90 Easy and Creative Anything but a Backpack Day Ideas

What is Anything but a Backpack Day?

Anything but a Backpack Day is when students use backpack alternatives. It’s a common theme day during school spirit weeks, challenging students to get creative with what they carry their books and school supplies in. Some schools may even award the most creative backpack alternative a prize. Workplaces may also have Anything but a Backpack Day. Any school or grade level can hold an Anything but a Backpack Day, from elementary and middle schools to high schools.

Anything but a Backpack Day Origins

Anything but a Backpack Day started after a backpack ban. In 2021, Idaho’s Jefferson School District 251 banned backpacks at their secondary schools in response to a gun being found in a middle schooler’s backpack. The policy caused students to protest the ban by bringing school materials in unconventional vehicles such as pet carriers and shopping carts.

A viral TikTok turned Anything but a Backpack Day into a trend. A student named Savannah Bagley uploaded a TikTok video of students’ backpack alternatives with the text, “when there was a school sh00ting yesterday so now we aren’t allowed to have backpacks anymore.” The video went viral and other schools began holding Anything but a Backpack Day. The video’s text led to some confusion. Although a gun had been found in a student’s backpack, no shooting occurred. Bagley uploaded a second TikTok video that also went viral, showing responses to day two of the ban.

Easy Anything but a Backpack Day Ideas

Duffel bag Swap your backpack for a duffel bag. Also known as a gym bag, the duffel bag is an easy alternative to a backpack that can fit all of your books and supplies.

Tote bag Many students already use tote bags in place of backpacks when they only have a few supplies to carry. Choose a chic tote bag that matches your outfit. For a more personal touch, pick a tote that has a design referencing a band, show, or book you like.

Briefcase Go for a formal look by borrowing a briefcase from one of your parents. The official-seeming bag should be able to fit all of your supplies and books securely. To lean into the theme, dress up like you were going to work in a corporate office.

Reusable shopping bag Show your passion for the environment with a reusable shopping bag from a store like Target or Walmart. Be sure to wash it first in case any groceries leaked or stained the inside—that way, your school books won’t get smelly or stained.

Gift bag Pretend that school is a party by carrying your stuff in a gift bag. Recycle an old birthday or Christmas gift bag (tissue paper optional) or buy a new bag at the store on the way to school. It’s a great last-minute option—as long as it can bear the weight of your books.

Shoe box If you only have a few school supplies to take, recycle an old shoe box to use as your backpack. The best kind of box is a sturdy one that used to hold large shoes like boots. To make it easier to carry around, consider stapling handles made from two strips of old ribbon to the sides of the box.

Golf bag Borrow your parent or grandparent’s golf bag for a sizable option. Slide heavy supplies into the largest pocket, keeping things like pencils and calculators in the outer pockets for easy access. Dress in preppy clothes like a polo and khakis or a pleated skirt to match your not-a-backpack bag.

Bedsheet Need a last-minute option for Anything but a Backpack Day? Take a clean bedsheet and fold it in half. Bring the corners together to form a makeshift knapsack that you can use to carry your things. Complete the theme by wearing your pajamas, if allowed.

Pillowcase For a less unwieldy option than a bedsheet, carry your school supplies in a clean pillowcase. Choose a plain white one to remain lowkey, or stand out with a decorative pillowcase that matches your outfit. If you’re bringing pens or markers, keep them in a pencil case to avoid staining the pillowcase with ink.

Cooler Grab an old cooler out of your garage. Clean it out if needed. Finally, put your books and school supplies inside and head to class. If your school allows wheeled coolers, bring one of those. Otherwise, tote it around by holding it by the handle.

Milk crate Turn a plastic milk crate into a backpack for a simple spirit day option. Since milk crates tend to have holes on the bottom and sides, consider lining the bottom with a piece of cardboard to keep your stuff from falling out. Alternatively, line the crate with a plastic grocery bag.

Moving box Pretend you’re moving into school by using a cardboard moving box as your backpack. Tape the bottom shut so your books and supplies won’t fall off during the day. As tempting as it is to bring the largest box you can find, keep in mind you’ll need to be able to fit it by your seat during class.

Cereal box Pull an empty cereal box from your recycling pile to use as your backpack alternative. Family-sized cereal boxes are best, unless you only have a few things to carry. If you’re worried about the box holding up, tape the bottom with packing tape for extra security.

