“Anything But A Backpack Day” is one of the most exciting and silly spirit days celebrated in schools across the UK and beyond. On this day, students are encouraged to ditch their usual backpacks and bring something different to carry their school supplies. It’s a chance to show off imagination, stand out, and have a laugh with classmates. Some schools even hand out prizes for the most original or funniest ideas.
Students bring everything from shopping trolleys to microwave ovens, and the results are both hilarious and brilliant. It’s more than just a fun trend — it brings people together, makes the school day more exciting, and helps everyone take a break from the usual routine. In this article, we’ve listed 50 fun ideas to inspire you for your next Anything But A Backpack Day.
What Is “Anything But A Backpack Day”?
Anything But A Backpack Day is a popular spirit week event in which students are challenged to carry their school supplies in—yep, you guessed it—anything other than a backpack. That means you leave your regular bag at home and bring your books, pens, and lunch in just about anything else that can (sort of) carry stuff.
It’s not just about laughs—this day is also a great way to raise awareness about creativity, reusability, and thinking outside the box… literally.
1. Household Carriers That Work
These are things found in every home that can be easily turned into school supply holders.
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Laundry Basket – Light, big, and fun to drag around.
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Mop Bucket – With wheels or a handle, it works surprisingly well.
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Trash Can – Clean it first, and it becomes a big and silly backpack alternative.
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Cooler Box – Insulated and secure for all your stuff.
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Shopping Bag – Eco-friendly and perfect for carrying light items.
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Suitcase – Whether rolling or handheld, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
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Wicker Basket – Old-fashioned and charming.
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Plastic Bin – Big, strong, and funny when you carry it through the halls.
2. Toy-Inspired and Kids’ Items
Bring some childhood joy back into school with these playful ideas.
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Doll Stroller – Just right for notebooks and pencils.
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Ride-On Toy Car – Use the seat to hold supplies.
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Toy Wagon – Pull it through the hall like a champ.
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Stuffed Animal (hollowed) – Zipper one open and stuff in your gear.
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Lego Box – Bright and creative.
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Toy Shopping Cart – Small but surprisingly roomy.
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Baby Walker – Nostalgic and fun to push.
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Toddler Slide – Turn it upside down and fill it with books.
3. From the Kitchen Cupboard
Common kitchen items can carry more than just food.
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Cooking Pot – Big and has handles!
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Colander – Not great in the rain, but funny and light.
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Cake Carrier – Lid-covered and perfect for keeping things tidy.
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Pizza Box – Not strong, but excellent for laughs.
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Baking Tray with Foil Lid – Lightweight and disposable.
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Toaster Box – Just wide enough for a notebook.
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Lunch Box (huge size) – It’s ironic and works well.
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Tupperware Tub – Good for small books and pens.
4. Travel and Outdoor Gear
These bags are already designed for storage — why not use them?
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Gym Bag – Easy to carry and flexible.
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Golf Bag – Tall and can fit long items like rulers or binders.
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Tackle Box – Great for organising pens and gadgets.
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Picnic Basket – Classy and cute.
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Duffel Bag – Big and easy to swing over the shoulder.
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Makeup Case – Compact with organised compartments.
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Bike Basket – Can be attached to a scooter or carried.
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Toolbox – Solid and funny when packed with school gear.
5. Musical and Artistic Touches
If you’re artistic or musical, try these fun careers.
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Guitar Case – Perfect for papers and light books.
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Drum (open top) – Great sound and even better space.
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Violin Case – Classy and stylish.
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Art Portfolio – Slim and easy to carry for flat items.
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Paint Bucket – Sturdy and surprisingly stylish.
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Canvas Roll – Wrap up your school stuff and carry it artist-style.
6. Unexpected Furniture or Decor
Sometimes, furniture makes the best talking point.
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Filing Cabinet Drawer – Remove one and carry it like a briefcase.
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Lampshade – Flip it, and it will work like a bucket.
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Tiny Side Table with Shelf – Use a rope to turn it into a backpack.
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Cushion with Pocket – Soft and strange.
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Foldable Stool – Strap your stuff to it or carry it inside.
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Storage Ottoman (small) – Unzip and load your gear.
7. Hilariously Useless but Fun
Some items are just funny — and that’s the whole point.
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Microwave (old) – Remove the insides and fill it with books.
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Empty TV Box – Carry it like a delivery person.
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Toilet (clean prop) – Carryable and gets a big laugh.
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Birdcage – Tie your books inside and carry carefully.
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Traffic Cone – Flip it and fill the centre.
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Shopping Trolley (mini) – Roll around and turn heads.
Conclusion
“Anything But A Backpack Day” is a brilliant chance to laugh, show off your imagination, and shake up the school day in the best way. It’s more than just carrying books in a bin or stroller — it’s about having fun with friends, bringing joy to your teachers, and making memories you won’t forget.
Whether you pick a mop bucket or an art case, just remember to keep it safe, respectful, and creative. Some schools have rules about what’s allowed, so check ahead of time. With 50 ideas now in your pocket, you’ll be ready to join in with the best and funniest carriers in class.
FAQs
1. What is “Anything But A Backpack Day”?
It’s a school spirit day where students bring something other than a backpack to carry their supplies. It’s all about fun and creativity.
2. Can I bring anything I want?
Not exactly. Schools often have rules — your item should be safe, not too large, and easy to carry without blocking hallways.
3. What’s the best funny idea for this day?
A microwave or shopping trolley always gets laughs, but it depends on your school and your personality.
4. Do I still need to bring all my school supplies?
Yes, your books, pens, and everything else should still be with you, just in a different container.
5. Can this be part of Spirit Week?
Yes! Many schools include it during Spirit Week or just as a stand-alone event.
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