9 Ways To Personalize Your Toddler’s Backpack In 5 Minutes

We had Claire’s name written in bold black marker on her light pink backpack. How’s that for doing everything we shouldn’t do? Those were the days before I realized that having your child’s name plastered on their bag is a big no-no. Fortunately, there are countless other ways to differentiate your toddler’s backpack from the rest of the pack.

Internal name tag

Never put a name tag outside of your child’s backpack. Strangers can use them to pretend they know your toddler. Children also tend to trust people who know their name. But it’s a good idea to have your child’s name label inside the backpack. Some bags come with a name tag card. You can also use a sticky label or write it on with a felt tip pen. Show it to your little one and they will be just as ecstatic to see their actual name on the backpack. This waterproof, scuff-proof large dinosaur tag can be customized with your child’s name.

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Add accessories

A few easy accessories can make your child’s backpack all the more fun and personalized. You can add key chains, badges or fobs showcasing your child’s interests. Some moms even tie multi-colored ribbons to the zippers, Harley-Davidson style.

Stitch them a ‘coat of arms’

If you’re skilled in needlework, you can stitch a pattern, logo or picture that means something to your child. You can even monogram their initials on the backpack. This might take more than 5 minutes, depending on how quick you work.

Iron-on appliques

Not good with your hands or want something easier? Get one of these and iron them on instead:

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Draw on the fabric

Buy fabric paint or fabric markers so it will last. You can go free-style or get a stencil with cute patterns your child can fill in.

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Colorful foam tape

It’s amazing what you can do with foam tape. Stick it on in stripes, cut big and small rounds and make a polka dot backpack, cut out hearts, flowers, their initials… the list is endless. The best part is that it’s easy to pull off if your child gets tired of the design and wants a change.

Make it an art project

You can use felt, trim, glue and a marker pen to transform your toddler’s backpack into anything they can think of. Check out some ideas here.

Sew on an extra pocket

If you’ve sewn a patch, you can sew a pocket. Just leave the top edge unstitched. A little front or side pocket comes in handy for sticky sweets, little pebbles and other random stuff you don’t want in the backpack itself.

Reflectors

Sticking reflector strips on your child’s backpack might be more practical than decorative but it will help increase visibility on the road, especially if they carry the backpacks at night. These reflector strips are made of 3M Scotchlite reflective material and can be used on anything, from backpacks to clothing. They are waterproof and washable, perfect for toddler backpacks.

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Types of personalized backpacks

Yes, for the super time-poor among us, you can buy a personalized backpack. Check these ones out:

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The Urban Infant Backpack comes in 16 designs and all embroidery is performed in-house by their personalization workshop in Ohio.

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  This cute little backpack is made of 100% cotton with a side zipper and top magnetic snap. The embroidery is beautiful and there’s 6 designs to choose from!

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The ODAWA Toddler Backpack can be personalized with any text you want and even has 2 side pockets. Just remember not to customize with your child’s name! Remember it’s not safe to have their name plastered on the front of the backpack. You can customize with their initials instead.

To wrap up

In a sea of similar backpacks, personalizing your toddler’s backpack is an excellent way to distinguish which one belongs to your child and help them feel they have something unique. Just make sure you can still keep the backpack clean.