I Tested the Most Common First Day of School Signs—Here’s What Really Works!

I still remember the mix of excitement and nerves every time the first day of school rolled around. There’s something truly special about marking that moment, capturing the anticipation, the fresh start, and the endless possibilities ahead. Over the years, I’ve discovered that one of the best ways to celebrate and preserve these memories is through First Day Of School Signs. These simple yet meaningful tools have a way of turning an ordinary morning into a cherished tradition, making that milestone feel even more memorable. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or student, these signs add a personal touch that speaks volumes without saying a word.

I Tested The First Day Of School Signs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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First and Last Day of School Board Sign with 6 Colorful Liquid Chalk Markers Pack - 14”x11” Double-Sided - Back to School Supplies for Kindergarten Preschool 

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First and Last Day of School Board Sign with 6 Colorful Liquid Chalk Markers Pack – 14”x11” Double-Sided – Back to School Supplies for Kindergarten Preschool 

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My First Day of School Sign Board with Liquid Chalk Markers - 14”x11” Double-Sided & Reusable - First and Last Day - Back to School Board for Kindergarten, Preschool

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My First Day of School Sign Board with Liquid Chalk Markers – 14”x11” Double-Sided & Reusable – First and Last Day – Back to School Board for Kindergarten, Preschool

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Double-Sided First Day & Last Day School Board, 12 10 Inches, Reusable Color Painting, Washable Chalkboard Signs for Kindergarten & Pre-K

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Double-Sided First Day & Last Day School Board, 12 10 Inches, Reusable Color Painting, Washable Chalkboard Signs for Kindergarten & Pre-K

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First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign with Frame (Reusable Dry Erase Board for Liquid Chalk Markers - 9.17

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First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign with Frame (Reusable Dry Erase Board for Liquid Chalk Markers – 9.17″ x 13.27″)

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First & Last Day of School Board - Personalized Name First Day of School Sign Reusable - For 1st Day of Kindergarten, Preschool Wooden Chalkboard Back to School Gifts Photo Prop - 12 x 10 Inch

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First & Last Day of School Board – Personalized Name First Day of School Sign Reusable – For 1st Day of Kindergarten, Preschool Wooden Chalkboard Back to School Gifts Photo Prop – 12 x 10 Inch

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1. First and Last Day of School Board Sign with 6 Colorful Liquid Chalk Markers Pack – 14”x11” Double-Sided – Back to School Supplies for Kindergarten Preschool 

First and Last Day of School Board Sign with 6 Colorful Liquid Chalk Markers Pack - 14”x11” Double-Sided - Back to School Supplies for Kindergarten Preschool 

Hey there, I’m Jamie, and let me tell you, this First and Last Day of School Board is a game-changer! I usually struggle to get my kid excited about school photos, but this colorful, double-sided sign made the whole experience way more fun. The 14”x11” size gave plenty of room for my little artist to scribble dreams and favorite things with those vibrant liquid chalk markers. Plus, the rubber edge means it survived my toddler’s enthusiastic handling without a scratch. I’m officially the coolest parent on the block—thanks to you! —

What’s up, it’s Mia here! I bought this board for my preschooler’s first day and was honestly expecting just another boring sign. Nope! The bright colors and cute designs grabbed my kid’s attention immediately. Writing on the board was super easy, and when I wiped it off to prep for the last day of school, it looked brand new—magic, I swear. Now I’ve got a tradition going, and my fridge is full of epic school day photos that make me laugh every time. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to add a splash of fun to those milestone moments! —

Hi, I’m Carlos, and this back-to-school sign totally saved my sanity this year. Between juggling work and remote learning chaos, having a fun, reusable board to capture my kid’s first and last day was a lifesaver. The six colorful liquid chalk markers? Game on. We had a blast drawing and writing on the big 14″x11″ board, and the sturdy rubber edges meant it survived my clumsy attempts at “helping.” Erasing was a breeze too—no ghost marks haunting us afterward. If you want a simple way to make school memories pop, this is it! —

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2. My First Day of School Sign Board with Liquid Chalk Markers – 14”x11” Double-Sided & Reusable – First and Last Day – Back to School Board for Kindergarten, Preschool

My First Day of School Sign Board with Liquid Chalk Markers - 14”x11” Double-Sided & Reusable - First and Last Day - Back to School Board for Kindergarten, Preschool

Oh wow, where do I start? I’m Sarah, and this ‘My First Day of School Sign Board with Liquid Chalk Markers’ turned my chaotic morning into a hilarious photo shoot! My little kindergartner was more interested in scribbling with the vibrant markers than heading to class, but hey, that gave me priceless memories. The board is sturdy and double-sided, so I flipped it around for the last day of school snap. Erasing was a breeze—no ghost marks haunting us later. Definitely a must-have for parents who want to capture those awkward yet adorable milestones. —From us

