DIY back-to-school zine: free download to personalize
While kids are counting down the last days of summer, parents are gearing up for the first days of school. We’re shopping for supplies, reestablishing routines and trying to hold on to memories of our kids at this age right here—those sweet little things about them that will disappear or change as they grow older.
That’s the idea behind this adorable back-to-school zine, filled with questions for your little one to answer with help from you or on their own.
Inspired? Create and share by tagging @HallmarkStores.
To make your own zine, just print out this free downloadable template.
It just takes a little cutting and folding before you get to the fun part: Letting your child fill it in.
For step-by-step photos and instructions, take a look at our Teacher Appreciation Day version.
Check out these tips for helping your kid(s) fill in their back-to-school zine:
Tip #1
For kids too young to fill in the blanks on their own, you can interview them and write the answers. But let them write their name and draw their portrait.
Tip #2
If they can’t spell it, they can always draw it.
Tip #3
At the end of the school year, print out and fill in another copy—then have fun comparing the two to see what’s changed.
Tip #4
Book mark this page and fill out a new one every year!
Want even more back-to-school fun?
- You can print and personalize first day of school signs for younger kids.
- Or give college freshmen the perfect gift to start their first semester.
- We can’t leave out teachers! Show them how appreciated they are with these sweet cards and gratitude-filled message ideas.
Shop Back to School
See allYou may also like
See more-
DaySpring Take time to catch the fireflies
Dinner is over and it’s time for cleanup. Piling dishes into the sink, I pause to stare out the kitchen window and dr...
-
Calendar Flip A (Very) Warm Hello! August 2026 Holidays and Observances
Is it hot enough for you? Well, we’re here to add some extra sizzle. It’s time to flip the calendar page, check ou...
-
Calendar Flip Welcome Autumn! September 2026 Holidays and Observances
Fall brings cooler nights, cute sweaters, homecoming games and tailgate parties. It’s time to flip the calendar page,...
-
Calendar Flip Let’s celebrate, y’all! July 2026 Holidays and Celebrations
Get ready for friends, family and fireworks—and break out the red, white and blue for Independence Day. It’s time ...
-
Mahogany Summer is ours
As a Black woman, I sometimes feel like society wants us to be forlorn and sad, as if we aren't deserving of letting ...
-
Christmas Millennial nostalgia, but make it Christmas: Keepsake Ornaments you’ll want on your tree
The pop culture of the ’80s and ’90s had such a huge impact on millennials’ childhoods. I should know—I’m considered ...
-
Christmas Share more merry: Our very best Christmas card tips
It's easy to make a Christmas card list, choose your cards, and sign, seal and mail them on time with our very best t...
-
Christmas 20+ ideas to help you plan your trip to the Hallmark Christmas Experience
Ever wanted to step inside of a picture-perfect Hallmark Christmas movie? Or travel to a place where you could immers...
-
Christmas This way to the North Pole: 50+ Kids Bedroom Christmas Decoration Ideas
Kids LOVE getting to express themselves—especially when it comes to their rooms. And when it comes to Christmas-lovin...
-
Christmas Easy Christmas Card Envelope Lettering: Make Mailboxes Merry
Part of the fun of sending Christmas cards is making pretty envelopes. That’s why our creative team came up with an e...
-
Christmas Stocking stuffer ideas for literally everyone on your list
The stocking stuffer struggle is real. By the time you’ve bought your main presents, you feel like you’re all out of ...
-
Christmas 50+ white elephant ideas: Party themes, gift ideas and more
If you're looking for new white elephant ideas, you've come to the right place. Whether you're hosting a party or loo...
-
DaySpring God pieces broken people back together
On an ordinary December day, on what would’ve been our oldest daughter’s 29th birthday, our pipes backed up, flooding...
-
Christmas 50+ holiday goodie bag ideas to bring joy to their world
Giving gifts is one of my favorite things to do. And during the holidays, there are lots of opportunities to give! Th...
-
Christmas Christmas wishes: What to write in a Christmas card
Get sample messages, tips and watch our new video guide to write the perfect Christmas card.
-
Christmas How to plan a Christmas scavenger hunt: 50+ ideas for clues, prizes, themes and more
What do scavenger hunts have to do with the holidays? More than you might think. A lot of the best things about the s...
-
Christmas 60+ Christmas appetizer ideas for any kind of holiday gathering
Gathering to share joy with the people we care about is one of the best things about Christmas. And while sitting dow...
-
Christmas How to Decorate a Christmas Tree: Professional Styling Tips on Lights, Ornaments and More
It’s time to make your tree show up and show out! You’ve scouted out your space, decided on the size and nature (or f...
-
Christmas 50+ Christmas gift ideas for friends
I’m known for quite a few things in my friend group, including random outbursts, spontaneous solo karaoke sessions an...