"Taking the first day of school pictures is a time-honored mom tradition. I still love looking back on my own first day of school pics, even when I was at peak awkward stage, in my plaid uniform jumper beside my brothers. And while so much of our generation’s childhood was captured in one camera shot, our children are now subjected to SO many moments we want to save (thank you, smartphones and Instagram!). Curating all of our kid’s childhood photos can be a job in and of itself—but that’s a post for another day. Today, we’ve rounded up some simple first day of school picture ideas to creatively capture your child’s milestone moment.
We’re certainly not suggesting you do all of these, lest your kid is frowning once they actually arrive at school, but hopefully, they spark an idea or two. And you’ll have a few (or a few hundred) memories to look back on and smile—or laugh. We’ve rounded up 18 ways to get creative with photos this year—scroll down to see and shop some of our favorite props for the perfect pic!
1. With a Letter Board or a Sign
The letter board has become synonymous with modern first day of school pictures—and for good reason! Add your little one’s name, grade, the year, and maybe even some career aspirations (like in the second example photo below!) and you’ve got yourself the perfect keepsake to commemorate the day.
Everything you could want for a personalized first day of school sign that’s oh so adorable!
A classic, easy option that will never go out of style with so many colors to choose from.
The perfect option to use at the beginning and end of the school year!
multiple fonts and styles available
We can see why this option is a best seller—it’s got as much personality as the little one holding it!
2. With a Festive Flag
Arguably one of the easiest—but most adorable!—first day of school picture ideas is having your child hold a festive flag that displays the grade they’re starting that year. Many Etsy shops sell printable versions for DIY flags or you can purchase pre-made packs that include each grade to be used year after year. See our favorite options linked below!
Add ribbon to this black and white pennant for a little flair.
Printable version also available here.
A retro pennant you can use year after year for the first and the last days.
If you’d rather the sign be pre-made, ribbon and all, this adorable sign can be customized with colors and stars.
Cute downloadable pencil-themed flags cover daycare through 6th grade, so you’ll be set year after year.
3. With Celebratory Balloons
Balloons are a great addition to any celebratory occasion, and the first day of a new school year is definitely a reason to celebrate. A bunch of balloons can be used as an additional prop (like in the cute pic below) or you can purchase a school-themed mylar balloon or personalized balloon that showcases your child’s grade for some extra pizzaz.
What kid doesn’t love a balloon? Options available from preschool through senior year of high school.
Whether you have one favorite or want all three, these adorable balloons come as a set or individually.
4. With Their Sibling(s)
Whether your child is the first one in the family to head off to school or you have a group of kiddos grabbing their backpacks this fall, first day of school pictures are always sweeter when they include siblings!
5. With a Height Comparison
Take the same first day of school pic with a parent and see how your kiddo grows taller year after year. You could also take their first day of school picture next to a height chart, marking their growth, but there’s something about seeing them edge closer and closer to your eye level that makes this first day of school photo extra memorable.
6. With Their Homeschooling Set-Up
Many kids won’t be heading into a traditional school building this fall when they start classes again, but that doesn’t mean their first day of school pic should be any less exciting! Show off your family’s homeschool set-up by having your LO pose in their learning space for a super cute pic to kick off the year.
7. Make It Frame-Worthy
Ensure your photo is already worthy of a frame with an adorable back to school photo prop. Craft your own, or find one that fits your kiddo for the perfect photo op.
Make the first day of school photo “picture perfect” with this frame prop.
If a wood frame is more your style, this option is perfect for back to school and the last day. Plus, it can be used again and again.
8. With Their Picture From Last Year
This first day of school picture idea is extra special because it shows how much your child grows year after year. Simply start the tradition with a first day snapshot and, next year, have your kid hold a framed version of last year’s photo in their new pic. Keep the chain going year after year for a fun family memento!
