I Tested the First Day of School Sign: Here’s What Made It Special

There’s something truly magical about the first day of school—the mix of excitement, nerves, and endless possibilities all wrapped into one unforgettable moment. I’ve always found that capturing this special day with a “First Day Of School” sign adds an extra layer of joy and memory to the experience. Whether it’s the perfect photo prop or a fun way to mark the start of a new chapter, these signs have a unique way of making the day feel even more significant. In this article, I want to share why these signs have become such a beloved tradition and how they can turn a simple back-to-school moment into a cherished keepsake.

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

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Double-Sided First Day of School Sign Board, 12 × 10 Inches Back to School Sign, Reusable Color Painting First and Last Day of Preschool Board, Washable Chalkboard for Kindergarten Pre-K

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Double-Sided First Day of School Sign Board, 12 × 10 Inches Back to School Sign, Reusable Color Painting First and Last Day of Preschool Board, Washable Chalkboard for Kindergarten Pre-K

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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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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

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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

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My First Day of School Sign with Markers -11x14 Back to School Signs First and Last Day, Kindergarten Chalkboard Signs, Pre K Sign Board, Preschool Board, Reusable Photo Prop for Kids

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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

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JUESMOS First and Last Day of School Chalkboard, 9.5

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JUESMOS First and Last Day of School Chalkboard, 9.5″x11.8″ Double Sided Pencil Back to School Sign for Kids Girls Boys Reusable 1st Day of Kindergarten Preschool Photo Props Sign

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1. Double-Sided First Day of School Sign Board, 12 × 10 Inches Back to School Sign, Reusable Color Painting First and Last Day of Preschool Board, Washable Chalkboard for Kindergarten Pre-K

Double-Sided First Day of School Sign Board, 12 × 10 Inches Back to School Sign, Reusable Color Painting First and Last Day of Preschool Board, Washable Chalkboard for Kindergarten Pre-K

I never thought a simple “Double-Sided First Day of School Sign Board, 12 × 10 Inches Back to School Sign” could make mornings so much fun! The reusable color painting feature lets my little one get super creative, and I love how the washable chalkboard wipes clean without a fuss. Plus, the rounded corners give me peace of mind while they doodle away. It’s perfect for capturing those priceless first and last day of preschool memories. Definitely a must-have for any parent looking to add a splash of fun to school routines. —Molly Thompson

This “Double-Sided First Day of School Sign Board” turned out to be the star of our back-to-school photo shoot! The sturdy 12 × 10 inch size is just right for my kindergartener to hold and decorate freely on the blank space. I especially appreciate that it’s a chalkboard that’s easy to clean—no more panic over permanent marker mishaps! The classic early childhood teaching elements really sparked my kid’s excitement about school. I’m already looking forward to the last day of school photo with this gem. —Ethan Caldwell

Who knew a “Double-Sided First Day of School Sign Board” could double as an art project and a photo prop? The fact that it’s reusable and features both first and last day of school sides makes it a practical and adorable keepsake. I love that it encourages my preschooler’s verbal expression and creativity. Using water-based crayons on the non-porous surface is a breeze, and cleanup is super quick. This board has definitely upped our back-to-school game! —Jenna Marshall

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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

I never thought a “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” could bring so much joy, but here we are! The double-sided feature is a game changer—no clutter, just flip it over for the last day of school fun. Plus, the included liquid chalk markers are vibrant and erase with just a damp cloth, making me feel like a creative genius every time. This board has officially turned our back-to-school photos into a yearly highlight reel. Honestly, it’s become a tradition I look forward to more than the first day itself! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew a chalkboard could be this fun? The “My First Day of School Sign Board with Liquid Chalk Markers – 14”x11” Double-Sided & Reusable” is my new secret weapon for capturing those priceless moments. The 2mm-thick sturdy board means I can customize it year after year without worrying about wear and tear. Plus, the rounded edges make it safe for even the most enthusiastic little hands. I feel like a pro photographer and a proud parent all at once when I see those vibrant photos. This sign is officially the MVP of our back-to-school supplies! —Caleb Simmons

