is simple and eye-catching and completely adorable. This friendly guy is happy to help you carry all your stuff, and looks good doing it!
DIY Plaid Backpack – A Beautiful Mess
For the teen on the go, this plaid backpack is an awesome DIY project. It’s a simple conversion using an old favorite plaid shirt, but it’s so much more than your typical upcycled project. This backpack will make your teen’s life a whole lot easier!
DIY Tie Dye Backpack – Artsy Fartsy Mama
This backpack is a great creative art project for tweens and teens. It’s a wonderful way to upscale an old backpack with dyes and vinyl for a project that is truly as one-of-a-kind as your child!
DIY Basket Backpack – Delia Creates
If you’re looking for a backpack design that’s a little more natural and country, this beautiful basket backpack is a great project. Easier to put together than you might think, it is the ultimate backpack for walks in nature or those days at school when you just want to look a little more dressy!
Pineapple Drawstring Backpack – Make It Love It
This adorable backpack looks just like a cheerful little pineapple hanging around on your kid’s back. But this fruity friend does so much more than just look good. It’s roomy enough to carry lots of treasures, too!
DIY Backpacks with Fabric Markers – Kids’ Activities Blog
Even if you prefer to buy backpacks, your kids can stll make theirs look truly unique and special. Gather together a great collection of colorful laundry markers and stand back as they make their packs an expression of their personalities and interests. What could be cooler than that?
