Decorated pencil
Photo credit: Work It Mom
Pencils don't usually inspire excitement about back to school, but with a little painters tape, scissors and paint, your kids can easily turn plain pencils into works of art with the help of this tutorial by Work It Mom.
School friends book
Photo credit: Free Kids Crafts
Ease your little learner's back-to-school nerves by focusing on getting to know new friends with this tutorial by Free Kids Crafts. He or she can use a school friends book to collect facts and photos about fellow students.
Back-to-school party
Photo credit: Punch Bowl
Put a fun spin on back-to-school time by helping your kids host a school-themed, back-to-school party with these tips and ideas from Punch Bowl, complete with a "school schedule" and school-themed goodie bags.
DIY pencil case
Photo credit: Cut Out and Keep
Sure, those plastic store-bought pencil cases can do the job, but this DIY pencil case tutorial by Cut Out and Keep turns a toilet paper roll into a customized container that reminds kids that going back-to-school is fun.
DIY customized backpack
Photo credit: Trend Hunter
Boring backpacks no more, there are tons of ways your kids can kick a school tote up a notch with lace, iron-on patches, jewels, safety pins and other embellishments like with Trend Hunter's punk rock backpack tutorial.
Personalized school supply labels
Photo credit: Lia Griffith
Labels not only help keep school supplies organized, they also make it fun to keep track of all your student's new stuff when you print out personalized labels like Lia Griffith's templates.
Textbook covers
Photo credit: Creative Bug
Textbook covers can keep school books in mint condition, but they can be stylish, too, with these ideas for customized — and creative — textbook covers by Creative Bug, from using chalkboard paint to creating bubble wrap rainbow patterns.
DIY embellished school shoes
Photo credit: Titi Crafty
Getting creative with school shoes can not only help save you some dough, but adding jewels, glitter, permanent marker, ribbon, bows and more to embellish plain shoes will make your kid's kicks as unique as he or she is. Get started with this tutorial by Titi Crafty.
Read more back-to-school tips
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Green back-to-school tips for every age
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