40 Fun “Anything But A Backpack Day” Ideas

By Ettore Fantin

September 20, 2023

One of the most popular school spirit week days is “anything but a backpack day” (also known as “no backpack day”).  It is a day where students can let their creativity and resourcefulness show by using an alternative to their backpack.  It makes for a really fun and memorable school day for the students. However, it can be difficult to come up with fun anything but a backpack day ideas.  We’ve gone ahead and put together a list of 40 ideas for things you can use as a backpack.

What is “anything but a backpack day”?

“Anything but a backpack day” is a day when students are encouraged to leave their backpacks at home and bring their school supplies in a different type of container, such as a reusable grocery bag, a tote bag, or a small suitcase. This day is often organized by schools to promote environmental awareness and reduce the amount of waste produced by disposable backpacks. It also allows students to express their creativity and individuality by choosing a unique way to carry their school supplies.

Anything But A Backpack Day Ideas

1. Beach Bags: Colorful and spacious beach bags can add a touch of summer to the school day.
2. Guitar Cases: Leave the guitar at home and take the case to school.  It should have plenty of room to carry school supplies
3. Plastic Milk Crates: Carry around your books in a milk crate for a day!
4. Bed Sheets: A twin-sized bedsheet can be folded and tied to create a makeshift tote.
5. Net Bags: These mesh bags, often used for groceries, can be a trendy and lightweight option.
6. Cooler: Coolers can store large quantities of ice and drinks, so they’re perfect to use as backpacks as well
7. Wicker Baskets: Wicker baskets with handles can give a rustic and charming vibe.
8. Sling Bags: Single-strap sling bags can offer a distinctive style while keeping essentials within reach.
9. Wagon: Pull your books around on a red wagon for the day.
10. Large cooking pots: If you have a large cooking pot at home, it could definitely be large enough to carry your supplies!
11. Pizza box: If you have an old pizza box laying around, you can probably fit all of your school stuff in it!
12. Oversized Pockets: Sew large pockets onto a jacket or pair of pants to carry small items.
13. Plastic Watering Cans: Empty watering cans can be transformed into quirky carrying containers.
14. Traffic Cone: Simply flip the cone upside down to use it to carry your school supplies. You might have to cover the hole at the tip!
15. Trashbag: Probably one of the easiest ideas on the list, you can simply use a new trash bag to carry your stuff!
16. Drawers: Remove a drawer from a dresser and add straps or handles for a whimsical look.
17. Burlap Sacks: Burlap sacks with handles can add a rustic and unique touch to the outfit.
18. 5 Gallon Bucket: Chances are, you have a 5 gallon bucket somewhere in your garage.  Simply put the school supplied in the bucket to use as a backpack.
19. Shower Caddy: Shower caddies with handles can be convenient for carrying smaller items.
20. Toolboxes: Toolboxes can be used as industrial backpacks
21. Wooden Crates: Attach straps or ropes to wooden crates for a rustic backpack alternative.
22. Tote Bags: Large tote bags can be a stylish and practical alternative for carrying books and supplies.
23. Messenger Bags: Messenger bags are designed to be worn across the body and are a popular choice for students who want a different look.
24. Duffle Bags: Small or medium-sized duffle bags can work well for carrying essentials, and they come in various colors and designs.
25. Shopping Bags: Reusable shopping bags, especially those made of sturdy material, can be repurposed as makeshift backpacks.
26. Suitcases: Small suitcases or rolling carry-on bags can be unconventional but practical for students with a lot to carry.
27. Pillowcases: Similar to trick-or-treating, you can use pillow cases to store your school supplies.
28. Laundry Baskets: A small laundry basket with handles can hold a lot of items and provide a humorous twist on the theme.
29. Reusable Lunch Bags: Lunch bags come in various sizes and can be a creative and eco-friendly choice for carrying school supplies.
30. Fanny Packs: Fanny packs worn around the waist have made a comeback in fashion and can be a trendy option for students.
31. Tied Scarves or Bandanas: Students can tie scarves or bandanas into knots and use them as makeshift bags for smaller items.
32. Cardboard Boxes: Decorate a cardboard box and add straps or handles to make it easier to carry.
33. Plastic Storage Bins: Small plastic storage bins with handles can be used to transport books and supplies in a unique way.
34. Musical Instrument Cases: Cases for instruments like the violin, trumpet, or saxophone can double as unconventional backpacks.
35. Gym Bags: Repurpose a gym bag, especially if it has an interesting design or logo.
36. T-shirt Bags: Tie the sleeves and neck hole of a t-shirt to make a bag.
37. Purses and Handbags: Girls may choose to use stylish purses or handbags as an alternative to backpacks.
38. Baby Stroller: If you have an old stroller lying around, you could use it to carry all of your school supplies
39. Pet carrier: If the family dog isn’t using the pet carrier, you can borrow it to use as a backpack
40. Planters: If you have large empty planters, they make for great containers!

What are the rules for anything but a backpack day?

While the possibilities for backpacks seem endless, there are usually some rules that must be followed.  It is important to remember that the school’s policies still apply and breaking them might result in detention.  That being said, you should avoid bringing anything that would not be allowed such as alcohol containers or weapons.  Before you bring your backpack alternative to school, think twice and make sure that it does not violate any existing policies.

What is the goal?

Schools will often have different grades compete to see which can have the highest percentage of class participation.  While some students will go all out and bring in hilarious items, you can get easy participation points by using something simple such as a pillowcase or trash bag. If you bring a backpack, it is likely that your classmates will be upset that you lost participation points for the class.

Remember to have fun

Anything but a backpack day is meant to be a fun and memorable day for students.  Spirit week usually occurs the week before the homecoming game and is meant to raise school spirit.  Classes are usually more laid back, and it can be a very fun time to be in school.  Don’t stress about what backpack you will bring, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself to stand out.  Simply enjoy the special day and make fun memories with your friends.