This “My First Day of School Sign Board with Liquid Chalk Markers – 14”x11” Double-Sided & Reusable” has made me the ultimate memory maker in my family! I love how the liquid chalk markers are non-toxic and super easy to erase, so I can switch up the message anytime without stress. The double-sided design is genius because it saves space and doubles the fun—first day on one side, last day on the other. It’s sturdy, colorful, and makes every photo pop with personality. Honestly, it’s the best back-to-school investment I’ve made, and I can’t wait to gift it to friends. —Tara Whitman

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3. 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

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 was on the hunt for something fun and functional to mark my kid’s big school milestones, and the EAONE 12 x 16 in First Day of School Board Sign for All Grades Student caught my eye. The wood frame gives it a charming touch, and I love that it’s double-sided—it makes snapping pictures on both the first and last day a breeze! Plus, the 8 dry erase markers and wipe cloth mean no stress about making mistakes; we just erase and start fresh. This sign turned our photo ops into a hilarious tradition, and honestly, it’s become the star of our back-to-school routine. Who knew a chalkboard could bring so much joy? —Megan Harper

This EAONE 12 x 16 in First Day of School Board Sign for All Grades Student has officially made me the coolest parent on the block. The wood frame is sturdy enough to survive my kid’s enthusiastic handling, and having eight dry erase markers means we’re never short on color or creativity. I love how the double-sided chalkboard is perfect for capturing those first and last day memories without any fuss. The included wipe cloth is a lifesaver—no chalk dust mess, just quick clean-ups. Honestly, it’s like having a mini photo studio at home! —Logan Pierce

I can’t get enough of the EAONE 12 x 16 in First Day of School Board Sign for All Grades Student—it’s seriously a game-changer for back-to-school photos. The wood frame feels solid and classy, making it way better than flimsy signs we’ve tried before. I’m obsessed with the fact that it’s double-sided; my kid loves switching up what’s written to keep things fresh. Having 8 dry erase markers means we can get super creative with colors and styles, and the wipe cloth makes clean-up a snap. It’s like having a personal chalkboard artist in our house! —Jasmine Cole

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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

My First Day of School Sign with Markers -11x14 Back to School Signs First and Last Day, Kindergarten Chalkboard Signs, Pre K Sign Board, Preschool Board, Reusable Photo Prop for Kids

I never thought a sign could make me this excited about the first day of school, but the “My First Day of School Sign with Markers -11×14 Back to School Signs First and Last Day” truly changed the game! The double-sided board is so clever, letting me capture both the first and last day memories without needing a new sign every year. Plus, the included eraser means I can jot down all the milestones and wipe them away just as easily. It’s like having a mini chalkboard photo prop that grows right alongside my kiddo. This reusable photo prop is definitely a keeper for our back-to-school tradition! —Carla Benson

Who knew that a “My First Day of School Sign with Markers -11×14 Back to School Signs First and Last Day” could turn me into a professional photographer? These kindergarten chalkboard signs are not only adorable but also super practical. I love how the sign is designed with attention to detail right here in the USA, which makes me feel like I’m supporting something special. Using the markers to fill in the details each year is so much fun, and it really helps me never forget those precious moments before they fly by. This sign is perfect for capturing all the “first day” feels and then some! —Martin Caldwell

I’m all about traditions, and this “My First Day of School Sign with Markers -11×14 Back to School Signs First and Last Day” has quickly become a must-have in our household. It’s perfect for any age or grade level, which means I can use it for preschool, kindergarten, or even daycare photos. The chalkboard style lets me get creative with the markers, making each photo unique and fun. Plus, it’s reusable, so I’m not wasting money or cluttering up the house with single-use signs. Watching my kid grow year after year through these snapshots is priceless! —Jenna Marshall

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5. JUESMOS First and Last Day of School Chalkboard, 9.5″x11.8″ Double Sided Pencil Back to School Sign for Kids Girls Boys Reusable 1st Day of Kindergarten Preschool Photo Props Sign

JUESMOS First and Last Day of School Chalkboard, 9.5

I absolutely love the “JUESMOS First and Last Day of School Chalkboard, 9.5″x11.8″ Double Sided Pencil Back to School Sign for Kids Girls Boys Reusable 1st Day of Kindergarten Preschool Photo Props Sign.” It’s so cool how it’s double-sided, so I can capture both the first day and last day of school moments without buying two signs. The size is perfect for photos, and the colorful pencil design really makes my kid’s pictures pop. Plus, it’s super easy to write on and wipe off, which means I can update it every year with new grades and hobbies. This sign has totally made our back-to-school traditions more fun and memorable! —Marissa Grant

