DIY Back to School Tote Bag + Gift Tag

Looking for the perfect gift for your child’s teacher? Consider a fun DIY back to school tote bag and coordinating gift tag – perfect all on its own or filled with treats! This post contains affiliate links. 

The start of school sneaked up on me this year. While some of the kids in our area don’t head back for a few weeks, Jay’s girls are back in the classroom next Tuesday! Fortunately they’re troopers and are ready to hit the books, whether I am ready for it or not.

Since I now have back to school on the brain, I thought I’d whip up a little teacher thank you gift. I’ve always thought that starting the year with a little welcome is a good idea.

DIY Back to School Tote Bag + Gift Tag

While I’d like to pretend that I am not old enough to have two girls in high school, it’s toootally possible. So, it shouldn’t be any sort of shock to tell you that I actually CAN remember when Will Smith was the FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR. Not only that, I can remember the entire theme song. In fact, it’s been running through my mind for weeks…

In an effort to get it out of my system, I am putting it on a back to school tote bag. I thought the line “On the playground is where I spend most of my days” would be fun for an elementary teacher gift.

I created a simple cut file and added it to a little tote bag. Really, it could be used on just about anything from a t-shirt to a mug, but I needed a little something to hold the loot I was planning to purchase.

Here’s what you will need to recreate this project:
On the Playground Cut File (PNG or SVG)
Electronic Cutting Machine (I use this machine.)
Heat Transfer Vinyl (I use Expressions Vinyl Red Easy Weed HTV.)
Iron (this one works great for these projects!)
Tote Bag (I purchased mine at Hobby Lobby, but this one is similar.)
Welcome Back to School Gift Tag File
Color Printer (this is the one I love to use at home)
White Cardstock
Paper Trimmer
Baker’s Twine

Here’s how to create the DIY back to school tote bag:

1. Download the “On the Playground” Cut File.
2. Upload the design to your design software and create the appropriately sized layout. Be sure to mirror the image so that the text appears backwards on the screen. Feed the heat transfer material into your machine with the glossy side down. Select HTV in the media menu and cut.
3. Peel the negative space in the design off the plastic backing, leaving only the words on the clear plastic transfer sheet.
4. Position the design on the tote bag face down so that you see it through the clear transfer sheet. Your text should be facing the right direction at this point.
5. Place a this cloth or parchment paper over the design and place a heated iron on top PRESSING FIRMLY into the design for 45-60 sec.
6. Remove the iron and cloth and gently peel up the transfer sheet. If the HTV continues to stick to the transfer sheet, replace the cloth and iron again making sure to apply pressure.

Here’s how to create the tote bag tag:

1. Download the Welcome Back to School gift tag file.
2. Print the file on a color printer. Alternatively, take the file into your local print shop.
3. Trim the gift tags down to size.
4. Punch a hole at the top of the tag and tie to your gift using baker’s twine.

I’ve filled my bag up with teacher supplies and some fun apple scented lotion and hand sanitizer, but the sky’s the limit on this one.

Looking for more great ideas? Check out these fun back-to-school projects created by a few of my friends…

123 Eyes on me from Expressions Vinyl

Teachers are Magical from Persia Lou

Apple cut out from Hey let’s make stuff

Teacher job title from A girl and a glue gun

Yo’ homies, smell ya’ later!