66 Funny & Cool Anything But A Backpack Day Ideas (2024)

Anything But A Backpack Day is when students come to school with funny household items instead of backpacks to carry their school supplies. Students all over the United States have risen to the challenge and come up with the most unique and creative alternatives to backpacks.

Whether you want to push a wheelbarrow, use a cooler box, or carry your notebooks in a piñata, I’ve shared some of the most unique and interesting Anything But A Backpack day ideas with you.

Anything But A Backpack Day Ideas

Forget the traditional backpack! It’s time to get creative with ‘Anything But A Backpack’ Day. High schools across the country are embracing this novel idea with enthusiasm and excitement, swapping out backpacks for a variety of amusing and inventive alternatives.

From laundry baskets to toy trucks, from baby car seats to picnic baskets – it’s time to think outside the box when it comes to day-to-day class supplies.

So, if you’re looking for ideas to bring anything but a backpack to school, read on to find the coolest backpack alternatives.

1. Fan Backpack Idea

Using a fan as a backpack is one of the most creative ideas we’ve seen, not to mention hilarious at first glance.

Pro Tip:Take the blades off to give you more space for your belongings to fit.

2. Mini Fridge Backpack

Just when you thought some small to midsize household appliances are hilarious enough. How about this outrageous idea?

3. Pizza Box Backpack

A pizza box is a surprisingly convenient way to store your supplies. Add some extra humor to the situation as it may appear that you casually brought pizza to school.

4. ShovelBackpack Idea

It might be a bit inconvenient for you to carry around, but the laughter and attention you’ll receive will be worth the inconvenience.

5. Rolling Cart Backpack

Home goods such as rolling carts are often found in the pantry. They can undoubtedly slay in school hallways too!

6. Pitcher Backpack

If you are the type who brings very minimal items to school, this one is a perfect idea. It is sized perfectly to hold a pen, a notebook, and your mobile phone.

7. Inflatable Pool Backpack

This sure looks like a fun and colorful idea to show up with in class.

8. Baby Walker Backpack

Hopefully, the baby won’t need it while you’re in school.

9. Bird Cage Backpack Idea

We don’t see anything wrong with a bird cage carrying a laptop and other supplies for “Anything but a Backpack” day.

10. Jack-O-Lantern Bucket

This time there will be no trick-or-treating while the Jack-O-Lantern carries your stuff to school.

11. Guitar Case Backpack

Leave your guitar out of today’s agenda. Even if you’re not too musically inclined, you can still participate in Anything but a Backpack day.

🤓 You might also enjoy throwing a white lie party. Check out these White Lie Party Ideas.

Anything But A Backpack Day Spirit Week Ideas

12. Umbrella Backpack Idea

A nice and easy carrier to use for school. Note: you can carry it open or closed.

13. Spare Tire Backpack

As it turns out, spare tires have another purpose.Possibly a bit heavy though?

14. Shopping Cart Backpack

The fact that you can carry heavy items, including your classmates’ stuff, there’s no doubt that it is a popular item to bring on Anything but a Backpack day in school.

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15. Nightstand Drawer

This is definitely an elegant way to keep your school stuff secure as you travel from class to class for an entire day.

16. Toaster Oven Backpack

If a microwave is too big to carry around, this will suffice.

17. Kayak Backpack Idea

If you want to go big, this is an oversized item that is popular and will get massive attention.

Best Anything But A Backpack Ideas For School

18. Toy Car Backpack

It doesn’t have to be pink. But bonus points will be earned if it’s a Barbie Cadillac.

19. Fishing Net Backpack

Catching grades, not fish. The fishing net is a simple item that gives more room for your school stuff.

20. Picnic Basket

No regular backpack allowed? Why not bring a picnic basket?

21. Baby Stroller

Carriers with wheels are often the most convenient.

22. Airfryer Backpack Idea

It’s time for this trendy household item to shine, not in the kitchen but school.

