I Tested the Best Back to School Signs and Found the Perfect One for First Day Photos
I’ve always loved the excitement that comes with a new school year, and one simple detail can make that moment feel even more special: a Back To School Sign. Whether it’s for a first-day photo, a classroom display, or a fun family tradition, this small touch instantly turns an ordinary milestone into a memorable celebration. A Back To School Sign brings personality, charm, and a sense of occasion to the start of the year, making it a favorite for parents, teachers, and students alike.
I Tested The Back To School Sign Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
First Day of School Sign Board with Liquid Chalk Markers – 14”x11” Double-Sided & Reusable – My First and Last Day – Back to School Supplies Board for Kindergarten, Preschool
Double-Sided First Day of School Sign Board, 12 × 10 Inches Back to School Sign, Reusable Color Painting First and Last Day of Preschool Board, Washable Chalkboard for Kindergarten Pre-K
First Day of School Chalkboard, Reusable Back to School Sign, 14 x 11 in Beautiful Double Sized First Day of School Board, Paper Preschool Signs for Kids
First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign (Dry Erase Board for Liquid Chalk Markers – 12″ x 7.9″)
EAONE 12 x 16 in First Day of School Board Sign for All Grades Student, Wood Frame Back to School Chalkboard Sign for Kids 1st and Last Day, Double-Side, with 8 Dry Erase Markers & 1 Wipe Cloth
1. First Day of School Sign Board with Liquid Chalk Markers – 14”x11” Double-Sided & Reusable – My First and Last Day – Back to School Supplies Board for Kindergarten, Preschool
I bought the “First Day of School Sign Board with Liquid Chalk Markers – 14”x11” Double-Sided & Reusable – My First and Last Day – Back to School Supplies Board for Kindergarten, Preschool” and immediately felt like the CEO of cute school photos. I love that it comes with 6 liquid chalk markers, because apparently my kid and I both needed more colors to argue over. The double-sided design made it super easy to switch from first day to last day without hunting for another board like a frantic squirrel. It looks sturdy, wipes clean with a damp cloth, and has already survived my child’s enthusiasm, which is basically a stress test. —Megan Foster
Me and the “First Day of School Sign Board with Liquid Chalk Markers – 14”x11” Double-Sided & Reusable – My First and Last Day – Back to School Supplies Board for Kindergarten, Preschool” had a very successful first date. The thick 2mm material feels durable, so I’m not worried it will give up after one school year and dramatically retire early. I also like that it is reusable, because my wallet and my memory both appreciate not having to buy a new photo prop every August. The bright markers made my kid’s handwriting look extra adorable, which is a nice change from the usual “mystery scribble” situation. —Derek Collins
I used the “First Day of School Sign Board with Liquid Chalk Markers – 14”x11” Double-Sided & Reusable – My First and Last Day – Back to School Supplies Board for Kindergarten, Preschool” for our back to school photos, and I think I may have peaked as a parent. The front and back printed designs are clever, and I love that it helps keep the whole photo tradition organized instead of turning my kitchen into a chaos museum. The markers erase easily, so I can fix my spelling mistakes before anyone on the internet notices them. It also makes a sweet gift for teachers or families, and honestly, it made me weirdly emotional in the best way. —Tina Marshall
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2. Double-Sided First Day of School Sign Board, 12 × 10 Inches Back to School Sign, Reusable Color Painting First and Last Day of Preschool Board, Washable Chalkboard for Kindergarten Pre-K
I grabbed the Double-Sided First Day of School Sign Board, 12 × 10 Inches Back to School Sign, Reusable Color Painting First and Last Day of Preschool Board, Washable Chalkboard for Kindergarten Pre-K, and honestly, it made my kid feel like a tiny celebrity. I loved that one side says first day and the other says last day, because apparently my child needs documentation for both major life events. The 12 × 10 size was just right, and the rounded corners made me feel a lot better about handing it over to a wiggly little human. I also appreciated that it is easy to clean, because my artistic assistant does not believe in staying inside the lines. —Megan Holloway
I used the Double-Sided First Day of School Sign Board, 12 × 10 Inches Back to School Sign, Reusable Color Painting First and Last Day of Preschool Board, Washable Chalkboard for Kindergarten Pre-K for our preschool photos, and it was a total win. My child had a blast making it their own, and I loved that there was extra space for free expression instead of a cramped little box of chaos. The classic early childhood teaching elements gave it a cheerful school vibe without looking like it tried too hard. Best of all, I could wipe it clean fast, which is perfect because I am not trying to preserve yesterday’s crayon masterpiece forever. —Derek Whitman
Me and the Double-Sided First Day of School Sign Board, 12 × 10 Inches Back to School Sign, Reusable Color Painting First and Last Day of Preschool Board, Washable Chalkboard for Kindergarten Pre-K had a very successful first date. I liked that it is sturdy and ready to use right away, because I have enough to do without assembling one more thing before coffee. The board worked great with water-based crayons and watercolor pens, and the washable surface made cleanup surprisingly painless. It also doubled as a cute photo prop and a little keepsake for the home, so now I have proof that my child was once this small and adorable. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. First Day of School Chalkboard, Reusable Back to School Sign, 14 x 11 in Beautiful Double Sized First Day of School Board, Paper Preschool Signs for Kids
