120 Anything but a Backpack Day Ideas

Anything But a Backpack Day has become a popular spirit week theme, and the whole idea is pretty simple: show up to school carrying your supplies in basically anything except an actual backpack. From pizza boxes to laundry baskets, I’ve put together 120 Anything But a Backpack Day ideas to help you figure out what to bring.

Just make sure to check your school’s rules before showing up with anything super large or unusual.

Anything but a Backpack Day Ideas

1. Pizza Box

I recommend going to a pizza restaurant and buying or asking for a clean pizza box instead of using one that actually had pizza inside.

That way, you do not have to worry about grease getting all over your notebooks or school supplies.

2. Wagon

Load your school supplies into a wagon and pull everything around school for the day.

Honestly, having wheels might make this more convenient than an actual backpack.

3. Laundry Basket

This might be one of the easiest anything but a backpack ideas, because there’s a good chance you already have a laundry basket at home.

And to make things even easier, use one with wheels so you can roll it through the hallways.

4. Shopping Basket

Now this one is a slight reach, but a funny Anything But a Backpack Day idea is using a shopping basket.

You could ask your local store if they have an old basket they are willing to sell or give away. Just don’t take one from the store without permission.

5. Stroller

Put your books, folders, and school supplies inside a baby stroller and casually push everything from class to class.

6. Mop Bucket

You know those yellow industrial looking mop buckets?

If you somehow have access to a clean one, it would make such a funny backpack replacement.

You could also use a regular household mop bucket if you want something a little easier to carry.

7. Pillowcase

If you completely forgot about Anything But a Backpack Day until the morning of; go into your bedroom, grab a pillowcase, and put your school supplies inside.

8. Trash Can

Grab a brand new or completely clean trash can and use it as your backpack for the day.

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9. Cooler

A cooler is actually a pretty practical option because most already have handles.

If you have a rolling cooler, that’s even better.

10. Cooking Pot

Put your notebooks, pencils, and other supplies inside one of the biggest cooking pots you can find in your kitchen.

Just make sure you ask your parents before taking their favorite pot to school.

11. Guitar Case

If you have an empty guitar case sitting around, use it for your Anything But a Backpack.

It already has a handle and plenty of room for school supplies.

12. Picnic Basket

Grab a picnic basket and fill it with your school supplies.

13. Briefcase

Show up to school looking like you have a 9 a.m. business meeting.

14. Shoe Box

If you don’t have much to carry, grab a large shoe box and use it as your backpack.

15. Fitted Bed Sheet

Put everything in the middle of a fitted sheet, gather the fabric together, and carry your supplies around in one giant bundle.

16. Christmas Stocking

Bring out your Christmas decorations early and use a giant stocking to carry your supplies.

17. Baby Seat

Place your school supplies inside a baby seat and carry it around for the day.

18. Grocery Bag

Sometimes the easiest ideas are the best ones.

Grab a grocery bag and fill it with everything you need for school.

19. Bucket

A regular plastic bucket can easily become your backpack for the day.

20. Suitcase

Pack your school supplies into a suitcase like you’re heading to the airport after third period.

Anything but a Backpack Ideas

21. Trash Bag

If you want one of the easiest last minute ideas possible, grab a clean trash bag and put your things inside.

I would probably double bag it just in case.

22. Cardboard Box

Grab a moving box or any sturdy cardboard box you have sitting around.

23. Pool Floatie

Use a pool floatie to hold your belongings. 

24. Tupperware Container

Get a large plastic food storage container and fill it with school supplies instead of leftovers.

I highly recommend getting a plastic one instead of glass. So that if it were to fall on the floor, it wouldn’t break.

25. Kitchen Mixing Bowl

Use the biggest mixing bowl in your kitchen as your backpack.

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26. Bird Cage

Another creative option is to get a birdcage and use it as your backpack.

27. Rolling Plastic Drawers

You know those plastic drawer carts people use for bedrooms and craft supplies?

