Back to School Crafts for Babies are special. You don’t need complicated supplies or a whole playroom to capture these early days. I created this because standard school crafts aren’t really meant for the youngest members of our family, and I wanted simple ways to mark this huge first step with something you’ll always want to keep.
If you’re looking for meaningful ways to remember their very first start of the school year—even if it’s just daycare or at-home learning—these ideas focus on simple, safe memories that look beautiful and are incredibly easy to pull together. You’ll end up with personalized keepsakes you can proudly display and enjoy looking back on for years to come.
1. Tiny Footprint Pencil
When you need a quick memory, this pencil footprint is so easy. Start by getting a clean, safe print using yellow paint, and then just add the details around it. I love how it instantly looks like a little yellow pencil, with the toes as the eraser.
How to Make
- Gently paint your baby’s clean, dry sole with safe yellow paint.
- Press it firmly onto white paper or cardstock to get a footprint.
- Use black marker to add lines and a point for the lead.
- Cut out the shape and attach a pink eraser and metal band near the toes.
Materials List
- Safe yellow non-toxic paint
- White cardstock
- Black marker
- Small pink construction paper scrap
- Silver paper or foil scrap
- Safe glue
2. Handprint Apple Card
For those instances where your fridge needs a new masterpiece, this handprint apple is ideal. Use a few shades of red to get a layered effect and make the print feel dynamic. It works best when you keep the surrounding area simple for a clean, modern look.
Style Guide
- Apply multiple shades of non-toxic red and green paint directly to baby’s hand for depth.
- Press the handprint firmly.
- Use green paint for leaves and maybe a brown stem.
- Frame it with simple text for a beautiful piece.
Materials List
- Non-toxic red, green, brown craft paint
- White cardstock
- Plain frame
3. Crayon Name Plate
In situations where you want to personalize their space without buying anything new, use this crayon name plate idea. I love finding ways to reuse materials, and these crayon wrappers are so charming. Make a few in their favourite colours to create a cheerful collection on their wall.
Style Guide
- Draw simple crayon shapes on thick paper.
- Instead of writing names directly, use printed or cutout versions of the baby’s names for precision.
- Cut them out and create a display.
Materials List
- Thick colored paper
- White paper for name cutouts
- Markers or printed names
- Plain wall space or cork board
4. Moses Basket Sunday Bus
If you’re inspired by Bible school themes and want something for the nursery, combine them into this bus full of baby faces. Most bus crafts use cutouts, but adding real photos makes it a true keepsake. I put this together because it lets you celebrate both school and Sunday lessons.
How to Make
- Cut a large yellow bus shape from construction paper.
- Glue small photos of babies in the windows.
- For a special touch, add elements like a basket shape to reference Moses, or write related phrases.
Materials List
- Large yellow construction paper
- Printed photos
- Non-toxic glue
- Black marker
5. “Watch Me Grow” Milestone Mat
When you’re dealing with the start of multiple school years, this single mat makes tracking easy. Using the footprint as a tree trunk simplifies things. It feels trustworthy to have one place for all these memories rather than scattered projects.
How to Make
- Buy a large pre-cut mat with multiple openings.
- For the main photo opening, create a footprint tree, or make smaller prints in different spots on the main canvas over the years.
Materials List
- A large photo mat with multiple apertures
- Non-toxic craft paint in child-safe colors (green, brown)
- Fine-tip markers
6. My First Bible Sunday Footprints
In situations where faith is central to your learning journey, create this simple footprint art for Bible Sunday. The natural variation of their print makes each piece unique. I think this works well because it’s a grounded way to remember their introduction to these important stories.
How to Make
- Make two parallel footprint prints using safe blue and green paint.
- Draw simple lines with a permanent marker to look like paths or a cross.
- Label with their name and “Jesus Sunday.”
Materials List
- Baby-safe paints (blue, green)
- White cardstock
- Black marker
7. Hannah Prays for Memories
For instances where you want to connect a strong family hope to school days, this prayer hand footprint art is perfect. I wasn’t sure how to represent a prayer with prints, but using the feet as joined hands looks so sweet. It works best when you use soft, calming colors.
How to Make
- Make two footprints pointing slightly inwards towards each other using soft paint (e.g., lavender or pale blue).
- Add decorative outlines or simple sketched hands around them.
Materials List
- Baby-safe paint in gentle colors
- White cardstock
- Fine-tip markers or gel pens
8. Baby in a Handprint Basket
In situations where you want a playful nod to a Bible story, try this baby-in-a-basket craft. I don’t see this combination often, so it feels unique. Using a single handprint for the basket and a single footprint for the baby is ideal.
How to Make
- Create a large brown handprint for the basket.
- Once dry, add a small, safe photo or a tiny footprint baby figure inside.
- Draw in the “basket” details.
Materials List
- Non-toxic brown paint
- Child-safe paints (e.g., pale skin tone)
- Small photo of baby’s face
- Black marker
- Cardstock
9. Bright Kids Sunday Sun
Most posts show sun crafts made with paper plates, but using a handprint makes it more personalized. When you want the room to feel brighter, a simple piece like this works wonders. This setup focuses on color over complex patterns.
How to Make
- Arrange handprints in a circular pattern around a painted center.
- Add text like “Our Bright Kids Sunday Sun” or just baby’s name.
Materials List
- Non-toxic bright yellow and orange craft paint
- White cardstock or large canvas
- Markers for names/text
10. Tiny Diaper Bag Tags
In situations where you prefer practical memories over decor, these bag tags are ideal. It is an easy way to change the feel of their bag without much effort. I made a set for our car seat and I lowkey love them.
Style Guide
- Buy small wooden disks or canvas circles.
- Make tiny hand/footprints or just a few finger dabs.
- Add text and seal them for durability.
Materials List
- Small wooden or canvas blanks
- Non-toxic paints or ink pads (safe for baby skin)
- Fine-tip multi-surface markers
- Small keychains or bag clips
- Non-toxic clear sealant (optional but recommended)
I hope these quick ideas inspired you to create some simple, safe, and truly meaningful keepsakes for your baby’s first school year steps, whatever those might look like. I know you’ll cherish these prints forever, because they show just how small they were when their journey began.
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Make sure to pin this post so you have these easy back-to-school baby craft ideas ready for every “first day” moment and beyond! 📌
