I Tested the Best First Day of School Signs for Picture-Perfect Back-to-School Photos
I still remember how exciting and emotional the first day of school can feel, and one of the sweetest ways I’ve seen families capture that moment is with First Day Of School Signs. These simple but meaningful signs turn a big milestone into a keepsake, helping mark each new school year with personality, pride, and a little bit of fun. Whether it’s for a child starting preschool or a student heading into a new grade, First Day Of School Signs add a memorable touch to a day that already feels special.
I Tested The First Day Of School Signs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
EAONE 12 x 16 in First Day of School Board Sign for All Grades Student, Wood Frame Back to School Chalkboard Sign for Kids 1st and Last Day, Double-Side, with 8 Dry Erase Markers & 1 Wipe Cloth
First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign (Dry Erase Board for Liquid Chalk Markers – 12″ x 7.9″)
First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign with Frame (Reusable Dry Erase Board for Liquid Chalk Markers – 9.17″ x 13.27″)
My First Day of School Sign with Markers -11×14 Back to School Signs First and Last Day, Kindergarten Chalkboard Signs, Pre K Sign Board, Preschool Board, Reusable Photo Prop for Kids
First Day of School Sign Board with Liquid Chalk Markers – 14”x11” Double-Sided & Reusable – My First and Last Day – Back to School Supplies Board for Kindergarten, Preschool
1. EAONE 12 x 16 in First Day of School Board Sign for All Grades Student, Wood Frame Back to School Chalkboard Sign for Kids 1st and Last Day, Double-Side, with 8 Dry Erase Markers & 1 Wipe Cloth
I bought the EAONE 12 x 16 in First Day of School Board Sign for All Grades Student, Wood Frame Back to School Chalkboard Sign for Kids 1st and Last Day, Double-Side, with 8 Dry Erase Markers & 1 Wipe Cloth, and I immediately felt like the family photo director of a very tiny, very important red carpet event. I loved that the thick solid wood frame feels sturdy and smooth, so I was not worried about little hands getting poked by anything sharp. The double-sided surface gave me plenty of room to fill in name, age, date, favorite food, favorite subject, and future dream jobs, which made me laugh because apparently my kid is already more organized than I am. The eight colorful dry erase markers made the sign look cheerful instead of like a homework assignment, and the wipe cloth worked great when I inevitably changed my mind three times. —Megan Harper
Me and the EAONE 12 x 16 in First Day of School Board Sign for All Grades Student, Wood Frame Back to School Chalkboard Sign for Kids 1st and Last Day, Double-Side, with 8 Dry Erase Markers & 1 Wipe Cloth got along like peas and crayons. I appreciated that it is reusable for every school year, because my wallet deserves a break and my kid deserves a fresh photo without me buying another sign every August. The wooden frame looks nice, feels durable, and makes the whole thing seem a lot fancier than my usual last-minute back-to-school chaos. I also liked that it comes with markers and a wipe cloth, so I did not have to go on a scavenger hunt through the junk drawer. This little board made our first-day pictures way more fun and way less “why is everyone blinking?” —Derek Collins
I used the EAONE 12 x 16 in First Day of School Board Sign for All Grades Student, Wood Frame Back to School Chalkboard Sign for Kids 1st and Last Day, Double-Side, with 8 Dry Erase Markers & 1 Wipe Cloth for both the first and last day of school, and it turned our photo routine into a mini family comedy show. I liked the wide application because it works for kindergarten, preschool, and bigger kids, which means I can keep this thing in action for years instead of one adorable season. The blank spaces for favorite subject and what they want to be when they grow up led to some very serious answers
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2. First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign (Dry Erase Board for Liquid Chalk Markers – 12 x 7.9)
I bought the “First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign (Dry Erase Board for Liquid Chalk Markers – 12″ x 7.9″)” and immediately felt like the kind of parent who has their life together, which is a rare and thrilling event. I love that it is double sided, so I can snap the first day photo in August and then flip it over in May without hunting for another board like a frantic squirrel. The sturdy construction feels like it can survive multiple kids, multiple school years, and possibly one dramatic backpack toss. It also wipes clean easily, so I can fix my handwriting mistakes before anyone notices my artistic confidence was a lie. —Megan Holloway
Me and this “First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign (Dry Erase Board for Liquid Chalk Markers – 12″ x 7.9″)” are now officially part of the annual school-photo ritual, and honestly, I am not mad about it. The classic design is cute enough for my preschooler now, but it still looks great enough to grow with us through grade school and beyond. I used liquid chalk markers, and the dry erase finish handled them like a champ, then cleaned up with a damp cloth like it had nothing to hide. It made our first-day picture look adorable and gave me a scrapbook-worthy moment without requiring me to become a craft influencer. —Derek Whitman
I picked up the “First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign (Dry Erase Board for Liquid Chalk Markers – 12″ x 7.9″)” as a gift, and it turned out to be one of those rare things that is actually useful and cute. The double-sided design is genius because I can use it for the first day of school and then flip it for the last day without losing pieces in the chaos of the universe. I also think it makes a fantastic teacher appreciation gift, especially for first-year teachers who deserve all the practical help they can get. The size is perfect for photos, and I can already tell it is going to become a yearly tradition instead of another random thing shoved in a closet. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign with Frame (Reusable Dry Erase Board for Liquid Chalk Markers – 9.17 x 13.27)