Fill the drawers with your school supplies and roll the entire thing from class to class.

28. Traffic Cone

Use a clean traffic cone as your backpack and place smaller school supplies inside.

29. Toy Car

Get a toy car that has a remote and put your school supplies inside of it. 

30. Mini Shopping Cart

A mini shopping cart is basically made for Anything But a Backpack Day.

Fill it with your notebooks, folders, and pencil case and push your tiny cart from class to class.

31. Board Game Box

Grab an empty Monopoly, Scrabble, or another large board game box and turn it into your backpack.

Just make sure the bottom is sturdy enough to hold everything.

32. Cereal Box

Take a family size cereal box, empty it out, and put your school supplies inside instead.

I would reinforce the bottom with tape if you plan on carrying anything heavy.

33. Pet Carrier

Borrow a clean pet carrier and fill it with school supplies.

34. Fishing Net

Use a fishing net to hold some of your light school supplies like your pencils and sheets of paper.

35. Milk Crate

A plastic milk crate is another easy option because it is sturdy and has plenty of room.

36. Wheelbarrow

If your school allows it, fill a wheelbarrow with your school supplies.

37. Beauty Mini Fridge

Grab a beauty mini fridge, the ones that are advertised to store your skincare products, and use it to store your school supplies.

38. Rolling Office Chair

Put your school supplies on the seat of a rolling office chair and push your new backpack around school.

39. Sled

You definitely don’t need snow for this one.

Put your supplies inside a sled and pull it behind you through the hallway.

Funny Anything But a Backpack Day Ideas

40. Toolbox

A toolbox is one of my favorite funny anything but a backpack day ideas, and it’s actually really practical.

Instead of tools, fill the compartments with pencils, chargers, calculators, and your other supplies.

41. Plant Pot

Grab a large plant pot and turn it into a container for your things.

42. Shower Caddy

A shower caddy is lightweight, has a handle, and already has different sections for organizing things.

Use the smaller compartments for pens, pencils, your phone, and other little items.

43. Piñata

Okay, this one is so random.

Use an empty piñata as your Anything But a Backpack Day container.

You may have to carefully create an opening large enough to fit your school supplies inside.

44. Sleeping Bag

Roll some of your school supplies inside a sleeping bag and carry the whole thing around.

It’s definitely not the most convenient option, but it fits the theme.

45. Decorative Mailbox

Use a decorative mailbox to hold your school supplies.

46. Golf Bag

Have an old golf bag sitting in the garage?

Take the clubs out and fill it with notebooks, folders, and school supplies instead.

47. Trick or Treat Bucket

Take a trick-or-treat bucket and use it as your backpack for the day.

48. Watering Can

If your watering can has a large enough opening, put your smaller school supplies inside and carry it around by the handle.

49. Hamster Cage

Use an empty and completely clean hamster cage as your backpack.

Again, no actual pets please.

Just books.

Ideas for Anything but a Backpack Day

50. Bread Box

Another one of my favorite ideas for anything but a backpack day is using a bread box.

51. Utility Cart

Put your school supplies onto a small rolling utility cart and push everything around school.

52. Bike Basket

Take a removable basket from your bike and use it as a handheld backpack.

Most bike baskets are already a good size for a few notebooks and supplies.

53. Filing Cabinet

If you somehow have a tiny rolling filing cabinet, organize your school supplies inside and roll it around.

54. Jeans

Yes, jeans.

Tie the bottoms of an old pair of jeans closed, put your school supplies inside, and carry them around.

This might be one of the weirdest ideas on the list, which means it is perfect.

55. Plastic Storage Bin

Grab a clear storage bin and use it as your backpack.

56. Toy Chest

Take the toys out of a small lightweight toy chest and replace them with your school supplies.

Just make sure it is something you can realistically carry around all day.

57. Umbrella

Open an umbrella, flip it upside down, and place your school supplies inside.

This will probably work best with lightweight items, but visually it is hilarious.

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58. Air Fryer 

Definitely ask your parents first with this idea.

