DIY Back to School Bracelets: Personalized Bracelets for the First Day of School
The first day of school is nerve wracking for both kids and parents alike. A great way to ease your child’s anxiety about school is to make matching DIY back to school bracelets together! This meaningful project is fun and easy to personalize! If your child is particularly anxious about school, you can remind them to touch their bracelet when they are feeling scared to remember that you’re always there with them!
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What You’ll Need to Make Your Back to School Bracelets
Making bracelets is one of my favorite things to do because they are easy to create and don’t require a lot of expensive supplies. I got my supplies at Joann Fabrics during their closing sale, but I’ve linked similar supplies. All you’ll need is:
Let’s Create Our Bracelets!
Follow these simple steps to create your bracelet:
1. Size Your Cord
If you have various colors, choose a color for your bracelet. Cutting the cord to the correct length is easy – measure the cord around your wrist, then add a few extra inches so you have space to tie it.
2. Lay Out Your Design
Together, decide what you want your bracelet to say. You can choose from your child’s grade level, their name, or a phrase or saying. If your saying is short, add in some decorative beads – if you don’t have enough beads, the bracelet will be too small and won’t stretch to fit on your wrist.
3. String the Beads
Now it’s time to place the beads on the cord. String the beads on, leaving space at the end of the cord so the beads don’t fall off the other side. If your cord is too small to fit all the beads, cut a new piece by measuring it against the beads you laid out.
4. Tie It Off
The last step is to tie the cord. Make sure you double knot the cord as tightly as possible. Then, use scissors to cut the cord as close to the knot as possible, without cutting the knot. If you choose, you can add some glue to the knot so it doesn’t come undone.
And that’s it! You just created your DIY personalized back to school bracelet! These look so cute when you layer them, so consider making one or two more to wear together!
Fun Variations For Your Back to School Bracelets
Make your bracelets even better with these fun variations:
Charming Details: Add charms in between the beads to create a unique bracelet!
Teacher Love: Create an extra adult sized bracelet for your child’s teacher. It makes a great first day of school gift and helps build your child’s relationship with their new teacher! Use school-themed beads, like apples, pencils, and more to create a beautiful teacher gift!
Sensory Fun: Use beads that vary in size, shape, and texture for an easy fidget-friendly bracelet your child can play with while learning.
Make it Sparkle: Use glitter beads or glow in the dark beads for an extra special bracelet!
Benefits to Making Bracelets:
While these bracelets are fun to make, there are a lot of benefits to making them!
School Anxiety: These matching DIY bracelets are the perfect reminder to your child that you’re always with them. When they are feeling scared or anxious, they can touch their bracelet and remember that they can do hard things, even if they are scared!
Fine Motor Skills: Picking and stringing beads are great ways to build fine motor skills in the fingers and hands. Kids need fine motor skills for a variety of everyday tasks, like writing, buttoning shirts, and using scissors.
Creating Lasting Memories: Children absorb everything. These bracelets are a great way to help your child regulate their emotions, build confidence, and strengthen their relationship with you. Years down the road, your child may still have their bracelet, but if they don’t they’ll always have the memory of creating first day of school bracelet with you!
Extend the Activity
Get your child ready for school with these fun read alouds that will help them get through the first day!
“First Day Jitters” By Julie Danneberg: This book is a teacher favorite for a reason – it reminds students that everyone gets nervous on the first day of school! You can also pair the newest book in the series (releasing August 5, 2025), Teacher Jitters, to reiterate that everyone gets the jitters, even your new teacher!
“The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn: This incredible book is a story that is very similar to our bracelets! Chester Raccoon’s mom lets him in on a secret – The Kissing Hand. She kisses his hand and tells him whenever he is scared, he can press his hand to his cheek and remember that his mom loves him.
“Lena’s Shoes Are Nervous” by Keith Calabrese: Lena is so excited for kindergarten except her shoes are nervous! How can she convince them to be brave? This book makes being nervous relatable and discusses it in a fun way.
Let Your Child Shine – One Bead at a Time!
Creating these DIY Back to School Bracelets are an easy way to bond with your child while setting them up for success. The simplicity of this craft makes it easy for your little one while also packing a punch! Building motor skills, emotional skills, and core memories are just a few of the incredible results this craft can bring. So grab your beads and get started on creating a personalized bracelet that will become a first day of school tradition for years and years.