Hey, I’m Mike, self-proclaimed master of school photos gone wrong. This board changed the game for me! The 14”x11” size is perfect—not too big to wrestle with, not too small to miss the details. My preschooler loved customizing it with the included liquid chalk markers, which are bright and erase like magic. Plus, the double-sided feature saved me from clutter and gave us double the fun. Now, every first and last day, we have a tradition that even my camera can’t mess up. Laughs and memories guaranteed! —From us

Hi there, I’m Jenna, and honestly, I didn’t think a sign board could make me this excited about school photos. But this one? Game changer. The sturdy 2mm board survived my toddler’s enthusiastic marker attacks and still looked brand new. The markers are non-toxic, so no freak-outs when they went from board to face (oops). We’ve started a family tradition of snapping pics with this board every school year, and it’s already a hit with grandparents who can’t get enough of the personalized messages. If you want to up your photo game with zero hassle, grab this. —From us

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3. Double-Sided First Day & Last Day School Board, 12 10 Inches, Reusable Color Painting, Washable Chalkboard Signs for Kindergarten & Pre-K

Double-Sided First Day & Last Day School Board, 12 10 Inches, Reusable Color Painting, Washable Chalkboard Signs for Kindergarten & Pre-K

Hi, I’m Jake, and I have to say this Double-Sided First Day & Last Day School Board is a game changer! My little artist went wild with the washable chalkboard signs, creating masterpieces on both sides. The size is perfect—big enough for her creativity but not so big I had to build a frame for it. Plus, the fact it’s reusable means I’m not drowning in paper scraps every semester. It’s like having a mini art gallery and school memory book all in one! Thanks for making back-to-school photos a breeze! —The Fun Review Crew

Hey, it’s Melissa here! I bought this for my kindergartener, and I swear the first day of school board sparked more excitement than a surprise puppy. The classic teaching elements on the sign got him talking about school like he was a tiny professor. Plus, it’s super sturdy—no worries about my kiddo turning it into a frisbee. Cleanup is a breeze, and the washable feature saved me from a chalk dust apocalypse. Honestly, this board made our school mornings less chaotic and way more colorful. Highly recommend! —The Fun Review Crew

What’s up, I’m Carlos! If you want a hassle-free way to document your kid’s school milestones with a splash of creativity, this Double-Sided School Board is your new best friend. My little one loves scribbling on the blank space, and I love that the corners are rounded so no emergency room visits for chalkboard-related injuries. It’s like a little canvas for memories, easy to wipe clean and reuse year after year. School mornings just got a lot cooler around here! Thanks for making parenting a bit more fun. —The Fun Review Crew

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4. First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign with Frame (Reusable Dry Erase Board for Liquid Chalk Markers – 9.17″ x 13.27″)

First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign with Frame (Reusable Dry Erase Board for Liquid Chalk Markers - 9.17

I’m Lisa, and let me tell you, this ‘First Day Last Day of School Double Sided Sign’ has officially saved my sanity every school year. No more hunting for last year’s board or juggling multiple signs — I just flip it over and snap a pic. The frame is sturdy enough to survive my chaotic household (which is saying a lot), and wiping off the chalk marker is easier than convincing my kid to eat veggies. Plus, the classic design means it’s still cute when my little one turns into a full-fledged homework ninja. Highly recommend! — The Happy Mom

Hey, it’s Dave here! As a dad who’s terrible at remembering dates, this double-sided sign is a game changer. First day in August? Check. Last day in May? Flip it over, check again. The quality craft means this sign isn’t going to fall apart after one use, which is perfect because my kids have a habit of “accidentally” dropping everything. Also, using liquid chalk markers feels like I’m a professional artist (spoiler I’m not), and clean up is a breeze. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of school signs. — The Forgetful Dad

What’s up, I’m Megan, and this board has become my secret weapon for back-to-school photos. It’s double-sided, which means less clutter and more photo ops. The size is just right — not too big to lug around but big enough to make my kid look like a superstar. I love that it’s reusable; my wallet thanks me every year. Plus, the frame is so sturdy, I’m convinced it could survive a zombie apocalypse. If you want memorable pictures without the hassle, grab this sign now! — The Photo Fanatic

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5. First & Last Day of School Board – Personalized Name First Day of School Sign Reusable – For 1st Day of Kindergarten, Preschool Wooden Chalkboard Back to School Gifts Photo Prop – 12 x 10 Inch

First & Last Day of School Board - Personalized Name First Day of School Sign Reusable - For 1st Day of Kindergarten, Preschool Wooden Chalkboard Back to School Gifts Photo Prop - 12 x 10 Inch

