125 Anything But a Backpack Day Ideas to Showcase Your Creativity and Humor

I was scrolling on Instagram the other day and saw something I had never seen before. I kept seeing pictures and videos of students bringing all sorts of strange items to school to carry their supplies.

This seemingly strange trend is actually an event that has been growing in popularity among colleges across the country known as “Anything but a Backpack Day”.

For this event, everyone agrees to ditch their normal backpacks in exchange for… well, anything that can carry their supplies.

People bring all sorts of things for Anything but a Backpack Day, and it can be kind of hard to figure out what you should bring.

That’s where this article will hopefully help. I’ve got 125 suggestions for you to help get your gears turning on what to bring. 

In This Post:

• 125 Anything But a Backpack Day Ideas

        Alternative Bags

        Garden and Garage

        Your Bedroom

        Kitchen

        Thrift Store Finds

• Tips for Choosing the Perfect Ideas

• Final Thoughts

125 Anything But a Backpack Day Ideas

Alternative Bags

This category is for those who want something more practical. Changing up your style of bag will give you a different experience from your normal backpack while not standing out too much in a crowd if that’s your style.

You might even find you prefer some of these over a regular backpack and switch over full time.

• Drawstring bag – Commonly found in gym and theme park lockers.
• Duffel bag – All that Tetris as a kid pays off whenever using this bag.
• Sport bag – If it’ll hold your pads and balls, it’ll hold your notebooks and pens just fine
• Canvas bag – I know loads of people who already use these daily, that’s how great they work.
• Leather bag – I love the smell of high-quality leather.
• Purse – Purses always surprise me with how much you can actually fit in them.

Photo by Robert Kusk

• Laptop Bag – Laptops were designed to mimic books so these will fit your notebooks exactly.
• Sling Bag – You need one shoulder, but you’ve got two so imagine if you had two sling bags. You could carry so much.
• Messenger Bag – You’ll be shocked at how much these holds.
• Fanny Pack – I never leave the house without one.
• Tote Bag – For those who want to do this fashionably.

Photo by Robert Kusk

Related: 30 Best Dorm Room Ideas You Will Absolutely Need in College

Garden and Garage

If you’re anything like me and love working outside, you’ll be very familiar with this category.

Head out to the garage or the garden shed, and you’ll find plenty of potential for carrying anything you need to carry.

Just maybe clean them off before bringing it to campus.

• Wagon – Having a set of wheels makes this a very maneuverable option. 
• Hanging Basket – Using the hook as a handle would be my strategy.
• Flowerpot – This is an opportunity to bring flowers to school with you.

Photo by Robert Kusk

• Milk Crate – What’s your favorite kind of milk?
• Home Depot Bucket – Notebooks are a lot lighter than what I usually carry in these.

Photo by Robert Kusk

• Trash Can – There are several different sizes of garbage cans, so no matter what classes you have you’ll be able to carry everything you need.
• Toolbox – So many slots and spaces, so much organization!
• Leaf Claws – They make me feel like a bear with giant paws.

Photo by Robert Kusk

• Beach Pail – Just try to keep sand out of your supplies, if they’re anything like my towels it never goes away.
• Dog Poo Bag – Disposable so you can throw it away when you get home.
• Hard Hat – Maybe not so stylish, but definitely protective.
• Fertilizer Spreader – Be careful, this might shred your books if you aren’t careful.
• Tool Belt – Am I the only one who feels like Batman wearing these?
• Shop Vac – I’m not sure what you’d do with the hose but I’m sure you’ll figure something out.
• Watering Can – Don’t get tempted to fill it up and water stuff in class.
• Trash Bag – I like the 30-gallon bags I use at work, the bigger the better!
• Wheelbarrow – These are a little unwieldy, good luck in the hallways.
• Paint Can – Only use this if you’ve got an empty can, don’t pour out paint just to use its can.
• Oil Drain Pan – I hope you know how to use these
• Bike Basket – Convenient if you already bike to school anyway.
• Skateboard – Try skating between classes
• Scooter – Make sure to watch your ankles!

Related: College vs. University: Understanding the Differences and Making the Right Choice

Your Bedroom

I live in a one room dormitory, so my bedroom is wall to wall with receptacles of all kinds to store my things, but the items you could use go beyond just storage.

The bedroom has plenty of opportunities for carrying your supplies.

Photo by Robert Kusk

• Laundry Basket – Don’t bring your dirty clothes to class.
• Briefcase – Waltz into class like a proper businessman.
• Shoe Box – The larger your shoe size, the more you’ll be able to carry.
• Storage Bin – Check your basement for bins, you probably have several full of things you forgot you even had.
• Dresser Drawer – Handles are kinda in the wrong spot.
• Trophy – Do they still give out cup style trophies anymore?
• Game Console Box – With how massive the PS5 is you could fit your whole locker in there.
• Mini Fridge – Bad idea in winter but later in the spring it’d be great.
• Gaming Chair – I’d rather sit on one of these than any classroom chair.
• Shower Caddy – It’s even waterproof! 
• Bed Sheets – You probably have to strip your bed anyway.
• Pillowcase – They’re a bit smaller than the full sheets, which makes this one a little easier than those.

