These pencil-themed bookmarks and gift tags are easy back-to-school crafts for kids.
It’s almost that time again!
As summer break rapidly comes to a close, why not plan a simple back-to-school family party that honors your children as students?
It’ll make them feel special and help them look forward to the first day of school.
This student-focused August tablescape features a yellow, red, black, and white color scheme with simple potted yellow marigolds decorated with pencil-themed Happy First Day DIY gift tags.
These bright and easy DIY gift tags are perfect for a teacher’s gift for the first day of school, too. The same pencil design can be used for a fun bookmark craft project for kids (8+ years) for their upcoming school year.
Make the gift tags and bookmarks with some neon-colored office labels that you pick up during one of your school supplies shopping trips!

To make a pencil gift tag, you’ll need:
-
- Self-adhesive neon office labels (1″ x 2 3/4 “)
- Black marker (Sharpie)
- Heavy yellow paper (cut 4 1/2″ x 1 1/2″)
- Scissors
- Optional curling ribbon for the bow
- Hole punch
- Two 9″ strips of curling ribbon or yarn to match
To make the pencil sticker:
Quick Vocabulary Lesson:
The metal band that attaches the eraser to the pencil body is called a “ferrule“.
(Pronounced like “feral”, as in the cats who have no home, but spelled differently.)
2. Cut 3/4″ of the short end of a pink sticker for the eraser piece. Draw around the top and two sides.

To make a gift tag:
Add the assembled pencil sticker centered onto the heavy 4 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ yellow paper. Affix the tag to a pencil or other stick to insert into a potted plant or faux flower arrangement. Tie a bow with some ribbon above the tag on the stick.
To make a bookmark:
1. With a hole punch, make one hole approximately 1/4″ from the outside short edge of the heavy 4 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ yellow paper.
2. Cut two pieces of curling ribbon or yarn. Holding both pieces of ribbon together, fold in half lengthwise and feed the folded part of the ribbons partway through the hole. Insert the cut ends of the ribbons through the loop made by the fold and pull through to secure the ribbons at one edge of the bookmark.
3. Add the assembled pencil sticker (from instructions above) centered on the bookmark.
Plan a little celebration or recognition of the start of the school year to make your children feel special and help boost their confidence with returning to school. Here’s your chance to let them know how proud you are of their progress and enjoy the opportunity to talk with them about their goals for this upcoming year.
Enjoy your Happy First Day of School party with your children this month, and your celebratory pumpkin latte with your adult friends once school is finally in session!
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