The first day of school is a momentous occasion, and what better way to celebrate than with a creative sign? Here are 21 unique ideas to make those first day photos truly special.
1. Balloon Surprise
Incorporate a cluster of balloons to add a whimsical flair to your child’s first day sign. The movement and color always bring extra life to our photos.
Possibly helpful picks:
- Multicolor Balloon Set: Add vibrant colors and fun to your photos with this multicolor balloon set, perfect for celebrations.
- Balloon Weight Anchors: Keep your balloons in place with reliable balloon weights for an organized and neat setting.
- Helium Balloon Kit: Inflate your balloons with ease using this handy helium balloon kit for instant party flair.
2. Personalized Chalkboard
A chalkboard sign gives you the flexibility to update it yearly with your child’s name, grade, and even their favorite color. I love using different chalk colors to add a burst of personality and capture the moment.
Items that may come in handy:
- Wooden Framed Chalkboard: Capture yearly milestones with a reusable wooden framed chalkboard, perfect for personalization.
- Multicolor Chalk Set: Add a burst of color with a vibrant multicolor chalk set to enhance creativity and fun.
- Liquid Chalk Markers: Create vivid and highly visible writings with easy-to-use liquid chalk markers, perfect for detailing.
3. Oversized Banner
Make a bold statement with a large banner that your child can hold. It’s perfect for capturing those big first-day smiles and is always a hit in our family photos.
Try these:
- Customizable First Day of School Banner: Create a memorable photo with a customizable oversized banner for your child’s special day.
- Reusable Fabric School Banner: Opt for a reusable fabric banner, perfect for capturing each school year milestone.
- Colorful First Day of School Sign: Enhance your photos with a colorful and vibrant first day of school sign.
4. Matching Sibling Boards
If you have more than one child, create matching boards for a sweet, coordinated look. I love seeing my siblings’ photos each year, side by side.
Products that could assist:
- Wooden Framed Chalkboard Signs: Create lasting memories with these sturdy, reusable chalkboards for every first day photo occasion.
- Liquid Chalk Markers Set: Enhance your board with vibrant, easy-to-clean markers ideal for colorful, creative expressions.
- Decorative Plant Holders: Add charm to your photo setup with stylish plant holders for a warm, inviting look.
5. Printable Signs
For a quick and easy option, go for printable signs that you can download and personalize. I often use these for a polished, professional look without breaking the bank.
Useful items to consider:
- Pack of Printable Sign Templates: Customize your first day memories effortlessly with downloadable and editable sign templates.
- Wooden Picture Frame for Signs: Display your printable signs elegantly with a sturdy, stylish wooden picture frame.
- High-Quality Photo Printer: Produce vibrant, professional-looking signs at home with this easy-to-use photo printer.
6. Handprint Keepsake
Add your child’s handprint beside their grade info for a tactile reminder of how small they once were. This has been a touching addition in our family.
Might be a good match:
- Non-Toxic Washable Finger Paint Set: Capture your child’s handprint with easy cleanup using washable, vibrant, non-toxic finger paints.
- Photo Frame with Handprint Kit: Create a lasting keepsake with a frame designed for photos and accompanying handprints.
- Child-Safe Ink Pads: Use child-safe ink pads for a mess-free and colorful handprint keepsake experience.
7. Wooden Sign with Engraving
A handcrafted wood sign can be engraved with key details. I adore its durability and how it adds a rustic touch to our yearly photo tradition.
Give these a look:
- Engraving Tool Kit: Create personalized engravings easily for lasting memories. Add an artistic flair to your projects!
- Wood Sealer and Finish: Protect and enhance your wooden signs with a durable finish. Perfect for preserving engraved details.
- Rustic Wooden Shelf: Display your engraved signs elegantly with this sturdy shelf. Complements any decor beautifully.
8. Dream Big Board
Add a section where your child can write what they want to be when they grow up. This has been a fun way for me to see how my niece’s dreams have evolved each year.
These products might help:
- Chalkboard Sign: Encourage kids to share their dreams with a personalized chalkboard. Let creativity flourish!
- Liquid Chalk Markers: Brighten up the dream board with vibrant liquid chalk markers. Fun and easy to use!
- Self-Adhesive Letters: Let kids personalize their board with colorful self-adhesive letters. Add a creative touch!
9. First Day T-Shirt
Pair the sign with a custom first day T-shirt for a cohesive look. It’s a fun way to incorporate fashion into the tradition.
Some ideas to consider:
- Customizable First Day of School T-shirt: Create a memorable first day outfit with a personalized T-shirt design for your child.
- Kids’ Back to School Graphic Tee: Add a cute graphic tee to your child’s first day ensemble for extra flair and fun.
- Personalized Name T-Shirt for Kids: Include your child’s name on their T-shirt for a unique and special school day outfit.
10. Future Graduate Sign
Include a note about their graduation year to highlight their long-term journey. It’s a reminder of where they’re headed that my family loves to revisit.
A few helpful options:
- Wooden Letter and Number Set: Personalize your future graduate sign with wooden letters for a heartwarming custom touch.
- Decorative Floral Garland: Enhance your sign’s elegance with a beautiful floral garland for a stunning visual impact.
- Year Stickers Pack: Add a creative finishing touch with year stickers to commemorate their journey’s start and end.
11. Pencil Themed Sign
Use a pencil or ruler motif for a playful school spirit vibe. This thematic touch has become a staple in our back-to-school photos.
Explore these options:
- Decorative Wooden Pencil Sign: Add charm to your photos with this versatile decorative wooden pencil for school memories.
- Pencil Motif Photo Frame: Capture school moments in a unique pencil motif photo frame—perfect for memorable displays.
- Back-to-School Pencil Banner: Celebrate school spirit with a vibrant pencil banner; a great backdrop for first-day photos.

