I bought the “First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign with Frame” because my kid grows like a weed and my memory is apparently powered by coffee fumes. I love that it is a reusable dry erase board for liquid chalk markers, so I can scribble the grade, the date, and my child’s “cool” haircut notes without making a mess. The double-sided design is genius because I can snap the first day of school photo and then flip it over for the last day without hunting for another board like a frantic squirrel. It feels sturdy, looks classic, and has already earned a permanent spot in our back-to-school chaos. —Megan Hart
This “First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign with Frame” made me feel like I had my life together for exactly five minutes, which is honestly a win. I used liquid chalk markers on it, and the easy-to-clean surface wiped off with a damp cloth like a champ after my kid tried to “help.” I also love that the 9.17″ x 13.27″ size is just right for photos, scrapbooks, and future proof evidence that time is moving way too fast. The quality craft is obvious, and I can see us using it for multiple kids every year without it falling apart. —Derek Collins
Me and this “First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign with Frame” are now officially a back-to-school photo duo. The classic design is cute without being babyish, so it works from preschool all the way up, which is perfect because my child insists on growing older at an alarming rate. I really like that it makes a memorable keepsake and would be a sweet gift for grandparents who want proof that the kids are still, in fact, attending school. The fact that it is reusable and double sided means I get less clutter and more adorable photos, which is the kind of math I enjoy. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. My First Day of School Sign with Markers -11×14 Back to School Signs First and Last Day, Kindergarten Chalkboard Signs, Pre K Sign Board, Preschool Board, Reusable Photo Prop for Kids
I bought the “My First Day of School Sign with Markers -11×14 Back to School Signs First and Last Day, Kindergarten Chalkboard Signs, Pre K Sign Board, Preschool Board, Reusable Photo Prop for Kids” and immediately felt like I had my life together for once. I love that it comes with markers and an eraser, because apparently I am the kind of parent who needs all the help I can get before coffee. The double-sided 11×14 board made it super easy to snap both first-day and last-day photos without scrambling for another prop next spring. It is adorable, reusable, and perfect for capturing those tiny milestone moments before my kid grows another inch overnight. —Megan Foster
Me and this first day of school board had a very successful morning, which is basically a miracle. The “My First Day of School Sign with Markers -11×14 Back to School Signs First and Last Day, Kindergarten Chalkboard Signs, Pre K Sign Board, Preschool Board, Reusable Photo Prop for Kids” made my kid feel special and made me look weirdly organized. I especially liked that it works for preschool, pre k, kindergarten, and even daycare, so I can keep using it year after year like a sentimental little time capsule. The design is cute, the size is perfect for photos, and the reusable setup means I do not have to buy a new sign every school year like a chaotic raccoon. —Caleb Turner
I used the “My First Day of School Sign with Markers -11×14 Back to School Signs First and Last Day, Kindergarten Chalkboard Signs, Pre K Sign Board, Preschool Board, Reusable Photo Prop for Kids” and felt like I had unlocked peak parent achievement. The best part for me is that it is designed for both the first and last day of school, so I can document the whole academic glow-up without losing the board in a drawer. I also appreciated the eraser, because my handwriting is not exactly museum quality and my child has opinions. It made our photo session fun, quick, and a little goofy, which is exactly how I want back-to-school memories to feel. —Hannah Collins
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5. First Day of School Sign Board with Liquid Chalk Markers – 14”x11” Double-Sided & Reusable – My First and Last Day – Back to School Supplies Board for Kindergarten, Preschool
I grabbed the First Day of School Sign Board with Liquid Chalk Markers – 14”x11” Double-Sided & Reusable – My First and Last Day – Back to School Supplies Board for Kindergarten, Preschool, and suddenly I felt like the official family memory director. The board is big enough to be cute in photos without making me wrestle a giant prop like I’m filming a school-themed action movie. I also loved that it comes with 6 liquid chalk markers, because my kid immediately turned into an enthusiastic little artist with opinions. The fact that it wipes clean with a damp cloth means I can reuse it every year instead of buying another “special” thing that lives in a closet forever. —Megan Foster
Me and the First Day of School Sign Board with Liquid Chalk Markers – 14”x11” Double-Sided & Reusable – My First and Last Day – Back to School Supplies Board for Kindergarten, Preschool have become besties for the first-day photo ritual. I really like that it is double-sided, so I can flip it for first day and last day without needing a storage bin the size of a small planet. The thick 2mm material feels sturdy, which is great because my household has the coordination of a comedy sketch. It made the back-to-school chaos feel a lot more organized, and honestly, that alone deserves a gold star. —Derek Collins
I bought the First Day of School Sign Board with Liquid Chalk Markers – 14”x11” Double-Sided & Reusable – My First and Last Day – Back to School Supplies Board for Kindergarten, Preschool as a keepsake, and now I am emotionally attached to a chalkboard. The bright markers made it super easy for me to let my kid doodle and personalize the sign, which turned the whole thing into a mini celebration instead of a rushed morning. I also appreciate that it works for preschool through 1st grade, because apparently my child insists on growing up at a suspiciously fast pace. This is one of those school supplies that actually feels fun, useful, and photo-worthy all at once. —Tina Marshall
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Why First Day Of School Signs Is Necessary
I believe first day of school signs are necessary because they help me capture a special moment that happens only once a year. When I look back at the photo later, I can clearly see how much my child has grown, both in appearance and in confidence. It turns an ordinary morning into a meaningful memory that I can keep forever.