Grab an air fryer, clean the basket and put your pencils and other small supplies inside of it.

59. Bike Helmet

Flip the helmet upside down and use the inside like a bowl for your smaller school supplies.

60. Folding Lawn Chair

Secure your school supplies to a lightweight folding lawn chair and carry it around.

61. Crockpot 

Get a crockpot and use it as your backpack. 

62. IKEA Bag

Those giant blue IKEA bags can hold practically everything, so why not use one?

63. Garden Pot

Use a large flowerpot as your backpack for the day.

64. Doll House

If you have a lightweight dollhouse with an open back, put your school supplies inside the different rooms.

Your notebook gets the kitchen. Your pencil case can have the master bedroom.

65. Plastic Fishbowl

Use an empty plastic fishbowl for your smaller school supplies.

Skip the glass version because breakable glass and crowded school hallways are not a good combination.

66. Small Rolling Cart

Use one of those compact rolling carts people use for groceries, laundry, or shopping.

Throw your supplies inside and roll everything around school.

67. Inflatable Kiddie Pool

Inflate a tiny kiddie pool, put your school supplies inside, and carry it around.

The smaller the pool, the easier your day will probably be.

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68. Paint Can

Use a brand new or completely cleaned paint can for your school supplies.

Please don’t grab one with leftover paint unless you want your homework permanently redecorated.

69. Skateboard

Another funny anything but a backpack day idea is using a skateboard. Secure your books and other supplies to it, and carry the board around in your hands.

Creative Anything but a Backpack Ideas

70. Recycling Bin

Use a completely clean recycling bin instead of a trash can.

If it has wheels, even better.

71. Plastic Aquarium

An empty plastic aquarium can work like a giant clear container for your school supplies.

Again, plastic is a much better choice than glass for school.

72. Tent Bag

If your family has a tent that comes inside a carrying bag, use the empty tent bag for your school supplies.

73. Food Delivery Bag

If someone in your family has an old insulated food delivery bag, like DoorDash, this is a great time to use it.

74. Drum Case

If you play an instrument or have an old drum case around the house, fill it with school supplies.

These cases usually have plenty of space inside.

75. Wooden Crate

Fill a lightweight wooden crate with your books and carry it by the handles.

You could even paint and decorate the outside before school.

76. Burlap Sack

Throw your things into a large burlap sack and carry it over your shoulder.

77. Pop Up Laundry Hamper

Instead of a regular laundry basket, use one of those tall collapsible hampers.

78. Paint Roller Tray

Put folders, notebooks, and smaller supplies inside a clean paint roller tray.

79. Camera Case

A large camera case can hold a surprising amount of stuff. Like your calculator, pencils, folded paper, etc.

80. Cat Tunnel

If you have one of those collapsible fabric tunnels for cats, turn it into a giant tube for your school supplies.

Just secure both ends so everything does not slide out.

81. Apron

If you barely need to bring anything to school, wear an apron with huge pockets and make yourself the backpack.

Pens in one pocket, calculator in another, phone in another.

82. Cargo Vest

Same idea as the apron.

Wear a cargo vest with as many pockets as possible and carry your school supplies on yourself.

83. Toy Dump Truck

Get a large toy dump truck and put your school supplies in the back.

84. Dresser Drawer

Take one drawer out of a dresser unit and use it as your container.

Just one drawer.

Please don’t bring your entire dresser to school.

85. Popcorn Machine 

If you have a small popcorn machine with wheels, consider using it for spirit day.  

It’s definitely one of those ideas that will have everyone asking how you even thought of it.

86. Lunch Box

Grab your lunchbox and use it as your backpack and put all of your school supplies inside of it.

87. Shoes

Grab a pair of shoes or boots and use it as your backpack. Put your pencils, pens, and some folded sheets of paper inside and use it to carry your things for the day.

88. Giant Hat

Grab an oversized hat, flip it upside down, and put your supplies inside.

The bigger the hat, the better.

