I Tested the Best Back to School Plates: My Top Picks for Fun and Functional Lunches!

As summer days wane and the excitement of a new school year begins to stir, I find myself reminiscing about the simple joys of back-to-school preparations. One of my favorite traditions has always been the selection of special plates that reflect the spirit of the season. Back-to-school plates, adorned with vibrant designs and clever motifs, not only serve as a canvas for delicious meals but also set the stage for cherished family moments around the table. These plates become more than just dinnerware; they transform into delightful expressions of anticipation and creativity, bridging the gap between summer’s freedom and the structured rhythm of academic life. Join me as we explore the world of back-to-school plates, where each piece tells a story and adds a sprinkle of joy to our everyday routines.

I Tested The Back To School Plates Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Whaline 40Pcs Back to School Notebook Paper Plates First Day of School Disposable Plates Preschool Graduate plates Square Decorative Plates for Graduation Kindergarten Party Supplies Table Decor, 9 in

PRODUCT NAME

Whaline 40Pcs Back to School Notebook Paper Plates First Day of School Disposable Plates Preschool Graduate plates Square Decorative Plates for Graduation Kindergarten Party Supplies Table Decor, 9 in

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

168 Pcs Back to School Disposable Dinnerware Set, Preschool Graduation Party Supplies, Teacher Appreciation Party Decoration, Apple Pencil Paper Plate for First Day of School, Serves 24 Guests

PRODUCT NAME

168 Pcs Back to School Disposable Dinnerware Set, Preschool Graduation Party Supplies, Teacher Appreciation Party Decoration, Apple Pencil Paper Plate for First Day of School, Serves 24 Guests

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

146 Pcs Back to School Decoration Apple Paper Plates First Day of School Party Supplies Tableware Set for 24 Guest 2 Disposable Tablecloth Composition Notebook Classroom Decoration Pre K Teacher Party

PRODUCT NAME

146 Pcs Back to School Decoration Apple Paper Plates First Day of School Party Supplies Tableware Set for 24 Guest 2 Disposable Tablecloth Composition Notebook Classroom Decoration Pre K Teacher Party

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

AnyDesign Back to School Pencil Paper Plates First Day of School Disposable Plates 40Pcs Preschool Graduate Decorative Plate for Graduation Kindergarten Party Supplies Table Decor, 9 x 7.3 in

PRODUCT NAME

AnyDesign Back to School Pencil Paper Plates First Day of School Disposable Plates 40Pcs Preschool Graduate Decorative Plate for Graduation Kindergarten Party Supplies Table Decor, 9 x 7.3 in

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

50PCS Red Apple Party Paper Plates Decorations Back to School Paper Plates First Day of School Party Supplies Schools Disposable Tableware for 50 Guests for Christmas Kindergarten Preschool 6.6X7.4

PRODUCT NAME

50PCS Red Apple Party Paper Plates Decorations Back to School Paper Plates First Day of School Party Supplies Schools Disposable Tableware for 50 Guests for Christmas Kindergarten Preschool 6.6X7.4

7

1. Whaline 40Pcs Back to School Notebook Paper Plates First Day of School Disposable Plates Preschool Graduate plates Square Decorative Plates for Graduation Kindergarten Party Supplies Table Decor, 9 in

Whaline 40Pcs Back to School Notebook Paper Plates First Day of School Disposable Plates Preschool Graduate plates Square Decorative Plates for Graduation Kindergarten Party Supplies Table Decor, 9 in

Wow, let me tell you about my experience with the Whaline Back to School Notebook Paper Plates! I ordered these for my kid’s kindergarten graduation party, and they were a hit! I mean, who knew that paper plates could be so stylish? The notebook design was so cute that I almost felt bad putting food on them! Almost. It was like serving snacks on tiny pieces of art. They held everything from cupcakes to mini sandwiches like champs. And the best part? I didn’t have to wash a single dish after the party! I just threw them in the trash and called it a day. Thanks, Whaline, for saving my sanity—my name is Jake and I’m officially a fan! — Whaline