Suitcase Because almost everyone already has a suitcase, it’s a popular choice for Anything but a Backpack Day. Take advantage of any inner and outer pockets or mesh linings to help secure your books and supplies inside.

Collapsible laundry hamper Clean out your hamper and bring it to school as your anti-backpack. A collapsible laundry hamper is best, since you can fold it down when you’re walking between classes. For a humorous touch, throw some clean socks in with your supplies.

Laundry basket Bring a clean laundry basket to school. These baskets are made to carry heavy loads, so you don’t have to worry about your textbooks breaking them.

Picnic basket Pay homage to The Wizard of Oz by taking a picnic basket to school. Line it with a plaid or gingham tablecloth if you have one. Add a picnic-style lunch in with your books, pens, and pencils.

Wicker basket See if your parents or grandparents have a wicker basket you can borrow. The stylish container will keep your supplies safe, though it may be hard to fit all your stuff inside because of the basket’s round shape.

Easter basket Take an old Easter basket to school with your school supplies—and a few plastic eggs, if you have them. Buy fake plastic basket filler (or re-use old plastic grass) to lean into the Easter theme. Bonus points if you have a stuffed bunny you can carry, too.

Christmas stocking Pretend Christmas came early (or late) by bringing your old stocking to school. Clean it out before using—you may have left some forgotten candy in the bottom. While a stocking may not hold large books, slide in your writing utensils, small notebooks, and your cell phone.

Bucket Take a bucket from your garage or backyard to use as a backpack for a day. This practical choice is an easy last-minute carrier for all the supplies and personal items you need. Use a large bucket as a funny, if less convenient, alternative to a small one.

Cooking pot Bring your largest cooking pot to school with your supplies inside. Look for a deep metal pot, like the kind used to boil pasta. Make sure it’s clean before you put your books in it.

Garden pot Pluck a terracotta pot from your garden and turn it into your bag. Use a hose to rinse any dirt from the bottom. If it’s still a little soiled, line the inside with a plastic grocery bag. For a DIY touch, paint the outside with a cute design.

Pet carrier A portable cat or dog kennel (aka a pet carrier) is a classic on Anything but a Backpack Day. Rather than use an old one—which could have pet hair that might trigger someone’s allergies—buy a new, cheap carrier at your local pet supply store. Make your friends laugh by putting a small stuffed dog or cat inside with your books and supplies.

Jewelry box Make a stylish statement by using a wooden jewelry box to carry your school supplies. Borrow one from an older sibling or parent if you don’t have your own. Ask permission to use it and let them take their jewelry out before you add your supplies to the box. While musical jewelry boxes are fun, your school might consider them a distraction. If you want to bring one, don’t wind it up or play the music during class.

Pitcher Kitchen items are an easy way to carry your school supplies without using a backpack. Bring a pitcher with a comfortable handle. A lid isn’t required, but it might make your belongings more secure should you accidentally tip your pitcher over.

Shower caddy Raid the bathroom for a clean shower caddy that you can bring to school. Give it a wipedown to clean and dry it before using. Add a cute rubber ducky or other bath toy to nod to your backpack’s true purpose.

Ziploc bag Keep things simple with a clear Ziploc bag. If your school has a clear-bag policy anyway, using a Ziploc bag as a backpack won’t break the rules. Depending on how many school supplies and books you have, you may need to use multiple bags so no one bag breaks from the weight of its contents.

Trash bag Forgot about Anything but a Backpack Day? Quickly transfer your stuff from your backpack to a clean, empty trash bag. Use a strong bag that won’t be easy for your pencils to poke holes in—you don’t want to lose your supplies! At school, be sure to keep an eye on your bag so a janitor doesn’t mistake it for actual trash.

Purse Have a fashion moment at school by swapping your backpack for a purse. Whether you’re a guy or a gal, you can rock a nice bag. If you don’t have your own, ask your sibling or mom for permission to borrow an old one. Reference a Y2K-era trend by putting a stuffed dog in your purse alongside your school supplies.

Funny Anything but a Backpack Day Ideas

Red wagon Throw it back to childhood with a toy red wagon. If you don’t already have one, buy one—they tend to be about the same price as a backpack (and you can use them to load things in the future). Its wheels and handle make it easy to transport between classes.

