It's a big moment when a kid gets his first textbook. Allow a kid to design custom covers with heavy construction paper, road maps, or even wrapping paper. They're just as good at protecting books from bumps, scratches, or drippy servings of cheese fries.

Everyone can use an extra pocket. Stuck to the front of a book, these keep a class schedule in plain view. Look for self-adhesive plastic business-card holders or schedule holders in office-supply stores, and affix wherever you like on the cover.

It's easy to accessorize paper lunch bags. Photocopy or download our rectangular labels to seal bags closed. The round stickers add extra "flavor."

Covering a book with two pieces of heavy construction paper gives you a pocket. The blue sheet should be as tall as the book plus 2 inches to fold down at the top of the book; the orange sheet should be half the book's height, plus 2 inches to fold up at the bottom.

Personalize school supplies and all those look-alike books with our cut-out stickers. Make a set with just a couple of tools -- a computer and an ink-jet printer (or color copier) -- plus some basic stationery supplies. Print lots of stickers at once so children can continue to use them throughout the school year -- and share with a few lucky friends, too.

Keep track of upcoming tests and homework assignments by stashing a little notebook on a textbook cover. Slide two large rubber bands over the front cover of the book, slightly closer together than the width of a small notebook.

A kid may be more likely to eat her lunch if she helps choose the menu; when she uses this magnetic chart to map out her meals for the week, it saves time and helps make grocery shopping easier. Together come up with a variety of sandwiches, fruits, healthy snacks, and desserts; print them out and let the child fill in the blanks.

This lovely artist's organizer is the perfect way to easily store all of your children's art supplies for use at home or on the go.

Who better to carry your kids' books to school than this wise owl?

A set of woven pouches can keep electronic devices such as MP3 players and cell phones safe inside your bag.

The secret to finishing homework is a pencil so marvelous that kids can't help but pick it up and start scribbling. Our organizer safely keeps pencils together in one place and rolls up, too, making it compact enough to tote to school and back.

Make the Roll-Up Pencil Kit

Make the Decorated Pencils

Create a cozy holder for kids' pencils using colorful felt.

Apples aren't just for eating. The cut side of an apple half, dipped in candy-colored paint, can be stamped onto otherwise ordinary canvas tote bags and backpacks.

Making this stylish leather planner costs far less than buying the finished product, and you can use surprising colors and details that you won't find in a store.

This sturdy, waterproof, and stain-resistant bag takes only 10 minutes to make!

This adorable felt tissue holder fits perfectly in kids' pockets and pouches.

Glass or ceramic containers get a rustic makeover when wrapped with tree bark.

Take poetic license with a box of ordinary pencils, and dress them up in complementary shades.