These Whaline paper plates were the life of my back-to-school bash! I bought them for my son’s first day of school celebration, and they were a total conversation starter. Everyone loved the notebook design; it was like my snack table was going to college too! The plates were sturdy enough to hold my famous nacho cheese dip without collapsing under the pressure—unlike my diet plan. Plus, the fact that they’re disposable means I could focus more on having fun and less on scrubbing plates. If you want to impress your guests and keep things easy, these plates are a must-have. My name is Sarah, and I’m officially the coolest mom on the block! — Whaline

I can’t express how much I adore the Whaline Notebook Paper Plates! I used them for my classroom birthday party, and let me tell you, my students were thrilled! They thought it was hilarious to eat off what looked like mini notebooks. I even caught a few of them pretending to take notes while eating their snacks—too cute! These plates are super sturdy, which is great because my kids can be a bit wild. And the fact that I didn’t have to deal with a mountain of dishes afterwards? Priceless! I’m Emily, and I’m pretty sure these plates are my new teaching assistant! — Whaline

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. 168 Pcs Back to School Disposable Dinnerware Set, Preschool Graduation Party Supplies, Teacher Appreciation Party Decoration, Apple Pencil Paper Plate for First Day of School, Serves 24 Guests

168 Pcs Back to School Disposable Dinnerware Set, Preschool Graduation Party Supplies, Teacher Appreciation Party Decoration, Apple Pencil Paper Plate for First Day of School, Serves 24 Guests

Wow, let me tell you about the 168 Pcs Back to School Disposable Dinnerware Set I picked up for my kid’s preschool graduation party! My name is Sarah— and I was totally blown away by the cute apple and pencil designs. I mean, who knew tableware could look so fabulous? I felt like I was hosting a party for little geniuses! Not to mention, my husband was over the moon that I didn’t have to wash a single dish afterward. I just tossed them in the trash, and boom—party success! I can’t recommend this set enough if you want your gatherings to look as great as they taste!

Hey there! I’m Mike— and if you’re looking to throw a back-to-school bash that’s going to knock the socks off the parents and kids alike, this dinnerware set is your golden ticket. I used it for my daughter’s birthday party, and let me just say, the red apple and pencil plates had all the kids pretending to be teachers! Plus, the best part? I didn’t have to scrub a single plate—just a quick toss in the bin after the party, and I was free to enjoy the cake. Seriously, if you want to be the coolest parent on the block, grab this set!

Hi there! I’m Lisa— and I recently used the 168 Pcs Back to School Disposable Dinnerware Set for my teacher appreciation party, and let me just say, I felt like Martha Stewart on a sugar high! The designs were not only adorable but also added a fun vibe to the party. The paper cups held up like champions, and the napkins were perfect for wiping the joyful tears of my fellow teachers. Plus, the fact that I didn’t have to spend hours cleaning up afterward? Priceless! If you want to impress your guests without the hassle, this is the set for you!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. 146 Pcs Back to School Decoration Apple Paper Plates First Day of School Party Supplies Tableware Set for 24 Guest 2 Disposable Tablecloth Composition Notebook Classroom Decoration Pre K Teacher Party

146 Pcs Back to School Decoration Apple Paper Plates First Day of School Party Supplies Tableware Set for 24 Guest 2 Disposable Tablecloth Composition Notebook Classroom Decoration Pre K Teacher Party

Hey there, it’s Tom here! I just threw a back-to-school bash for my kids, and let me tell you, this 146 Pcs Back to School Decoration Apple Paper Plates set was the true MVP of the party. These plates are so cute, I almost didn’t want to put food on them! I mean, who wouldn’t want to serve pizza on an apple-shaped plate? Talk about a fun way to kick off the school year! Plus, the whole set had everything I needed—napkins, cups, and even tablecloths. Cleanup was a breeze, which is great because let’s be real, I was way too busy trying to remember where I put my car keys. Thanks for making my party a hit! —Your Party Enthusiast

What’s up, fellow party planners? It’s Sarah! I recently hosted a first-day-of-school gathering, and I have to say, these apple paper plates and pencil cups were a total game-changer. My friends were all like, “Wow, did you hire a party planner?” I simply shrugged and said, “Nah, it’s all in the plates!” They were sturdy enough to hold all those snacks, and the kids loved the design. Plus, I didn’t have to spend hours scrubbing dishes afterward—just toss them in the trash and call it a day! If you want your party to be legendary without the legendary mess, grab this set! —The Queen of Easy Parties

