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
- Anything But A Backpack Day Spirit Week Ideas
- Anything But A Backpack Day Ideas For School
- Funny Anything But A Backpack Day Ideas
- Unique Anything But A Backpack Day Ideas
- Easy Anything But A Backpack Day Ideas
- Anything But A Backpack Day Tiktok
- Anything But A Backpack Day Instagram
- Anything But A Backpack Day Facebook
- Anything But A Backpack Day Reddit
- Related Questions To Anything But A Backpack
Anything But A Backpack Day Ideas
1. Fan
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
Just when you thought some small to midsize household appliances are hilarious enough. How about this outrageous idea?
3. Pizza Box
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. Shovel
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
Home goods such as rolling carts are often found in the pantry. They can undoubtedly slay in school hallways too!
6. Pitcher
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
This sure looks like a fun and colorful idea to show up with in class.
8. Baby Walker
Hopefully, the baby won’t need it while you’re in school.
9. Bird Cage
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
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.
Anything But A Backpack Day Spirit Week Ideas
12. Umbrella
A nice and easy carrier to use for school. Note: you can carry it open or closed.
13. Spare Tire
As it turns out, spare tires have another purpose. Possibly a bit heavy though?
14. Shopping Cart
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.
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
If a microwave is too big to carry around, this will suffice.
17. Kayak
If you want to go big, this is an oversized item that is popular and will get massive attention.
Anything But A Backpack Day Ideas For School
18. Toy Car
It doesn’t have to be pink. But bonus points will be earned if it’s a Barbie Cadillac.
19. Fishing Net
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
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
Who would have thought books and notes would look good in a mop bucket?
24. Garbage Bin
Here to collect knowledge, not garbage!
25. Wheelbarrow
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
What could be funnier than seeing something you’re not supposed to see next to a classmate?
28. Baby Car Seat
Secures and carries books and notes on their way to and from school!
29. Kangaroo Onesie
You can look cute all day in an adult onesie with a pouch that serves a practical purpose.
30. Microwave
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
Hard to obtain and obviously challenging to carry around. But definitely unique!
32. Boat
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
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
Only a Beyblade fan knows!
35. Dollhouse
It was time for your dolls to evacuate – their dollhouse is off to school.
36. Lawnmower
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
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
Give it an artistic flair by adding a bit of design to it. And obviously, empty before use!
39. Doughnut Box
Admittedly that’s a big donut box. Your lappy can sit comfortably in this with a bit more space on both sides.
40. Hobo 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
Something with very minimal space. A good choice for people with fewer belongings to carry around.
42. Hanger
It doesn’t get any simpler than this, does it? It’s surprising how much a hanger can hold, actually!
43. Cooler
Apparently, there is a better way to use a cooler. Use it as an alternative backpack for a day!
44. Kitchen Sink
Easy to carry, funny to look at. It’s a sure winner!
45. Popcorn Machine
This kid understood the assignment. This anything but a backpack idea is Hot & Fresh!
46. Chair
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
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
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
A taco piñata for the taco-lover is not a bad idea.
50. Wooden Crate
Just the right size will keep your things in place.
51. Pet Carrier
We will never look at a pet carrier the same way again.
52. Treasure Chest
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 Box
Perfect for the tools of any trade – even for carrying the tools for school.
Anything But A Backpack Day Facebook
54. Folding Crib
It’s so spacious you can squish yourself in while in class.
55. Pillow Case
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 Shredder
Just be very careful not to accidentally shred your school notes.
57. Vacuum Cleaner
This idea goes with the hope that you unload and clean it before making it a backpack alternative.
58. Pot
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 – Michi-Fan-01
The idea seems easy. But something breakable like glass might be challenging to carry around. Always check restrictions.
61. Suitcase or Briefcase– Intelligent_Point311
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.
62. Beer Case – -teddosaurus-
Why carry simple baskets and crates when you can bring a beer case? Make sure not to sneak beers in school though.
63. Skateboards – u/coolguy84938483
Skater boys and girls unite! This thing can even carry you around and not just your school things.
64. Washing Machine – apaczkowski
If others can bring a fridge. Then why not try your luck on a washing machine?
65. Your Little Brother – Educational_Heart132
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.
66. Coffin – R0LL1NGTHUNDR
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.
Related Questions To Anything But A Backpack
What is anything but a backpack day?
The Anything But A Backpack Day is when students bring their supplies to school in funny household items. 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.