Microwave For a really bizarre option, use an old microwave as your backpack. Clean it out and remove the spinning plate before you load in your school supplies. Make sure it’s light enough that you’ll be able to carry it throughout the day.

Office chair If your school allows wheeled objects, use an office chair as your pretend backpack. Stack your supplies on the seat of the chair and slowly roll it around the halls. If you’re worried about your stuff rolling off, keep it in a paper bag atop the office chair.

Dresser drawer Remove a drawer from a dresser and clean it out. Place your school supplies and books inside. It should be easy to carry it around and store under your chair.

Football helmet If you’re an athlete, turn your football helmet into your anti-backpack. Fit your pens and pencils, chapstick, and small notebooks. Carry any larger notebooks or books under your other arm.

Traffic cone If you follow the “anythingbutabackpack” hashtag on social media, you’ve probably seen people carrying their school supplies in upside-down traffic cones. Instead of stealing one (which is illegal), order a cheap one online. Keep in mind it will be difficult to hold it in the classroom—you’ll probably have to turn it on its side.

Stroller Get a laugh out of students and teachers by rolling a stroller up to school. Put a baby doll in the stroller seat and tuck your supplies beside it. If you have younger siblings, ask your parents before borrowing one of their old strollers.

Trash can For a silly alternative to a backpack, use a clean trash can—preferably, one with wheels. Rinse it with a hose to clean it and let it dry overnight. Line the inside with a trash bag, then drop in your school supplies.

Pizza box Pretend to be a pizza delivery person by turning an empty pizza box into your makeshift backpack. You’ll only be able to hold small, flat items, but you’re sure to make people smile with this silly choice.

Kayak If you don’t mind having to lug a heavy object around all day, use a kayak as your backpack. Place your books and school supplies in the seat and tug the boat by one end. Note that a kayak may be considered a distraction (and hard to store during class)—check with school officials to see if you’re allowed to bring one.

Toy car Feel like a kid again by bringing a RC car to school. Fill the car’s seat or truck-bed with your supplies and wheel it down the halls. If it’s not remote-controlled, tie a string or pet leash to it so you can easily roll it behind you.

Carseat Tote around an old car seat to give your school supplies a comfortable carrier. Ask your parents before taking it to school—especially if you’re borrowing one from a younger sibling. Use the seat’s buckles to keep your books and writing utensils from falling out.

Shopping cart Go to school close to a store? Ask the staff if you can borrow a shopping cart for your school’s spirit day. Alternatively, buy a toy shopping cart. You’ll be able to fit plenty of books and supplies in the cart.

Child’s playpen Mesh playpens are lightweight and spacious, making them ideal options for Anything but a Backpack Day. Toss your supplies into the playpen and carry it or push it through the halls. Throw in some toys to make the playpen a funnier choice.

Life raft Inflate a life raft to use as a backpack for a day. Allow yourself enough time the night before or in the morning to blow it up. Store your supplies in the middle where you would sit. Drag the life raft behind you at school, avoiding any sharp things that could pop it.

Skateboard If you don’t have many school supplies, turn a skateboard into your backpack alternative. Dust it off before placing your school supplies atop it. To secure your things while rolling it around, use a strip of ribbon or string to tie them to the center of the board. Don’t use the board on school grounds—it’s usually against the rules to skate, bike, or scooter on campus.

Shop vacuum Empty and clean out your parents’ shop vacuum—the kind that has a removable lid and a large, round body. Wrap the cord so it doesn’t get tangled in the wheels when you’re pushing the vacuum around school.

Wheelbarrow Live in a rural area? Chances are, you or a neighbor have a wheelbarrow in their yard. Clean it out to use it as a portable backpack, wheeling it up and down the hallways.

Sled It doesn’t have to be a snow day for you to use your sled. If it doesn’t already have a handle, tie some string to one end to make it easier to move around. Stack any writing utensils below heavier books to keep them from flying off.

Aquarium Turn an old aquarium tank into your backpack. Rinse and dry it before you put your school supplies inside. Add a little aquarium gravel if you have some on hand.

Tent To some people, the bigger your non-backpack is, the funnier it is. Using a tent is one way to get laughs from your peers. Find a small, one-person tent that you can comfortably drag through the halls.