9. With a High School Graduation T-Shirt
This one takes a bit more pre-planning, but it’s so fun to pull off if you can make it happen. Purchase a t-shirt (a few cute options are linked below!) with your child’s graduation year and watch them grow into the shirt a bit more each year when you take their first day of school photo.
Donning “Class of…” on the front and places for hand prints each year on the back, this is a keepsake piece you and your kiddo will have forever.
A T-shirt they can grow into in several color options.
10. With Sidewalk Chalk
If you’re artistically-gifted, this picture option is an unexpected way to DIY your own first day or back to school sign using sidewalk chalk. Take the photo from above and have your LO pose by sitting, standing, or lying next to your creation for a perfectly Instagram-able moment.
11. With Fun Props
Whether you’re hosting an at-home first day breakfast for your family complete with school-themed decor or simply want some props to jazz up your photo op, there are lots of adorable pieces you can either DIY or purchase for your pics!
We love a banner, and this pencil version with pink felt balls is too cute! Use as a photo background again and again.
Use this cute garland as a backdrop for school pictures on its own or paired with other cute decorations.
Have a photo booth moment with fun back to school style props your little ones will love.
Paired with other decorations, this pencil piece is as fun as it is festive.
12. With a Custom T-Shirt
A photo op that doubles as a first day of school outfit is always a win in our book! With tons of options out there, you’re sure to find one that captures your kiddo’s personality.
The perfect shirt for getting in the classroom spirit! Plus, there’s tons of colors so you’re sure to find their favorite one.
The only thing that could make this t-shirt more adorable is your smiling kiddo in it!
13. Holding a Celebratory Banner
The best part of adding a banner to your back to school pictures is that add so much pizzazz to any setting or outfit. Either buy one your kids love or make it a fun DIY end of summer project to do together!
The vibrant colors of this banner are perfect for the exciting year ahead.
A classic design that will pair well with their perfectly curated first day of school ‘fit.
14. With Their New School Gear
You probably spent a small fortune buying your kiddos new backpacks, lunch boxes, and the rest of their school gear—so why not have them display it in their first day snapshots? Plus, the pictures will be a cute reminder of what your LOs were into during that particular school year or age range.
15. In Front of Their School
Most first day of school pictures are snapped at home before your kid gets on the bus or is dropped off at their school. But why not take a cute pic of them in front of their school instead for the ultimate backdrop?
16. With Their Toys Waving Goodbye
A few years back, one popular back-to-school photo idea was recreating the iconic Toy Story scene when Andy heads off to college, leaving Buzz, Woody, and the other toys behind. It had many millennial parents all in their feels at the time. There’s no reason you couldn’t copy this viral first-day-of-school picture idea with your kid’s favorite stuffed animal or toys, whether they’re from Toy Story or not.
17. Walking Out the Front Door Video
For the perfect first and last day of school moment, capture them on video walking in and out of the front door. If you remember to do this one every year, you’ll have the most adorable video to share at their high school graduation party.
18. With Mom (or Dad!)
It’s a rare moment when mom (or dad!) gets in the picture and the first day of a new school year is the perfect time to jump in. Your LOs will love looking back on these sweet memories as they grow up.
Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor
A mom of two, Kathy is passionately committed to sharing the honest, helpful—and often humorous—stories of motherhood, as she navigates her own everyday adventures of work, marriage, and parenting. She honed her creative and strategic skills at advertising agencies in Detroit and Chicago, before pivoting from marketing to editorial. Now instead of telling brand stories, she’s sharing her own, with articles published across popular parenting sites—including hundreds of stories on The Everymom.
Julia Poulter, Senior Managing Editor
With more than 10 years of editorial experience, Julia is passionate about bringing motherhood stories to life and providing moms with interesting and informative parenting content. Prior to joining The Everygirl Media Group in 2019, she served as Executive Editor at Closer Weekly. As The Everymom’s Senior Managing Editor, Julia helps manage the brand’s editorial calendar and content strategy.