Photo by Robert Kusk

• T-shirt Bag – You can make a bag out of a t-shirt by tying the holes shut. I’d use a fun graphic tee.
• Crochet Bag – I envy those of you who can crochet, it’s a very cool skill to learn.
• Umbrella – My personal pick. I brought mine to school upside down like a bowl but mine wasn’t strong enough and turned inside out often. Be sure to test yours so you don’t make my mistake.

Photo by Robert Kusk

• Bucket Hat – The hat named after a receptacle; it was made for this day.
• Stuffed Animal – Try to find a massive one, like from a fair or theme park.
• Safe – Maximum security for your class notes and assignments. 
• Lamp Shade – All of mine had holes in the top so watch out and check yours.
• Shipping Box – Dig through your cardboard recycling to see if you ordered anything that came in a big enough box.

Related: Best Mini Fridges With Freezers for Dorms – The Ultimate Student 2025 Guide

Kitchen

Let’s move to another area of the house. There’s plenty of choices in the kitchen because food requires a lot of different containers.

From bringing it home from the grocery store, to cooking, to storing. In a way, this event is a lot like cooking.

Professional chefs will call preparing a meal an expressive art, and your pick for your backpack substitute is a way of expressing yourself.

• Microwave – Probably the most versatile appliance, and we can include carrying books in that.
• Crock Pot – These are very deep for stuffing them full of whatever you need.
• Cooler – The insulation on these makes them kind of hefty.
• Picnic Basket – Carrying this around makes me think of Yogi Bear
• Shopping Basket – A nice plastic shopping basket will hold plenty of supplies by your side.
• Mop Bucket – I’ll give you bonus points if you carry the mop around too.
• Cereal Box – Pick out your favorite cereal and use its box.
• Metal Pot – These typically come as a set or on their own, so pick the biggest one on the shelf and use that.

Photo by Robert Kusk

• Air Fryer – A new school kitchen essential that usually has a basket to take with you.
• Grocery Bag – Plastic bags are banned where I live, so I could only find the thick paper kind at the store.
• Blender – You can just use the cup and leave the bottom at home or bring the whole thing for style points.
• Salad Spinner – I always found that spinning mechanism really fun as a kid.
• Pizza Box – Laying your supplies flat will make them fit in a pizza box just fine.
• Lunch Bags – A fabric lunch bag was a school staple in elementary school, so why not bring it back for university? 
• Apron – Wearing this grants you a large front pocket for anything you need to carry.
• Cookie Tin – I use cookie tins for my art supplies at home already.
• Tupperware Containers – All of my Tupperware stacks so I organized my things to give each class its own container. 
• Bread Box – Take out all the bread and replace it with your books.
• Ziploc Bag – A gallon Ziplock is the biggest I had but was able to still fit enough for a day of school in there. 

Photo by Robert Kusk

• Pet Food Bag – Once you finish the pet food, those bags are super strong so using them like a sack is very effective.
• Baking Tray – Be sure to use a thick and sturdy metal baking tray. A lot of them are very thin and might bend.
• Strainer – Strainers let liquid through but still hold solids perfectly.

Photo by Robert Kusk

• Ice Cream Tub – If it’ll fit, you can reuse the lid as well to keep the tub closed.
• McDonald’s Happy Meal – Happy Meal for a happy day! I still see Happy Meals as for all ages.

Related: What to Do When Bored in Class: 120+ Productive and Entertaining Ideas

Thrift Store Finds

Thrift stores are some of my favorite stores in the world. If you’re looking for some more eccentric options and don’t mind dropping a little bit of cash, you may have some luck at the local thrift store.

Thrift stores feel almost like a lottery. You may go and find nothing at all, but you may also find exactly what you need. 