Dollhouse Get your Barbie dreamhouse or other large, closable dollhouse out of the closet and bring it to school. Where the dolls would go, squeeze in your pencils and notebooks. Some dollhouses have wheels, making them easier to transport.

Inflatable pool Use a kiddie pool as your backpack to show your longing for summer break. Inflate it so the edges keep your school supplies from falling out.

Bean bag chair If you’re in college, you likely have a beanbag chair in your dorm or common area. Push down the center to make a pocket for your supplies and carry it to your classes. When you put your supplies on your desk, you can use the beanbag as a chair.

Shoe organizer Empty out a shoe organizer to use as a carrier on Anything but a Backpack Day. Slide your writing supplies into the clear plastic pockets where shoes would go. Add your books in front of the pockets and fold the organizer up from the bottom for ease of carrying.

Sleeping bag Turn your day at school into a camping trip. Clean out a sleeping bag and slide your school supplies inside. Zip it up and roll it up—being careful not to crush any papers or notebooks.

Tall boots Few backpack alternatives are funnier than a pair of boots. Find the biggest boots you own, or ask a parent if you can borrow theirs. Books might not fit, but other supplies should sit comfortably atop the soles of the shoes.

Piñata Buy a piñata at your local party supply store or online. Place your books, water bottle, and other supplies inside. Close it, but don’t seal it—you need to be able to access your materials during the day! Reuse it when a birthday party comes up.

Treasure chest Show your teachers that you value your education by keeping your school books in a treasure chest. Buy one online or look at a local party supply store. Make it a bit by dressing as a pirate, complete with an eye patch and a stuffed parrot on your shoulder.

Top hat Channel your inner magician by using a top hat as your backpack. Hold it upside-down by the brim, with your books and supplies in the hat. Toss in a stuffed rabbit or a magic wand to lean into the theme.

Creative Anything but a Backpack Day Ideas

Safe Keep your school supplies locked up and secure by storing them in a safe. Although you might have an old one at home, you’re probably better off buying a cheap plastic one. That way, it’s not too heavy for you to carry and you’ll know the code to open it.

Side table Want a dramatic option for Anything but a Backpack day? Bring a side table that you can tote around, stacking your books and supplies on top.

Balloons For younger children—or anyone who doesn’t want to carry something heavy—attach balloons to your school supplies as a backpack alternative. You’ll still have to hold your books and supplies, but they’ll feel festive and fun. Double-check that your school allows balloons before you try this option.

Blender Remove the blades from a clean blender. Tip your stuff inside and press the lid in place. Hold the blender by the handle while heading to class.

Roasting pan Need a quick non-backpack you can hold your stuff in? Grab a clean roasting pan and line it with tin foil. Place your school supplies in the middle where the meat would go.

Fishing net Ask your parents or grandparents to borrow a fishing net. If you have a pool, see if you can use the pool cleaning net. Tuck your supplies in the mesh basket of the net and carry it over your shoulder. Be careful not to hit anyone with the rod of the net or accidentally tip out your stuff.

Baby carrier If you have younger siblings, you likely have a baby carrier at home. Ask permission to use it on Anything but a Backpack Day. Fit your school supplies and books in the carrier’s pocket or basket. Include a baby doll if you’d like.

Tray and cloche Carry your supplies in style by carrying around a dining tray with a cloche (a domed lid). Clean the tray and lid before use. Be careful not to drop them—they’ll likely make a loud clatter and could even break.

Bird bath Have an old bird bath in your yard? Dust it off and bring it to school. Hold your books in the tray where the water would go. Few others—if any—will have the same idea.

Cupcake tin Store your school supplies like they’re a tray of delicious baked goods. Place them in a deep cupcake tin, stacking books on top to keep things from falling out. Not only is it easy to carry, but it can slide under a desk when you don’t need it.

Toolbox Borrow a toolbox or bring your own to school with your supplies inside. Toolboxes have handles and they’re durable, making them a secure way to bring pencils, pens, and whatever else you need. Leave the tools at home, since some of them may be considered dangerous items and not allowed on campus.

Potato chip bag Empty the crumbs out of a finished potato chip bag by shaking it upside-down over a trash can. Slip your notebooks and some writing utensils inside. Your classmates might think you’re carrying your lunch—until you pull out a textbook!