Funny Anything But A Backpack Day Ideas

23. Mop Bucket Backpack Idea

Who would have thought books and notes would look good in a mop bucket?

24. Garbage Bin Backpack

Here to collect knowledge, not garbage!

25. Wheelbarrow Backpack

Who wouldn’t burst into laughter when bumping into a classmate rushing through the school hallways carrying this huge item?

26. Toy Shopping Cart

The easiest way to get one is to take one from your younger sister, who loves to play grocery shopping.

27. Toilet Backpack Idea

What could be funnier than seeing something you’re not supposed to see next to a classmate?

28. Baby Car Seat Backpack

Secures and carries books and notes on their way to and from school!

29. Kangaroo Onesie Backpack

You can look cute all day in an adult onesie with a pouch that serves a practical purpose.

30. Microwave Backpack

This has already gained so much popularity and has become an instant favorite. It’s hard not to laugh when you see someone carrying a microwave to school. Legends are like… “Mom, I need to borrow the microwave.”

Unique Anything But A Backpack Day Ideas

31. Barrel Backpack

Hard to obtain and obviously challenging to carry around. But definitely unique!

32.Boat Backpack Idea

If you think a kayak is oversized, then you haven’t seen this. This automatically falls in the unique category because we’re sure only a few will dare.

33. Rice Bag Backpack Idea

You probably have to eat a lot of rice to have such an oversized bag. Here’s another way to carry tons of school supplies, and pretty unique as not everyone will have this at home.

34. Beyblade Stadium Backpack Idea

Only a Beyblade fan knows!

35. Dollhouse Backpack Idea

It was time for your dolls to evacuate – their dollhouse is off to school.

36.LawnmowerBackpack

As long as it has wheels and room to carry a few things, it doesn’t matter what it is. But this surely deserves an award.

Easy Anything But A Backpack Day Ideas

37. Cereal Box Backpack

This is one of the classics. Save that empty box of cereal from going to the trash. Instead, take it for a ride to carry your school belongings.

38.Watering Can Backpack

Give it an artistic flair by adding a bit of design to it. And obviously, empty before use!

39.Doughnut Box Backpack

Admittedly that’s a big donut box. Your lappy can sit comfortably in this with a bit more space on both sides.

40. Hobo Knapsack Stick Bag

Every kid has made a bindle bag on a stick or possibly imagined running away with one filled with snacks. Super easy but no less creative to wow the crowd!

Anything But A Backpack Day Tiktok

41. Helmet Backpack Idea

Something with very minimal space. A good choice for people with fewer belongings to carry around.

42. Hanger Backpack

It doesn’t get any simpler than this, does it? It’s surprising how much a hanger can hold, actually!

43. Cooler Backpack Idea

Apparently, there is a better way to use a cooler. Use it as an alternative backpack for a day!

44. Kitchen SinkBackpack

Easy to carry, funny to look at. It’s a sure winner!

45. Popcorn Machine Backpack

This kid understood the assignment. This anything but a backpack idea is Hot & Fresh!

46. Chair Backpack Idea

Probably not the easiest to carry your school stuff but at least you can sit comfortably once you’ve gotten tired of carrying it around.

47. Blanket Backpack

Not the neatest way to carry your stuff. You might be surprised with a chaotic mess later. But it still works.

Anything But A Backpack Day Instagram

48. Traffic Cone Backpack

We’ve seen students use this to hold drinks at ‘Anything But A Cup’ themed parties, however, it evidently has many practical uses.

49. Piñata Backpack

A taco piñata for the taco-lover is not a bad idea.

50. Wooden Crate Backpack

Just the right size will keep your things in place.

51. Pet Carrier Backpack

We will never look at a pet carrier the same way again.

52. Treasure Chest Backpack

What’s good enough for pirate treasure is good enough for school supplies. Flaunt this vintage beauty at school and feel like a pirate!