• Shopping Cart – Don’t know how you would’ve gotten one, but good luck maneuvering through the halls.
• Coat Rack – Try hanging coats as pouches.
• Stroller – These have a ton of pouches as well as the baby’s seat.
• Toy Car – A big one like an RC, not a Hot Wheels. Driving your things around with a remote control would be sweet.
• Suitcase – This will make you feel like an important businessperson.
• Instrument Case – Any instrument will work, as long as your case is big enough. I play the clarinet and guitar, so my cases work for me.
• Toy Construction Vehicles – I’d suggest a dump truck or cement mixer because they’re my favorites, but any that you can find should work.
• Kayak – Bringing a boat would be tough, but it’ll hold and stand out. I picked kayaks for this list because they’re easier to carry by yourself than other models.
• Field Hockey Net – A large net, make sure your items don’t slip through its holes.
• Toilet – This will be very heavy and cumbersome but really funny.
• R2-D2 – A pop culture icon that is usually pretty round and hollow in real life, making him perfect for filling with anything you decide.
• Piñata – Once you’re done, get your friends to help you smash it to celebrate.
• Treasure Chest – Gather a group of your friends to form a crew feel like a pirate every time you grab your things.
• Traffic Cone – Leaving this around campus could cause some mayhem and confusion.
• Inflatable Tube – This will seem pretty out of place with no water, but even without it they’re really comfy.
• Wheelchair – You can either sit in it or push it from behind with its handles
• Wire Basket – Much stronger than other basket varieties, but I always cut my hands on them because the ends of the wire are really sharp.
• Ammo Box – The option for the history buffs. Replicas of ammo boxes are built to carry heavy equipment so they’re more than capable of holding your supplies.
• Pet Carrier – If you have a pet, borrowing their pet carrier for the day makes a great option for carrying whatever you need throughout the day.
• Walker – Some walkers have pockets and straps to help carry things with you, so make sure you find one with sufficient storage space.
• Power Wheels – You might be a bit big to drive it as intended, but don’t let that stop you. These will always be way more fun than walking.
• Dolly – If you’ve worked stocking jobs like I have, you’re very familiar with using flatbed dollies to haul things.
• Baby Carrier – It’s like a stroller you can carry instead of rolling. It’ll be personal preference which you would rather use.
• Drum – Try to find a beat up drum that isn’t worth fixing. It’s like recycling!
• PC Tower Case – The sides are glass so you can see what you put inside.
• Dog Bed – This will depend on the size of your dog. Mine is pretty small but his bed still fit all of my supplies.

Photo by Robert Kusk

• Fish Tank – Leave the decorations in to really make this stand out.
• Fake Christmas Tree – I put my folders on branches like ornaments. 
• Plastic Truck – The bed of a toy truck can carry your books like lumber.
• Car Tire – Rolling this with your books inside like a hamster wheel would be equally hilarious and practical.
• Metal Cart – You’ll want to choose one that has caster wheels so you can move it around easier.
• Sled – You can drag it behind you or pull the string over your shoulder.
• Wooden Crate – The addition of some rope or string would elevate this idea.
• Folding Lawn Chair – If you fold it with books inside
• Wood Basket – Find a sturdy one with handles.
• Pool Floatie – All sorts of fun shapes and sizes, like animals or chairs.
• Accordion File Folder – Can hold all of your papers in perfect order.
• Christmas Stocking – Being right after Christmas, you may be able to find these in thrift stores at time of writing.
• Knee-High Boot – A tall and deep boot would be best for this use case.
• Sleeping Bag – Dig out your camping gear and maybe after class use this to nap.
• Printer Tray – Forgo a notebook and just write on the printer paper inside it.
• Burlap Sack – A durable and rustic sack.
• Bike Helmet – If your head is bigger than mine, you’ll be able to hold more things. 

Photo by Robert Kusk

• Handkerchief on a Cane – Saw this in cartoons and now learned it’s called a bindle.
• Wicker Basket – Sturdy and charming woven together baskets.

Photo by Robert Kusk

• Folding Camp Chair – Two for one? The chair and the bag! 
• Dirt Bike – Make sure you also bring the helmet with this one.
• Kiddie Pool – This would make for a good group idea.

Related: Good Habits for Students-The Complete Guide for Students to Thrive in School

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Ideas

We’ve talked about a wide range of ideas here that hopefully have helped you get an idea of the types of things you could be using for Anything But a Backpack Day, but if you’re still struggling here’s a few last tips that may help you nail the perfect choice for you.

• Think about items that you feel match your personality. Try applying your traits to the items to personify them.
• Try to envision carrying your item around for the whole day. Think about if you might get tired of it or feel encumbered by it. It’s important to consider size and weight because if you get too tired or frustrated with your pick, it will be difficult to have fun.
• Think about the reactions you want others to have. Are you seeking out those big laughs or are you looking for a more relaxed reaction?

Those are just a couple of things to think about that may help you make your choice. At the end of the day, Anything But a Backpack Day is meant to be an event of creative freedom and choice, and it will be as fun as you make it for yourself. 

Final Thoughts

Anything But a Backpack Day can be a great silly event for unwinding on campus and gives students a way to express themselves through their pick, and it is a great thing that it is becoming more widely known and practiced.

I was very happy to learn about the event and participate in one myself, and I hope this list helped you to decide on your item for the next Anything But a Backpack Day.

I encourage you to get your friends to participate with you because this event gets to be more fun the more people who get in on it.

If you get the chance to participate, I encourage you to post on social media with your picks so others can be inspired to do the same.

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Robert Kusk

Robert is a passionate storyteller and artist focusing on inspiring writing work. Looking to enter the comic industry, he is a Chatham University MFA writing student focusing on fiction. When not writing and studying, Robert enjoys cooking and content creation.