Create a Back-to-School Checklist in Canva
- Rea Weeks
- Aug 30
- 3 min read
Back-to-school season is here, and whether you’re a parent, student, or teacher, the flurry of preparation can feel overwhelming. From school supplies to schedules, there are a hundred little things to keep track of. That’s where a custom Back-to-School Checklist in Canva comes in—simple, stylish, and completely tailored to your needs.
In this post, I’ll show you why creating your checklist in Canva is not only practical but also fun, and I’ll give you ideas for making it as organized (and beautiful!) as possible.
Why Canva is Perfect for Checklists
Canva is a design tool that makes it easy to create visually appealing printables—even if you’re not a designer. With its drag-and-drop features, pre-made templates, and endless customization options, you can create a checklist that’s both functional and personal.
Here’s what makes Canva stand out for back-to-school prep:
Customizable Templates – Start with a ready-made list or design your own.
Fun Fonts & Graphics – Add doodles, icons, or illustrations that make checking items off more exciting.
Printable or Digital – Print your checklist to stick on the fridge, or keep it digital for on-the-go access.
Step 1: Brainstorm Your Categories
Think about what you actually need for back-to-school. Common checklist categories include:
School Supplies – notebooks, pencils, calculators, backpacks.
Clothing & Uniforms – shoes, sportswear, jackets, accessories.
Technology – laptops, chargers, headphones, flash drives.
Schedules & Paperwork – permission slips, class schedules, ID cards.
Lunch & Snacks – lunchbox, water bottle, reusable containers.
Write down everything first, then decide what format works best for you.
Step 2: Choose a Canva Template
Open Canva and type “Checklist” into the search bar. You’ll find dozens of pre-made designs ranging from minimalist to colorful and playful. Pick one that matches your style—or your kids’ personalities!
Pro Tip: Use Canva’s “Elements” tab to add checkboxes that can be ticked off digitally or left blank for printed versions.
Step 3: Customize It to Your Needs
Here’s where the fun begins! In Canva, you can:
Change colors to match your school theme or family favorite shades.
Add icons like books, apples, or pencils for extra flair.
Upload your own family photo or school mascot for personalization.
Adjust fonts so that your checklist is easy to read at a glance.
Step 4: Print or Share Digitally
Once your checklist is ready, download it as a PDF for printing or as a PNG for sharing. Print a copy for each child, or save it on your phone to use while shopping.
If you’re a digital planner lover, you can even insert your checklist into your digital planner app or tablet.
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🌟 Final Thoughts
Back-to-school doesn’t have to feel stressful. By creating a personalized Canva checklist, you’re setting yourself up for an organized, smooth, and even joyful start to the school year. Whether you make one for yourself, your kids, or even share with other parents, this simple tool can make a big difference.
Here’s to a fresh start, sharpened pencils, and exciting new beginnings!
Sincerely,
Rea 🌻Creator of A Rea of Treasures
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