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Here’s a tip nobody tells you about spirit week. Grab your markers the night before, not the morning of! Or you’ll be scribbling on a shirt while eating cereal, lol!
Scribble day sounds simple until you’re staring at a plain shirt with zero ideas. It happens to the best of us, honestly.
So I scrolled through way too many pins looking for options that actually work in real life. Not everything held up. Some looked amazing in photos but took three hours and a trip to a specialty store.
This list keeps only the ones that are doable on a weeknight. Cheap markers, things from a junk drawer, things you probably already own.
Whether you need a whole costume or just one accessory, there’s something here for you. Some ideas double as spirit week looks all on their own. Who doesn’t love a two for one deal?
Scroll through, pick your favorites and don’t overthink it. The messier it looks, the better it fits the theme, am I right?
SCRIBBLE DAY IDEAS
Rainbow Scribble Tie Dye Shirt
We’re starting off strong with a plain white shirt covered in rainbow scribbles. Fabric markers work best since they won’t crack or fade after one wash.
The messier the pattern, the more it actually looks intentional, haha! It’s a five minute project that somehow always turns out great.
- Zero drawing skill required
- Fabric markers hold up through the wash
- Any old white shirt works
Black Light Neon Scribble Outfit
This one only makes sense under a black light, so plan your reveal accordingly. I forgot the timing once and the big moment fell completely flat. Neon puffy paint on a plain dark shirt does all the work here.
It glows the second the lights go down. Talk about a dramatic entrance!
- Saves the drama for the lights off
- Neon puffy paint from the craft aisle
- Dark shirt makes the glow pop
Scribble Art Paper Plate Mask
A plain paper plate turns into a mask with a marker and a hole punch. Draw squiggles all over it, cut eye holes and attach elastic string.
It costs basically nothing and takes ten minutes flat. How great is that for a last minute idea?
- Costs less than a dollar
- Paper plate from the pantry shelf
- Hole punch does the heavy lifting
Squiggle Line Face Paint
Squiggle line face paint might be the boldest option on this whole list. I always mess up the first face and just call it practice. Thin brushes make crisp lines, but fingers work fine too.
It washes off with regular soap, so nobody panics about it lasting past the school bell.
- Comes off with regular soap
- Thin brush for crisp lines
- Washable paint from the toy aisle
Scribble Print Leggings And Top
Scribble print leggings paired with a matching top is basically a costume you can wear again. Look for a busy squiggle pattern instead of plain stripes.
Are you guys seeing how loud this print is? It’s the whole point, honestly.
Doodle Covered Cardboard Sign
A cardboard sign covered in doodles turns anyone into a walking work of art. I still find glitter pen caps in my couch from last year’s batch. Cut arm holes on the sides and hang it with ribbon over the shoulders.
Kids at the party always want to sign each other’s boards. It gets messier by the hour, which is honestly the fun part!
- Built from one flat box
- Cardboard from a recycling bin
- Ribbon straps keep it comfortable
Scribble Pattern Duct Tape Shoes
Plain canvas shoes get a whole new life with a few rolls of colorful duct tape. Cut thin strips and crisscross them for a scribble effect.
It holds up way better than marker on fabric shoes, fair warning. The tape peels off clean too, which is a nice bonus.
- Tougher than marker on canvas
- Duct tape from the hardware aisle
- Old sneakers work perfectly
Marker Scribble Denim Jacket
An old denim jacket becomes the star of spirit week with fabric markers scribbled across every inch. I rescued mine from a thrift store bin for two dollars. Layer colors so nothing looks too planned.
The jacket only gets better with every wear after that. Not in my book has a two dollar find ever paid off this well!
- Thrift store jacket, brand new life
- Fabric markers layer nicely
- Set with a warm iron after
Scribble Themed Poster Board Costume
Poster board and a marker set turn into a full costume in under an hour. Cut a hole for the head, scribble the whole thing top to bottom and add straps.
This one is loud, cheap and impossible to miss in a hallway, lol!
- Loud enough to spot in a hallway
- Poster board from the dollar store
- Straps cut from an old belt
Colorful Yarn Scribble Headband
Leftover yarn scraps twist together into a bright, messy headband. I keep a whole bag of scraps just for this exact project. Braid three or four colors and tie the ends off with a bit more yarn.
It’s a small accessory but it photographs surprisingly well. No shame in a project that takes five minutes!
- Uses up scrap yarn finally
- Leftover yarn from the craft bin
- No sewing needed at all
Mismatched Polka Dot Socks
Crazy sock day ideas don’t get much easier than mismatched polka dot socks. Two totally different pairs make an instant look, no matching required.
Nobody believes it was an accident and that’s exactly the point!
Neon Striped Knee High Socks
Neon striped knee highs make an outfit pop without any extra effort. Plain shorts or a skirt work best so the socks stay the star.
These practically glow next to regular sneakers! Same energy as a highlighter, honestly.
Giant Oversized Novelty Socks
Giant oversized novelty socks are pure comedy the second someone walks in wearing them. They bunch up around the ankles in the funniest way possible.
Sock Puppet Attached Sneakers
Sock puppets glued onto old sneakers turn footwear into a full bit. Googly eyes and a felt tongue make the puppet part obvious from across the room.
It’s ridiculous in the best way! Kids at school love asking the puppet questions, apparently.
- Turns sneakers into a bit
- Googly eyes from the craft drawer
- Felt scraps for the tongue
Rainbow Tie Dye Ankle Socks
Rainbow tie dye ankle socks round out the whole look with barely any effort. Fabric dye kits make quick work of a plain white pair.
Let them dry overnight before wearing. Worth the wait, I promise! Same goes for the dye stains on your hands, sadly.
- One dye bath, instant color
- Fabric dye kit from the store
- Plain white socks work best
Pink Fringe Curtain Backdrop
Valentines day mini session ideas usually start with the backdrop. Pink fringe curtains are an easy favorite. I hung mine crooked the first time and nobody even noticed. Hang strands of pink and red fringe across a doorway or a simple frame.
It moves a little in the breeze, which adds movement to every photo. Talk about an easy setup with a big payoff!
- One backdrop, endless movement
- Frame from an old curtain rod
Vintage Mailbox Love Letters Prop
A vintage mailbox stuffed with little love letters makes such a sweet prop. I hunted three thrift stores before finding one worth grabbing. Fill it with handwritten notes or paper hearts before the shoot.
It gives everyone something to hold besides their hands. How cute is this for little ones who fidget during photos?
Conversation Heart Candy Backdrop
This conversation heart backdrop is basically a giant candy shop wall. Foam hearts in pastel colors get stamped with classic phrases like Be Mine.
It carries the whole photo on its own, no contest!
- Candy shop energy, zero sugar
- Pastel paint already in the closet
Rose Petal Bathtub Photo Setup
Last but definitely not least, a rose petal bathtub setup makes for the dreamiest photo of the bunch. I always buy way more petals than I actually need. Fresh or silk petals both work, so budget however you want.
Add a few candles around the edge for warm light. This one always ends up being the most shared photo of the whole session, lol!
- The most shared photo, every time
- Silk petals reuse for years
- Candles add warm light
Just a little note - some of the links on here may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to shop through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only post content which I'm truly enthusiastic about and would suggest to others.
And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Lara
