Going back to school can still be fun for your children (and even you while creating this!) with a cool gift in a jar! It can also work as a great supplies holder by itself.

The process is easy for DIY school supplies jar storage. Grab some glass jars. We’d suggest 8, 12, and 16 oz jelly, Anchor, or canning jars with wide mouths for easy item filling and access. (Bulk is even better if you’ll be taking the tabletop organizer approach as will be explored at the end!)

SUPPLIES FOR THE INSIDE OF THE DIY BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES JAR

Now head to your nearest Walmart, Target, arts and crafts store, or even a dollar store, and get to picking any and all trinkets that you can think of (But not too small if you have little ones under 5) such as:

• Erasers
• Mini staplers
• Rubber band ball
• Sticky notes
• Paper clips
• Mini notebooks
• Glue sticks
• Hand sanitizer
• Gift cards (e-gift cards are even better in this time of online shopping)
• Coffee coaster
• USB flash drives
• Pens
• Pencils
• Small crayon sets
• Bookmarks
• Mini planners

DECORATIONS FOR THE OUTSIDE OF THE BACK TO SCHOOL JAR

After you drop in all of the supplies in the way you want, the real excitement begins: decoration! You can make all sorts of adornments like:

School themed stickers. Again, head over to the nearest crafts section in Walmart or a Michaels.

Name tags and ribbons to go around the jar lids. How about using an actual bookmark as a neat tag with a whimsical message like, “Remember, reading is fundamental.” or “Don’t forget your place. You’re always #1!”

How about even mini chalkboards!? This is when good storage jars like a cracker jar with its paneled design would come in handy. You can easily place the chalkboard on one of the jar’s four panels and get creative on any messaging you’d like to put on there. Maybe you’ll list all of the supplies that are inside of the jar with a catchy tag that says, “Class is in session.” Have fun!

HOW TO ORGANIZE SCHOOL SUPPLIES AT HOME: SCHOOL SUPPLIES IN JARS

But this type of school supplies containment in jars can also work as a great organizational set for a larger group of your little ones, or especially, when an art assignment around the kitchen or living room table springs up! Think of it as basically a DIY school supply station. Just item sort then color sort all of your pencils, colored pencils, crayons, markers, paint brushes, scissors, rulers, and what have you in separate 4, 8, or 16 oz jars-however big or small you’re looking to go. The color separation is not necessary, but it can be a great visual learning system for young preschoolers. Not to mention, it creates a nice rainbow of colors in the DIY school supply station. Again, bulk jars are the way to go here. Drop the sorted items into their individual jars and set on the table. Let the arts and activities begin!