10 Free Printable Back to School Cards

Start the school year with a fun little surprise using these free printable back to school cards! They are an easy way to welcome students, encourage kids on the first day of school, or tuck a thoughtful note into a lunch box or backpack.

Whether you are a teacher getting your classroom ready, a parent sending your child off with a little extra love, or a homeschooler making the first day feel special, these free printables are a simple and budget-friendly way to celebrate a brand-new school year.

There are several fun designs to choose from, including colorful school supply-themed designs and doodly black-and-white cards. Each card has space inside for a personalized message, so you can add a note.

These back to school printables are quick to download, easy to print, and perfect for last-minute back to school prep. Just print your favorite design, fold it, and write a thoughtful message inside. It is a cute and meaningful way to make the first day of school feel a little more exciting.

Who These Back To School Cards Are For

These are perfect for anyone who wants to make the first day of school feel a little more special. Parents can tuck one into a lunch box, backpack, folder, or pencil pouch as a sweet surprise for their child. It is such an easy way to send a little encouragement along with them, especially if they are feeling nervous about a new teacher, new classroom, or new school year.

Teachers can also use these cards to welcome students back to the classroom. Place them on desks for the first day of school, add them to student welcome bags, hand them out at open house, or include them with a small treat or school supply. They are a simple way to help students feel excited, included, and ready for a fresh start.

These printable cards are also great for homeschool families, grandparents, daycare providers, classroom volunteers, and anyone else who wants to celebrate the start of a new school year. Whether you are giving one to a student, teacher, friend, or grandchild, these cards add a thoughtful personal touch without costing a thing.

They also make a fun addition to first day of school gifts, welcome bags, classroom treats, student gifts, or teacher gifts. Pair one with a pencil, eraser, bookmark, stickers, crayons, or a small school supply for an easy and affordable back to school gift idea.

Supplies Needed

• White cardstock, glossy paper, or white printer paper
• Printer
• Ink
• Scissors or paper trimmer
• Free printable PDF

For the best results, I recommend printing these cards on white cardstock. It makes them more durable and helps the colors look more vibrant. Regular printer paper works too, if you need a quick and easy option.

How to Print Them

1. Download the PDF file by clicking the buttons below.
2. Open the file using Adobe Acrobat or another PDF viewer.
3. Load white cardstock or printer paper into your printer.
4. Go to File, then Print.
5. Make sure the page sizing is set to “Fit” so the card prints correctly.
6. Print the card design you want to use.
7. Trim any extra edges if needed.
8. Fold the card in half horizontally, then fold it again vertically.
9. Write a personalized note inside the card.
10. Place it in an envelope or tuck it into a backpack, lunch box, folder, or student gift.

Back to School Cards

This features a heart made from school supplies, including crayons, books, rulers, letters, paper clips, and an apple. Inside, there is a lined writing area that’s perfect for a thoughtful first-day note.

This vibrant watercolor card has a bright rainbow-style design. It works well for teachers, parents, or students.

This cute card features colorful pencils, stars, and a notebook design. It makes a great lunch box note for the first big day back.

This features a stack of colorful books topped with an apple and a “Welcome Back to School” message. It is a classic design that would be perfect for teachers to give to students at open house or on the first day.

This one features a “Happy New School Year” message, a pencil, and a notebook-style writing space. Kids can color the design and add their own message inside, making it a fun back-to-school activity and card in one.

This colorful first-day-of-school card features books, pencils, erasers, clocks, and other school supplies. It is a great option for celebrating the start of a new grade.

This black-and-white card has hand-drawn students and doodly “Back to School” lettering. It can be colored in for an extra fun touch.

This card features a school supply border with backpacks, pencils, scissors, notebooks, and a globe. It’s a festive card for teachers to give students or for parents to include with a small back-to-school gift.

This printable card features brush-style script lettering with simple star and pencil doodles. It’s a basic design that works well for students or teachers alike.

This black-and-white card features a paper airplane, backpack, pencil, and elegant script. It’s easy to personalize with a handwritten note inside.

Back to School Message Ideas

Need a little inspiration for what to write inside? Here are a few simple back-to-school card message ideas:

• Have a wonderful first day of school!
• I hope your new school year is full of fun, friends, and exciting things to learn.
• You are going to do amazing things this year!
• Wishing you the best first day ever.
• I hope this school year is your best one yet.
• You are ready for a great year.
• Have fun and enjoy your first day!

More Back-to-School Printables

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