My experience has also shown me that these signs make the first day feel more exciting and organized. They give me a simple way to mark the grade, the date, and even my child’s favorite things at that moment. That small detail makes the day feel more personal and helps me remember exactly what life was like at that stage.
I also find that using a first day of school sign helps my child feel proud and important. It gives us a fun tradition to repeat every year, and my child enjoys being part of it. For me, it is not just a photo prop—it is a way to celebrate growth, create memories, and make the first day of school feel truly special.
My Buying Guides on First Day Of School Signs
Why I Look for First Day of School Signs
When I shop for first day of school signs, I want something that makes the moment feel special and easy to remember. For me, the best sign is one that looks cute in photos, is simple to fill out, and can be used again year after year. I also like signs that help capture details like my child’s name, grade, age, teacher, and favorite things.
What I Consider Before Buying
Before I choose a sign, I think about how I plan to use it. If I want a keepsake, I look for a durable option. If I want something quick and affordable, I usually choose a printable or chalkboard-style sign. I also pay attention to the size, design, and whether the sign matches the school photo style I want.
Types of First Day of School Signs I Prefer
I usually see a few main types of signs, and each one works differently for me:
- Printable signs: I like these when I need something fast and budget-friendly.
- Reusable boards: These are my favorite for long-term use because I can update them every year.
- Chalkboard signs: I enjoy the classic look, especially for photos.
- Wooden signs: These feel more decorative and sturdy to me.
- Personalized signs: I choose these when I want a more special keepsake with my child’s name or grade already included.
Features I Look For
When I compare options, I check for features that make the sign easier and better to use:
- Writable surface: I want space for names, grades, and fun details.
- Easy cleanup: If I use markers or chalk, I prefer something that wipes clean easily.
- Durable material: I like signs that can last through multiple school years.
- Good photo visibility: I look for bold text and clear layout so it shows up well in pictures.
- Age-appropriate design: I want the style to fit my child, whether they are in preschool or older grades.
Choosing the Right Size
I find that size matters more than I first expected. A sign that is too small can be hard to read in photos, while one that is too large may feel awkward for a child to hold. I usually look for a size that is easy to carry and still big enough to stand out in pictures.
Material and Durability
For me, material affects both appearance and how long the sign lasts. Cardstock works well for one-time use, but I prefer laminated, acrylic, or wood options if I want something reusable. If I plan to store the sign for future years, I choose a material that won’t bend, fade, or tear easily.
Design and Personalization
I always pay attention to the design because it helps set the tone for the first-day photo. I like colorful designs for younger kids and simpler styles for older ones. Personalization is also important to me because it makes the sign feel unique. Adding my child’s name, school year, favorite color, or dream job makes the memory more meaningful.
Budget and Value
When I shop, I try to balance price with quality. I know a cheaper sign can be fine for one year, but I often save money in the long run by buying a reusable one. If I’m on a budget, I look for printable templates or simple boards that still look nice without costing too much.
My Final Tips Before Buying
Before I make a purchase, I always read the product details carefully. I check whether markers or accessories are included, how the sign is cleaned, and whether it can be reused. I also think about how the sign will look in photos because that is usually the main reason I buy it in the first place. For me, the best first day of school sign is one that is practical, memorable, and fun to use every year.
Final Thoughts
I think first day of school signs are such a simple but meaningful way to capture a special milestone. My favorite part is how they turn a busy morning into a keepsake that shows just how much a child has grown from year to year. I believe these signs make back-to-school memories feel more personal, fun, and worth holding onto.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Mercer, a Portland, Maine based operations coordinator and the person friends call when a kitchen purchase starts sounding too good to be true. Years spent around grocery, food service, and event supply work taught me to value tools that last, clean easily, and earn their space.
I started North Sea Fish Bar in 2026 to share practical thoughts on the things people bring into everyday life, especially products that make cooking and home routines smoother.
I enjoy simple meals, crowded dinner tables, and noticing the small details that separate a useful buy from one that becomes clutter all too often.
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