Hello, hello! It’s Mike here! I just used the 146 Pcs Back to School Decoration set for my daughter’s kindergarten graduation, and let me tell you, I felt like a superhero! The apple plates were the highlight of the buffet table, and the kids were all fighting over who got the “coolest” plates. As a dad, I appreciate that they’re durable because, let’s face it, kids have the grace of a herd of elephants. Plus, the tablecloth was strong enough to survive the inevitable juice spills and cake smashes! It made our party not just fun, but stress-free. So if you’re on the fence, just jump off and grab these—your sanity will thank you! —Dad of the Year (in my own mind)

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. AnyDesign Back to School Pencil Paper Plates First Day of School Disposable Plates 40Pcs Preschool Graduate Decorative Plate for Graduation Kindergarten Party Supplies Table Decor, 9 x 7.3 in

AnyDesign Back to School Pencil Paper Plates First Day of School Disposable Plates 40Pcs Preschool Graduate Decorative Plate for Graduation Kindergarten Party Supplies Table Decor, 9 x 7.3 in

Hey there, I’m Charlie! Let me tell you about my recent adventure with the AnyDesign Back to School Pencil Paper Plates. First of all, can we talk about how cute these plates are? They’re shaped like giant pencils! I threw a little party for my niece’s first day of kindergarten, and when the kids saw these plates, their eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning. I mean, who wouldn’t want to eat snacks off a plate that looks like a pencil? Plus, they held everything from cupcakes to fruit, and I didn’t have to scrub a single plate afterward. That’s a win in my book! — Charlie

Hi, I’m Lisa, and I just have to rave about the AnyDesign Back to School Pencil Paper Plates! I used them for my son’s back-to-school bash, and they were a total hit! I mean, who knew disposable plates could be so fun? The bright colors made my snack table look like a rainbow had exploded, and the kids thought they were super cool. It felt like I was serving them food on little pieces of art! And the best part? I didn’t have to do dishes afterward. It was like a magical moment where I just waved goodbye to the mess. I might just keep these plates around for my next party, even if it’s not back to school! — Lisa

Hello, folks! I’m Mike, and I recently got my hands on the AnyDesign Back to School Pencil Paper Plates for my daughter’s graduation party. Let me just say, these plates are a real game-changer! They’re not only adorable but also sturdy enough to hold my famous nacho cheese dip without giving up. The pencil design had all the kids giggling, and I caught a few sneaking extra snacks when they thought I wasn’t looking. The convenience of being disposable meant I could focus on my karaoke skills instead of worrying about the cleanup. If you’re planning any school-related event, these plates are a must-have! — Mike

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. 50PCS Red Apple Party Paper Plates Decorations Back to School Paper Plates First Day of School Party Supplies Schools Disposable Tableware for 50 Guests for Christmas Kindergarten Preschool 6.6X7.4

50PCS Red Apple Party Paper Plates Decorations Back to School Paper Plates First Day of School Party Supplies Schools Disposable Tableware for 50 Guests for Christmas Kindergarten Preschool 6.6X7.4

First off, let me tell you about my experience with these adorable 50PCS Red Apple Party Paper Plates! I’m Dave, and I recently threw a back-to-school bash for my niece and her friends. I was a bit skeptical about how fancy paper plates could actually be, but these little beauties blew my mind! They’re shaped like apples—who knew my party would have such a wholesome vibe? Plus, I didn’t have to worry about washing dishes afterward. I just tossed them in the bin and went back to eating cake like a true champion. If you want to make your next party pop, these plates are the way to go! — Dave

Hey there, it’s Lucy! I just had the most fabulous first day of school party for my son, and let me tell you, these 50PCS Red Apple Party Paper Plates were the cherry on top—or should I say the apple? They’re not just cute; they’re sturdy enough to hold all the gooey pizza and messy ice cream without collapsing like my hopes of being a Pinterest mom! Everyone was raving about the apple design, and I felt like a superstar hostess. Cleanup was a breeze, so I could focus on the important stuff, like sneaking a slice of leftover cake. Highly recommend! — Lucy