53. Tool BoxBackpack Idea

Perfect for the tools of any trade – even for carrying the tools for school.

Anything But A Backpack Day Facebook

54. Folding Crib Backpack

It’s so spacious you can squish yourself in while in class.

55. Pillow Case Backpack

It wouldn’t be easy to carry around if you have heavy items like books and a laptop, but it is easy to get and comfortable to carry.

56. Paper ShredderBackpack

Just be very careful not to accidentally shred your school notes.

57. Vacuum Cleaner Backpack

This idea goes with the hope that you unload and clean it before making it a backpack alternative.

58. Pot Backpack Idea

It doesn’t matter how many school belongings you must carry around. Take your reliable cookware for a trip to school. It will do the job for you.

59. Hammock and Toy Grill

The fact that they are in the same frame shouldn’t be a coincidence. The outdoorsy vibes are complete with a hammock and a grill (only the toy version though).

Anything But A Backpack Day Reddit

We checked what people had answered when students asked for recommendations for their ‘Anything but a Backpack’ day at school. Here are some of the best and most bizarre answers.

60. Fishbowl Backpack

The idea seems easy. But something breakable like glass might be challenging to carry around. Always check restrictions. – Michi-Fan-01

61. Suitcase or Briefcase

We’ve seen kids carry suitcases. And we’re 100% sure they borrowed it from their Dads. Some even come to school in suits to match the briefcase making it more hilarious. –Intelligent_Point311

62. Beer Case Backpack

Why carry simple baskets and crates when you can bring a beer case? Make sure not to sneak beers in school though.–teddosaurus

63. Skateboards

Skater boys and girls unite! This thing can even carry you around and not just your school things. –u/coolguy84938483

64. Washing Machine

If others can bring a fridge. Then why not try your luck on a washing machine?–apaczkowski

65. Your Little Brother

My personal favorite. Only if your parents would allow you to take your younger sibling with you to boss around all day and carry our things. –Educational_Heart132

66. Coffin

This is definitely the most bizarre item suggested that students should bring. We also wonder if anyone out there would actually have a coffin handy.–R0LL1NGTHUNDR

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What is anything but a backpack day?

What is ‘Anything But A Backpack Day’? It’s a fun and creative way to switch up the traditional school routine. It’s an opportunity for kids to get creative with their day-to-day class supplies and swap out backpacks for a variety of amusing and inventive alternatives.

Students bring their supplies to school in funny household items. Alternatives to a backpack day range from laundry baskets to toy trucks, from baby car seats to picnic baskets – it’s time to think outside the box!

Not only does it encourage students to have fun with their school days, but it also provides plenty of comedic relief between classes.

The only absolute rule is that it can’t be too dangerous, nor can it be a backpack. In October 2021, the trending hashtag #anythingbutabackpack started to become popular on Tiktok.

What day is anything but a backpack day?

Anything But A Backpack Day has not been associated with a specific date.

However, since it has been a trend on Tiktok, Instagram, and other social media platforms, many schools have taken up the activity and included it in their school spirit week.

Who started anything but a backpack day?

It all started in the Jefferson School District 251 in Idaho when a shooting incident happened in May 2021 that led the school board to be on high alert. In a statement, the local Board of Education banned backpacks in schools. On the following day, students brought in items to protest and make fun of the new rule.

According to Jefferson School District 251 Superintendent Chad Martin, it was “good to see the students turning it into a positive thing.” The hashtag #anythingbutabackpack was adopted on Tik Tok shortly after that first day. Many schools have now adopted this trend during spirit week as a way to reignite school spirit.

Can you decorate a backpack with patches?

Yes, decorating a backpack with patches is an awesome idea! Patches can be created in diverse shapes and designs (including your name) to add a unique touch to your backpack. Creating your own unique, self-designed school bag with acustom patchis sure to get some attention. You can also choose an awesome backpack onBackpacks.coand add your own custom designs directly onto the backpack itself.