Paper Bag Backpack Craft For Kids [Free Printable Template]
All activities require adult supervision. By using this site, you agree to our terms of use.
Back to school season brings lots of excitement for young learners! Channel that energy into creativity by having them make this paper bag backpack craft. Kids will turn a simple paper bag into a colorful backpack with the help of our free template.
This project is easily customizable with different colors and would be a great prop for pretend school days for kids to imagine themselves packing up for class. Parents and teachers looking for more inspiration will love these other back to school crafts. They’ll help create an engaging transition from summer fun to a learning routine that will make the new school year something to look forward to.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Read our disclosure policy.
Backpack Craft For Kids
Kids can get excited for back to school time by making this adorable book bag from easy to find supplies. A brown paper bag, a few sheets of colorful paper, and a bit of creativity will make something they’ll love to play with.
This DIY backpack for kids will help them practice scissor skills, use the right amount of glue, and follow step-by-step instructions. This will encourage hand-eye coordination and strengthen fine motor control, then using it for imaginative play will support language development and social skills.
Gather up materials like brown paper lunch sacks, colored paper, scissors, and glue and download our free backpack template to begin the project. Kids will enjoy assembling their backpacks for hours of creative back to school play!
Choose Your Download Option
Get your template right now—no ads, no scrolling!
Instant Download
Skip the wait—just $3
Prefer the free version? Just keep reading—the download sign up image is at the end of this post!
Supplies
- Colored cardstock or construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Brown paper bags
- Markers
- Backpack Template (click the “click here to get your freebies” image at the end of the post)
Directions
Start by downloading and printing the template. Once the template is printed, gather the materials for this fun activity. Get those scissors ready, and let’s help the kids bring this backpack to life!
Lay the paper bag flat with the opening at the top. Center the front pocket near the bottom and glue it down.
Next, glue the name patch on the pocket and help your child write their name.
Then, add the two buckle straps above the pocket, gluing them down. Keep them straight and evenly spaced.
Now layer the outer buckles on each strap.
Once those are in place, glue the inside buckles right in the middle so everything lines up perfectly.
After that, glue the flap across the top front of the bag.
Time for the cute face. Add the eyes to the flap, gluing them down.
Now, glue the pink cheeks right under the eyes to add some charm.
Want the backpack to stand nicely? Lightly stuff the bag with a little crumpled paper, then fold the top down and tape it in place.
Take the handle piece and glue each end to the back of the flap so it forms a little loop at the top. This will be your backpack’s cute carry handle.
Lastly, grab the long straps and glue them to the sides of the bag so they peek out from behind, just like real backpack straps.
Don’t you just love this cheerful paper bag backpack? We think your kids will be so proud to carry their own crafty creation. While you’re here, be sure to check out our fun bus crafts that are perfect for back-to-school season!
Back-To-School Books For Kids
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates – This silly book is about a dinosaur named Penelope who is starting school and just can’t resist eating her classmates! Kids will love the fun drawings and crazy antics of Penelope, while also learning that being mistreated is never fun.
Chairs On Strike – The chairs have had enough of all the crazy things the kids do to them so they go on strike! This story helps kids learn to take care of their property and has lots of fun and silly humor.
Daniel Goes To School – If you have a little one who’s starting preschool or kindergarten and is reluctant to be away from you, this book is perfect for them! Daniel Tiger learns “grown-ups come back” at the end of every school day. We love this cute book!
Back To School Kids Crafts
Handprint Book Worm Craft – Little hands become the cutest bookworm ever with this fun handprint activity. This cheerful critter perched on a stack of books celebrates creativity and a love for reading. Kids will enjoy making it and you’ll treasure the adorable keepsake.
Back To School Apple Craft – Celebrate the new school year with a cheerful apple on a colorful stack of books. This happy project keeps little hands busy and minds engaged with just a few simple supplies. It’s a fun way to welcome new learning adventures to be had this year.
Pencil Tissue Paper Craft – This everyday school supply will become a masterpiece full of texture when kids scrunch and glue pieces of tissue paper. It’s a creative way to boost fine motor skills and gear up for going back to school.
Back To School Backpack Craft – Send your little learners off on their new adventure with this colorful and cheerful book bag paper craft. Kids can pick their favorite colors, cut out the pieces, and add fun details to build skills and excitement for the school year ahead.
Free Back To School Printables
Back to school scissor skills worksheets make a fun and practical activity for those first busy weeks of class. Kids will follow lines, snip snipes, and match school themed pictures.
These sheets are designed for preschoolers still learning to handle scissors, so there’s the right mix of fun and challenges. Each cut they make builds focus, hand-eye coordination, and control while helping children learn to use both their hands together.
These fun back to school preschool printables make learning feel like play! This 30 page bundle is packed with activities that will keep you little ones engaged while they build important early skills.
They’ll complete activities like tracing letters, solving mazes, coloring, matching, and solving puzzles, so there’s something for every curious kid in this set. Each page offers a hands-on way to practice fine motor skills, early literacy, and number recognition with a colorful school theme that’s ready to print and go.
Related: Apple Cutting Practice Pages
Add some fun to the first weeks of school with these back to school dot to dot printables! Each page has a school themed surprise hidden that appears when kids connect the dots.
When they reveal an apple on a stack of books to a chalkboard, they’ll strengthen counting, number recognition, and fine motor skills. Once the lines are all complete, they can bring the pictures to life with color, so grab the crayons and download these printables!
Jump into learning letters with this back to school letter hunt pack. Kids will search each page for specific letters to turn practice into an engaging challenge. It’s a playful way to refresh letter recognition skills, boost early reading confidence, and make the transition back to school rewarding and fun.
Share With Us
Did you make this activity with your kids or students? We’d love to feature them on our social media!
For a chance to have your child’s project featured, simply snap a picture of the completed project and post it to our Facebook page, email it to us directly by clicking here, or use #simpleeverydaymom on your social media!
Paper Bag Backpack Craft
Materials
- Colored cardstock or construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Brown paper bags
- Markers
- Backpack Template
Instructions
- Download the template, print it, and cut out the pieces you need.
- Begin by placing the paper bag flat with the opening at the top.
- Next glue the front pocket near the bottom center of the bag.
- Then attach the name patch on the pocket and have your child write their name on it.
- After that glue the buckle straps above the pocket, spaced evenly.
- Next glue the outer buckles onto each strap.
- Then place the inside buckles in the center of the outer buckles.
- Afterward glue the flap across the top front of the bag.
- Next glue the eyes on the flap, underneath the eyebrows.
- Then glue the cheeks just below the eyes.
- If you want a 3D backpack that stands, lightly stuff the bag with crumpled paper, fold the paper bag back over and tape it in place.
- Next attach the handle by gluing both ends to the back of the top edge so it forms a loop.
- Now, attach the backpack straps to the back and sides of the paper bag so they extend from behind the bag.
Video
Did you make this?
Don’t forget to leave a comment below and make sure to follow on Pinterest, Facebook and TikTok for more!
Free Paper Bag Backpack Craft Template
Meet Sam
Sam is the crafter and founder of Simple Everyday Mom. She has been featured in Oprah Mag, Good Housekeeping, The Spruce Crafts, Country Living, The Bump, and more.