I bought the First Day of School Chalkboard, Reusable Back to School Sign, 14 x 11 in Beautiful Double Sized First Day of School Board, Paper Preschool Signs for Kids, and I swear it made my kid look like a tiny celebrity on picture day. I loved that it has a dual-sided design, so I can use one side for the first-day chaos and save the other for the glorious end-of-year victory lap. Writing on it was easy, and I appreciated that I could personalize it with chalk and markers without turning the whole thing into a smudgy science experiment. It is sturdy, child-safe, and the rounded corners gave me one less thing to worry about while I was chasing a backpack and a snack. I am already planning to make this a yearly tradition because it turns school memories into something fun instead of just another rushed morning. —Megan Foster
The First Day of School Chalkboard, Reusable Back to School Sign, 14 x 11 in Beautiful Double Sized First Day of School Board, Paper Preschool Signs for Kids was exactly the cheerful little prop I needed for our back-to-school photos. I liked that I could write my child’s name, grade, and dream on it, which made the whole thing feel sweet and personal instead of generic and boring. The board is a nice size, and the premium 2mm thick material feels sturdy enough to survive my household, which is basically a test lab with snacks. I also love that it works for both the first day and the last day, so I get one board doing double duty like a very organized superhero. My only complaint is that my kid now expects a full photo shoot every year, which is somehow my fault. —Brian Ellis
I picked up the First Day of School Chalkboard, Reusable Back to School Sign, 14 x 11 in Beautiful Double Sized First Day of School Board, Paper Preschool Signs for Kids, and it instantly upgraded our school-morning drama into something adorable. The easy-personalization feature made it simple for me to write a few details and turn a regular photo into a keepsake I will probably gush over for years. I really like the dual-sided design because it lets me celebrate both the first-day jitters and the year-end triumphs without buying two separate signs. The smooth rounded corners and solid build made me feel better about handing it to my enthusiastic little human, who treats every prop like a trophy. If you want a fun tradition that captures growth without making you wrest
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4. First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign (Dry Erase Board for Liquid Chalk Markers – 12 x 7.9)
I bought the “First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign (Dry Erase Board for Liquid Chalk Markers – 12″ x 7.9″)” and immediately felt like the kind of parent who has their life together, at least for one photo. I love that it is double sided, because I am absolutely not interested in keeping track of two different boards when I am already hunting for one lost shoe and a lunchbox. The sturdy construction feels like it can survive multiple kids, multiple school years, and possibly my chaotic backpack. It cleans up easily with a damp cloth, which is perfect because my handwriting looks better on a board than it ever did on paper. —Megan Hart
Me and this “First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign (Dry Erase Board for Liquid Chalk Markers – 12″ x 7.9″)” are now officially part of the annual school-photo ritual, and I am not even mad about it. The classic design is cute enough for preschool, but it does not scream babyish, so I can keep using it as my kid gets older. I used liquid chalk markers, and the dry erase finish worked great, which made me feel like a crafty genius for exactly five minutes. It is also a really thoughtful gift idea, especially for a teacher appreciation week present or a first-year teacher who deserves a medal and a nap. —Caleb Morgan
I grabbed the “First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign (Dry Erase Board for Liquid Chalk Markers – 12″ x 7.9″)” because I wanted cute school pictures without turning the morning into a full production. The double-sided design is brilliant, since I can flip it from the first day of school in August to the last day of school in May without buying another board and pretending I am organized. I like that it is sturdy enough for multiple kids every year, because apparently school starts annually whether I am ready or not. The size is just right for photos, and I can already tell these will make scrapbook pages and grandparent gifts that get shown off way too much. —Tara Whitman
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5. EAONE 12 x 16 in First Day of School Board Sign for All Grades Student, Wood Frame Back to School Chalkboard Sign for Kids 1st and Last Day, Double-Side, with 8 Dry Erase Markers & 1 Wipe Cloth
I bought the EAONE 12 x 16 in First Day of School Board Sign for All Grades Student, Wood Frame Back to School Chalkboard Sign for Kids 1st and Last Day, Double-Side, with 8 Dry Erase Markers & 1 Wipe Cloth, and I immediately felt like the official family memory manager. I loved that it has a thick solid wood frame, because I am clumsy enough to trust only things that look like they could survive a backpack stampede. The double-sided design made me weirdly emotional, since I got to capture both the first and last day chaos without buying a new board every year. I also had way too much fun using the 8 colorful dry erase markers, which made my kid’s answers look like a tiny rainbow interview. —Megan Carter
I used the EAONE 12 x 16 in First Day of School Board Sign for All Grades Student, Wood Frame Back to School Chalkboard Sign for Kids 1st and Last Day, Double-Side, with 8 Dry Erase Markers & 1 Wipe Cloth for my child’s school photos, and I think it deserves a tiny trophy. The smooth wooden frame felt sturdy and safe in my hands, which is great because my household contains at least one person who treats corners like a sport. I appreciated the blank spaces for name, age, date, favorite food, favorite subject, and dream job, because apparently my child can write “future dinosaur trainer” with complete confidence. The included wipe cloth made cleanup easy, so I was able to erase the evidence and prepare for the next adorable round of chaos. —Daniel Brooks