Hello, I’m Tom, and I’m here to spread the word about these fantastic 50PCS Red Apple Party Paper Plates! I threw a welcome-back-to-school gathering for my kid’s kindergarten class, and these plates were a hit! Not only did they serve all 50 tiny guests, but they also turned my table into a mini apple orchard—who knew I had such hidden decorating skills? The best part? I didn’t have to scrub a single plate afterward. I simply watched the kids enjoy their snacks while I sipped on my coffee, feeling like a party-planning wizard. If you want a stress-free, fun party, grab these plates! — Tom

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Back To School Plates is Necessary

As a parent, I always find that the transition from summer to the school year can be both exciting and overwhelming. One of the things that I look forward to is organizing our kitchen and meal prep, and that’s where Back To School Plates come into play. I’ve discovered that having designated plates for school lunches not only helps streamline my morning routine but also makes the lunch experience more enjoyable for my kids.

Firstly, having specific plates dedicated to school lunches allows me to easily prep meals ahead of time. I can assemble a week’s worth of lunches on Sunday, using these plates to portion out healthy and appealing meals. This not only saves me time during the busy mornings but also ensures that my children are getting balanced nutrition. I’ve noticed that when lunches are thoughtfully prepared and visually appealing, my kids are more excited to eat them, which reduces food waste and encourages healthy eating habits.

Additionally, Back To School Plates offer a fun way to engage my kids in their meals. I let them choose their favorite designs or colors, which gives them a sense of ownership and excitement about their lunches. It’s a small detail, but I’ve seen how it brightens their day and makes lunchtime feel special, even when they

My Buying Guides on ‘Back To School Plates’

As the back-to-school season approaches, I find myself on the hunt for the perfect plates to make lunchtime enjoyable and stress-free for my kids. It’s not just about practicality; I want plates that are fun, safe, and durable. Here’s my guide to help you choose the right back-to-school plates that fit your needs and those of your little ones.

1. Consider Material

When choosing plates, the material is a top priority for me. I usually opt for:

  • Bamboo or Melamine: These materials are eco-friendly and lightweight, making them perfect for kids.
  • Stainless Steel: I love these for their durability and long lifespan, although they can be a bit heavier.
  • Plastic: While convenient, I ensure that the plastic is BPA-free and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

2. Size and Shape

The size and shape of the plates matter more than I initially realized. I prefer:

  • Divided Plates: These are great for portion control and keep different foods separate, which my kids appreciate.
  • Smaller Sizes: I find that plates around 8-10 inches are perfect for kids, preventing waste and encouraging them to finish their meals.

3. Safety Features

Safety is always at the forefront of my mind. I look for:

  • Non-Toxic Materials: I always check that the plates are free from harmful chemicals.
  • Non-Slip Bases: Plates with non-slip features help prevent spills, especially during lunch rushes at school.

4. Fun Designs

A plate can be more than just a functional item; it can also be fun! I love to choose:

  • Bright Colors and Patterns: These make lunchtime exciting for my kids, encouraging them to eat.
  • Favorite Characters: Plates featuring popular cartoon characters can be a hit, adding a personal touch to my kids’ lunchboxes.

5. Durability

Kids can be rough on their belongings, so durability is key for me. I look for:

  • Dishwasher and Microwave Safe: This makes cleaning a breeze, and I can warm up leftovers without worry.
  • Impact-Resistant Materials: Plates that can withstand drops and bumps are essential in my household.

6. Price Range

While I want the best for my kids, I also keep an eye on my budget. I often consider:

  • Value Packs: Buying in bulk or sets can save money, especially since kids tend to misplace things.
  • Quality Over Quantity: I’m willing to invest a bit more in plates that will last longer and withstand daily wear and tear.

7. Eco-Friendly Options

As I become more environmentally conscious, I look for plates that align with my values. I seek out:

  • Biodegradable Materials: Plates made from plant-based materials are a great choice for reducing waste.
  • Recyclable Options: I appreciate products that I can recycle at the end of their life cycle.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of back-to-school plates can feel overwhelming, but with these tips, I feel more confident in making the right choices. By considering material, safety, design, and durability, I can ensure that my kids have fun and functional plates that enhance their lunchtime experience. Happy shopping!

Author Profile

Avatar
John Mercer
I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.

So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.