This article was updated November 1st, 2023

There is so much to think about as back to school time draws near, but you definitely don’t want to leave your kids’ name labels until the last minute. Instead, get your kids involved, putting them to work creating cool charms and unique tags, while you use clever products to cut labelling time in half. Labelling their belongings, especially with unique tags, not only keeps their bags, hats and other bits and pieces of school paraphernalia out of Lost and Found, it also makes it easier for kids to identify their own items, with the bonus effect that it keeps them safe from sharing with others.

Easy Kids’ Name Labels for Lunchboxes

A GIF series showing products for making custom kids’ name labels for school, including stickers, Sharpie permanent markers and a lunchbox displaying a personalised label.

Look for water-resistant and dishwasher-proof adhesive labels to make lunchbox and water bottle name tags last. Make sure they can be written directly onto the item using a permanent marker – that way it’ll make it a quick and easy labelling task.

What You'll Need

Simple Iron-on Clothing Labels

A GIF series showing iron-on or ‘press-and-go’ personalised kids’ labels for school, Sharpie permanent markers, and hands pressing a label with the name ‘Charlie’ on it into the collar of a white T-shirt.

Hats, jumpers, blazers, sports gear – there are plenty of soft fabrics that need to be kept track of. Iron-on labels make it a cinch. But if you want to skip the iron, you can also just press and go. Simply write onto the Avery No-Iron Clothing Labels with permanent marker and apply to clothes – and even bags – waiting 24 hours before washing. 

What You'll Need

Go With Classic Key Ring Tags

A GIF series showing key ring tags being used as personalised kids’ labels for school. One orange key ring tag with ‘Amy’ is attached to a green pencil case, and a black and white key ring tag with ‘Luke’ and a number written on it is attached to a blue backpack.

If you need kids’ name labels for something other than a flat surface, utilise key ring tags. You can find large sizes that have plenty of room for names as well as class info or even a mobile number for expensive items. For preschoolers, you could even use photo tags with pictures of themselves to make their daycare backpack easier to find. Fluoro tags add fun to sports bags, pencil cases and more, with the bright colours making things easier for kids to spot.

What You'll Need

Have Fun With Personalised Name Labels

A GIF series of an assortment of personalised printed sticker labels and one being stuck on a pink water bottle.

Keen to skip the chore of handwriting multiple labels? At Officeworks Print & Copy you can order personalised printed labels, perfect for helping your child keep track of all their bits and pieces. 

What You'll Need

DIY With A Label Maker

A GIF series of label makers and labeller tape, a blue water bottle rolling into frame and a personalised name label appearing on the bottle.

Another option if you want to skip the handwriting is this clever Dymo Label Maker. It’s battery operated and uses thermal printing technology so there is no ink or toner needed. You simply buy the kind of label cartridge you need, whether it’s paper, plastic, metallic or iron-on, then type in your words and it will print on the spot. You can even customise the font. These labels are fantastic for tech, stationery and even labelling drawers at home.

What You'll Need

Let The Kids Make Creative Name Labels

A GIF series of alphabet beads, pipe cleaners, coloured cardboard, clear contact paper and handmade tags with the names ‘Joey’ and ‘Alex’ written on them.

Finally, give children the task of whipping up a bag charm, making their school backpack instantly recognisable. Think laminated name tags, beaded bracelets, pipe cleaner letters and more. It doubles as an excellent end-of-school-holidays craft project.

What You'll Need