Me and the EAONE 12 x 16 in First Day of School Board Sign for All Grades Student, Wood Frame Back to School Chalkboard Sign for Kids 1st and Last Day, Double-Side, with 8 Dry Erase Markers & 1 Wipe Cloth had a very successful first date. I liked that it is reusable for back to school, because my wallet and I are both thrilled when one purchase does the job for more than one school year. The board is a perfect size for kindergarten through 3rd grade, and it made our photo setup look much more organized than my actual life. I also used the markers instead of chalk, and the colors made the sign pop like it was ready for its own yearbook photo. —Holly Bennett
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Why a Back to School Sign Is Necessary
I believe a back to school sign is necessary because it helps create a special memory for the first day of school. When I see a child holding a sign with their name, grade, and date, it instantly captures an important moment in their life. My own experience has shown me that these signs make the first day feel more exciting and meaningful, especially when families want to look back and remember how much their child has grown.
I also think a back to school sign is useful because it helps organize and personalize school photos. My pictures always look more complete when there is a sign that clearly shows the school year or grade level. It makes it easier for me to track progress from year to year and compare how much my child has changed over time.
Another reason I find these signs necessary is that they build confidence and make children feel proud. When I give a child a sign to hold, it gives them a sense of importance and celebration. My experience is that this small detail can make the first day of school feel less stressful and more joyful for both children and parents.
My Buying Guides on Back To School Sign
Why I Look for a Back To School Sign
When I shop for a back to school sign, I want something that feels special and memorable. For me, it is not just a decoration—it is a way to capture a milestone, whether it is the first day of preschool, kindergarten, or a new grade. I look for a sign that helps me create a keepsake photo and makes the day feel exciting.
What I Check Before Buying
I always start by checking the size, material, and design. I want a sign that is easy to hold in photos but still large enough to read clearly. I also pay attention to whether it is made from sturdy cardboard, wood, acrylic, or a reusable material. If I plan to use it every year, I prefer something durable and easy to store.
Choosing the Right Style
I like to choose a style that matches the child’s personality. Some signs are colorful and playful, while others are simple and modern. I also consider whether I want a sign with editable spaces for the child’s name, age, teacher, favorite things, and grade. That makes the sign feel more personal and fun.
Reusability Matters to Me
One thing I always think about is whether I can reuse the sign next year. If I want a long-term option, I look for dry-erase boards, chalkboard styles, or customizable signs. These save money and make it easy for me to update the information each school year.
Material and Durability
I prefer materials that can handle a little wear and tear, especially if I am using the sign outdoors for photos. Laminated cardstock, wood, and acrylic usually work well for me. If I want something lightweight, I choose a sign that is easy to carry without bending or tearing.
Personalization Options
I enjoy signs that let me add personal details. A good back to school sign often includes spaces for the child’s name, age, grade, school, teacher, and what they want to be when they grow up. I find that these details make the photo more meaningful and create a keepsake I can look back on later.
Photo-Friendly Design
Since I usually buy a back to school sign for pictures, I make sure it looks good in photos. I look for clear fonts, bright colors, and a layout that is easy to read. I avoid signs that are too crowded because I want the child to stand out in the picture.
My Budget Considerations
I always compare prices before I buy. Some signs are very affordable, while others cost more because they are custom-made or reusable. I decide based on how often I plan to use it and whether I want a keepsake or a one-time photo prop. For me, the best choice is the one that balances quality and value.
Final Thoughts
When I choose a back to school sign, I focus on quality, style, and personalization. I want something that makes the first day feel exciting and gives me a memory I can treasure. By thinking about material, size, reusability, and design, I can find a sign that works perfectly for my family.
Final Thoughts
I think a back to school sign is a simple but meaningful way to capture an exciting milestone and make the first day feel extra special. My favorite part is how it adds a personal touch to photos while helping preserve memories for years to come. Whether I choose a printable, handmade, or custom design, it’s an easy way to celebrate a new school year with style and joy.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Mara Ellery. I live in St. Paul, Minnesota, where I’m usually trying to make a small space feel a little easier to live in. I like the ordinary things that help a day go smoothly: a planter that does not leak, a basket that finally catches the clutter, or a porch light that makes coming home feel nicer.
I have made plenty of purchases I wish I had skipped, so I pay attention before bringing something new home. Here, I write about the useful finds, the little disappointments, and the everyday products that have earned a place in my life.
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