89. Lockbox

If you have a small lightweight lockbox, use it to store your school supplies.

Just make sure you remember how to open it because getting locked out of your own supplies.  

90. Baby Carrier

Wear a baby carrier and put your school supplies where the baby would normally sit.

91. Water Pitcher

Grab a water pitcher and use it as the container to hold your school supplies.

92. Beach Pail

Grab one of those colorful plastic beach buckets and fill it with your supplies.

93. Wooden Basket

A wooden storage basket can make a surprisingly cute backpack alternative.

94. Popcorn Bucket

Have one of those giant movie theater popcorn buckets at home?

Clean it out and use it for your notebooks, pencils, and smaller supplies.

95. Cake Carrier

A cake carrier already has a lid and handle, making it strangely perfect for Anything But a Backpack Day.

96. Doll Stroller

If a full size stroller feels like too much, use a doll stroller instead.

97. Santa Bag

Bring a giant Santa sack and fill it with your school supplies.

And if your school allows costumes, you could even dress like Santa to complete the look.

98. Home Depot Bucket

Grab one of those large hardware store buckets and use it as your backpack.

99. Crumbl Cookie Box

Use a clean Crumbl cookie box for your school supplies.

You could also use an empty Dunkin’ or Krispy Kreme doughnut box.

100. Variety Chip Box

Do you have one of those variety chip boxes lying in your pantry? Empty it out and use the box for your school supplies.

101. Garbage Bin With Wheels

If you want to go a little bigger, use a clean garbage bin with wheels.

Check your school’s rules first because this one can take up quite a bit of hallway space.

102. Dog Crate

Use a small, clean dog crate to hold your school supplies.

Of course, make sure your dog does not actually need it that day.

103. Dog Bed

Put your school supplies in the middle of a clean dog bed and carry the whole thing around.

104. Toaster Oven 

Grab a toaster oven and put your supplies inside of the tray. This is an unexpected anything but a backpack day idea, that not many people will probably think of.

105. Amazon Box

Grab an empty Amazon box and use it as your backpack for tone day.

106. Blender 

Grab a blender and remove the blade attachment from inside of it, and then put your supplies inside.

107. Baby Car Seat

Use a baby car seat as your Anything But a Backpack Day backpack.

108. Gift Box

Use a large gift box to carry your school supplies.

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Best Anything but a Backpack Day Ideas

109. Toy Shopping Cart

Buy a toy shopping cart. You can usually find them in the kids toy section and use it as your anything but a backpack.

110. Purse

OK, I know this might be a little basic but hey… it’s something other than a backpack. So if you’re looking for a last minute idea, go in your closet and grab a purse.

111. Storage Ottoman

If you have a small storage ottoman, put your school supplies inside.

112. Easter Basket

Bring out your old Easter basket and use it for school supplies.

You could even leave the colorful grass inside if you want to make it funnier.

113. Fruit Basket

Grab a clean fruit basket from your kitchen and replace the fruit with school supplies.

114. Laundry Detergent Container

If your family buys those large detergent pod containers, thoroughly clean and dry an empty container and use it for school supplies.

115. Large Tote Bin

Use one of those giant plastic storage totes that normally holds holiday decorations or clothes.

116. Pillow Pet

This is such a throwback idea, but you can buy a pillow pet and wrap your school supplies inside of it.

117. Gym Bag

Get your gym bag and use it as your backpack for the day.

118. Cat Litter Box

Buy a clean never used litter box, and carry it to school as your anything but a backpack.

119. Reusable Tote Bag

Another one of my favorite anything but a backpack day ideas is to use a reusable tote bag.

120. Just Carry Your School Supplies

Last but not least, on this list of Anything But a Backpack Day ideas, is probably the simplest option of all.

Don’t bring a backpack or a replacement.

Just show up carrying your notebooks, laptop, pencil case, water bottle, and everything else in your hands.

Is it creative? Maybe not.

Does it technically follow the rules? Absolutely.