Ball pit with balls Want to go over the top for Anything but a Backpack Day? Bring a children’s ball pit, complete with balls. Drag it around school, picking up any balls that may fall out along the way. Don’t fill it with too many balls, or you’ll have trouble fishing out your supplies when you need them.

Unstuffed plush animal Buy an unfilled stuffed-animal shell from a store like Build-A-Bear Workshop or online. Stuff it with whatever you need for class and carry it around. Surprise your friends by revealing your cute furry friend is actually your backpack for the day.

Fishbowl Clean out an old fishbowl and use it to carry your school supplies. Add aquarium gravel or fish-shaped foods like Goldfish crackers and Swedish Fish alongside your books and writing utensils.

Umbrella holder Bring an umbrella stand to school with your supplies inside. Most umbrella stands are like tall cans or baskets, so they’ll have plenty of space to hold everything you need.

Garment bag Borrow a garment bag from your parents’ closet to use on Anything but a Backpack Day. Look for one that zips up from the bottom so your supplies won’t fall out. You’ll have to stack notebooks upright instead of laying them flat. Leave a hanger at the top so it’s easy to carry it around.

Jeans If you’re scrambling for a unique alternative to a backpack, upcycle a pair of clean old jeans. Hold them upside-down by the legs and tie the legs together. Then, turn them back upright and pull the knot up to make a bucket. Sit your books and supplies inside the waist of the jeans and carry them by the knotted legs.

Knapsack Take a bandana and a stick or broom handle. Tie the bandana on one end of the stick. Stuff your books, pens, and other materials inside the bandana. Sling the stick over your shoulder like an old-fashioned knapsack.

Mop bucket Ask the school’s janitor if you can borrow a clean, dry mop bucket. Wheel it around campus, keeping your books in the bucket. At the end of the day, return it to your school’s cleaning staff.

Instrument case If you’re in the school band, you likely have an instrument on-hand. If you don’t, ask a bandmate friend to borrow one. The size of the case depends on how many materials you need. Choose a guitar, bass, or tuba case for the most room.

Cut-open dodgeball Upcycle an old ball into a sporty carrier. With an adult’s help, cut open an old dodgeball so it forms two hollow halves. Place your things inside and hold it with both hands while you walk between classes.

Coffee pot Instead of brewing a cup of joe in the morning, take the coffee pot to school with you. Clean it out first, then drop your things inside and close the lid.

Upside-down umbrella Hold a dry, open umbrella upside-down by the handle. Set your books inside. Carry it by the handle, being careful not to hit others with the umbrella’s edges.

Cookie jar Take out the contents of a cute cookie jar. Replace the sweet treats with your school supplies. Since most cookie jars are small, this option works best if you only have a few materials you need.

Fanny pack Wear a fanny pack holding your pens, pencils, and other small items. Your hands will be free to hold your books and notebooks, while you make a throwback style statement.

Cargo pants pockets Wear baggy pants with as many pockets as you can find. If you or someone you know can sew, thrift a pair of cargo pants and add additional pockets. It might not be the most comfortable to wear (and you’ll need a strong belt), but you’ll definitely stand out.

Birdcage Get a cheap birdcage from your local pet supply store. Set your books inside, and add a stuffed bird if you have one. Wheel it to classes, opening the cage door when you need to grab a supply.

Bundt cake pan Set your school supplies in a deep bundt cake pan. Wash and dry it before putting your stuff inside so crumbs don’t stick to your supplies.

Milk jug With a knife, saw a plastic milk jug in half just above the handle. Place your books and pencils inside. Carry it by the handle.

What are the rules for Anything but a Backpack Day?

Don’t bring a backpack. As the premise suggests, on Anything but a Backpack Day, you should leave your backpack at home. If you have to bring your bag—for after-school activities, for example—keep it in your locker until you need it.

Don’t bring weapons or substances. Even on a spirit day, normal school rules are in effect. Don’t bring any weapon, alcohol, drugs, or other dangerous items that are banned by your school. Some schools also prohibit large or wheeled items—double check with staff or your school’s handbook to verify that your idea is allowed.

Don’t bring distracting items. Anything but a Backpack Day is a time to be creative, but ultimately, you’re at school to learn. Don’t bring a backpack alternative that’s distracting, like a TV on wheels or a noisy children’s toy. There are plenty of funny, creative ideas that won’t disrupt the classroom.