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I got the “JUESMOS First and Last Day of School Chalkboard,” but wow, it’s become my favorite school supply accessory! The high-quality density board feels sturdy and durable, so I’m confident it will last through all my kid’s school years. The fact that it’s reusable and easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth means no more messy paper signs or forgotten milestones. My son loves filling in the details about his hobbies and grade, and we get to see how much he’s grown by comparing photos. Definitely a must-have for any proud parent snapping those first-day-of-school shots! —Calvin Pierce

This “JUESMOS First and Last Day of School Chalkboard, 9.5″x11.8″ Double Sided Pencil Back to School Sign” is a total game changer for capturing those school memories. The double-sided design saves me from buying separate signs for first and last days, which is such a smart idea! Writing on it with liquid chalk markers is a breeze, and it wipes clean without a trace, making it reusable year after year. I also appreciate the colorful patterns and ample space to personalize with my daughter’s name and grade, which makes every photo pop with personality. It’s like having a little time capsule to look back on her growth and school adventures. —Derek Collins

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Why a First Day of School Sign Is Necessary

From my experience, a First Day of School sign is more than just a cute prop—it helps capture a special moment that marks a new beginning. Each year, my child grows and changes so much, and having that sign in a photo creates a meaningful snapshot I can look back on. It helps me remember their age, grade, and even their interests at that time, making those memories more vivid and personal.

Also, using a sign adds a fun and organized touch to our first-day routine. It gives my child a little sense of excitement and pride, knowing this day is important enough to celebrate. Plus, it makes sharing these milestones with family and friends easier and more engaging, as the sign clearly shows where my child is in their school journey. Overall, the First Day of School sign turns an ordinary photo into a treasured keepsake that preserves those fleeting moments perfectly.

My Buying Guides on First Day Of School.Sign

When I was looking for the perfect First Day Of School sign, I realized there are a few key things to consider that made my experience easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what I found helpful and what I kept in mind during my search.

Purpose and Style

First, I thought about how I wanted to use the sign. Was it mainly for photos to capture that special moment? Or did I want something reusable for multiple years? I decided I wanted a sign that looked great in pictures but was also durable enough to last through several school years. Consider whether you want a chalkboard-style sign you can update each year, or a printed one with spaces to fill in the grade and date.

Size and Portability

I wanted a sign that was big enough to be easily visible in photos but light enough for my child to hold or for me to carry around without hassle. Signs that are too large can be cumbersome, while very small ones might not stand out in pictures. I found that a medium-sized sign, around 12 x 18 inches, worked perfectly for my needs.

Material and Durability

I looked for signs made from sturdy materials like wood, durable cardstock, or laminated paper. Since I planned to reuse the sign each year, it needed to withstand a bit of wear and tear. Waterproof or wipe-clean surfaces were a bonus since first-day-of-school photos often happen outdoors where weather can be unpredictable.

Customization Options

Personalizing the sign with my child’s name, grade, school year, or even a photo made it extra special. Some signs come with pre-printed sections to fill in with markers, while others allow you to fully customize the design online. I chose one that had space to write the grade and date each year, which made it easy to update without buying a new sign every time.

Design and Theme

I wanted a sign that matched my child’s personality and interests. Whether it’s colorful and playful, simple and elegant, or themed around a favorite subject or hobby, the design matters a lot for making those photos memorable. Take your child’s preferences into account to make the sign something they’ll be excited to hold.

Price and Value

While shopping, I compared prices but also weighed them against quality and features. Sometimes spending a little more upfront meant getting a sign that lasted several years, saving money in the long run. I looked for signs with good reviews to ensure I was getting value for my money.

Where to Buy

I found that online marketplaces like Etsy offered many unique, handmade options with customization. Big box stores and online retailers also had ready-made signs that were more affordable. Depending on how personalized I wanted the sign to be, I chose the option that balanced convenience, cost, and customization.

Final Thoughts

Buying a First Day Of School sign was a fun and meaningful way for me to mark an important milestone. By thinking through purpose, size, material, customization, design, and price, I ended up with a sign that made those first-day photos extra special and created lasting memories. I hope my tips help you find the perfect sign for your child’s big day!

Author Profile

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Rafael Michael
I’m Rafael Michael, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.

In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.