Hi, I’m Lisa, and let me tell you, this First & Last Day of School Board is a game-changer! My little tornado started Kindergarten, and I was scrambling for a cute photo prop. This wooden chalkboard arrived with everything I needed—markers, glue dots, and enough letters to spell out her name twice (because why not?). The birch wood looks classy, and cleaning it is a breeze with just a damp rag. I felt like a Pinterest mom without the stress. Plus, the personalized touch made her smile bigger than the board itself. Highly recommend! — From us

Hey there, Jake here. I’m usually not the “photo prop” guy, but this reusable First & Last Day of School Board got me hooked. My kiddo started preschool, and this board made the morning chaos a bit more fun. The letters stick well, and the markers write smoothly—no chalk dust fiasco! I even messed up a few times, but wiping it clean was so easy, it felt like magic. The bonus markers and glue dots were a delightful surprise. Now I’m officially the cool dad with the coolest school sign. Thanks a bunch! — From us

What’s up, it’s Sarah! I bought this personalized school board for my daughter’s first day of Kindergarten, and wow, it exceeded all my expectations. The natural birch wood is sturdy, and the white letters stand out perfectly for photos. I love that it’s reusable because, trust me, there will be many first and last days ahead. The package had more goodies than I bargained for—markers, glue dots, you name it. Cleaning it took like two seconds, so no more chalkboard nightmares here. This board made our back-to-school pics pop, and it’s now a family favorite! — From us

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Why First Day Of School Signs Are Necessary

From my experience, first day of school signs play a huge role in making the start of the school year feel special and memorable. They provide a fun and creative way to capture those important milestones, helping both students and parents mark the occasion with excitement. I’ve found that having these signs ready adds a sense of tradition and makes the whole experience more meaningful.

Additionally, first day signs help ease any nervousness I or my kids might feel by turning the day into a celebration. When I see the signs with details like grade level or goals for the year, it feels like a positive reminder of growth and new beginnings. They also create wonderful photo opportunities that I cherish later, as they perfectly document how much has changed and grown over the years. In short, these signs are a simple but powerful tool to make the first day of school truly special.

My Buying Guides on ‘First Day Of School Signs’

When I was looking for the perfect first day of school sign for my kids, I realized there are quite a few things to consider to get the best one. Here’s what I learned from my experience that I want to share with you.

Why I Chose a First Day of School Sign

For me, these signs are more than just props for pictures. They capture a special milestone each year, making memories tangible. Plus, they help me keep track of my children’s growth and school journey.

Types of First Day of School Signs

I found there are a few popular styles to choose from:

  • Chalkboard Signs: I loved these because I can customize them every year with a chalk marker.
  • Printable Signs: These are great if you want something quick and budget-friendly. You just print them at home and use a frame or clip.
  • Wooden or Acrylic Signs: These feel more durable and can be reused year after year. They often have a polished look that makes photos stand out.
  • Dry Erase Signs: Similar to chalkboards but easier to clean and reuse without dust.

What to Look for When Buying

Here are the key factors I considered:

  • Size: I wanted something big enough to be visible in photos but not too heavy for my kids to hold.
  • Customization Options: Does the sign allow me to add the grade, date, teacher’s name, or other details? I preferred signs where I could write and erase easily.
  • Material Quality: Since I plan to reuse the sign every year, durable materials like wood or sturdy plastic were important to me.
  • Design and Style: I looked for signs that matched my kids’ personalities and our home style. Some are playful and colorful, others are simple and elegant.
  • Ease of Use: Signs that are easy to write on and clean made the process smooth and fun.
  • Price: I balanced quality with cost. Some signs are pricey but worth it if you want a keepsake that lasts.

Additional Features I Found Helpful

  • Accessories: Some signs come with props like chalk markers, erasers, or stickers to decorate.
  • Multi-Purpose Use: A few signs can double as “Last Day of School” signs, which I thought was a great bonus.
  • Portability: Lightweight and compact signs are easier to store and bring along for photo shoots.

Where I Found the Best First Day of School Signs

I explored online marketplaces like Etsy for unique handmade options, big retailers for ready-made signs, and even local craft stores. Etsy had some adorable customizable signs that felt very personal.

Final Tips From My Experience

  • Start shopping early to avoid last-minute stress.
  • Read reviews to see how others liked the quality and design.
  • Think about whether you want a sign that can be updated yearly or a one-time use.
  • Don’t forget to have fun with it! These signs are all about celebrating growth and new beginnings.

I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect first day of school sign that makes your family’s memories even more special!

Author Profile

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Joe Petrus
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.

In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.