Creative School Fundraising Ideas: Turn Kids' Art into Custom Tote Bags

By Expressions Fundraising Tea Towels on 14 August 2025

If you're on the hunt for unique, heartwarming fundraising ideas Australia schools truly connect with, look no further than turning kids' art into custom tote bags. It’s creative, personal and practical. A triple win for any school community.

Why Tote Bags Work Wonders for Fundraisers

Custom tote bags are more than just a trendy accessory. They're:

  • Reusable and sustainable, a feel-good swap for plastic bags
  • Personalised with student artwork, making every design one-of-a-kind
  • Useful for everyday life, perfect for groceries, library books, or beach days

And the best part? They’re affordable to produce and easy to sell to proud parents, relatives and friends.

How It Works: From Doodles to Dollars

At Expressions, we make the process simple and joyful. Here's how to get started:

  1. Get creative: Ask each student to draw a self-portrait, handprint, or special picture.
  2. Send it in: We help bring it all together in a beautiful layout. See what your options are.
  3. Watch the magic: Your custom tote bags arrive, ready to sell and share!

You can even mix it up with other keepsakes like tea towels and aprons. These are popular fundraising products to sell Australia wide.

Ideal for All Occasions

Whether it's an end of year school gift, a Mother’s Day surprise or a graduation memento, these tote bags strike the perfect balance between sentiment and sustainability.

Want to increase your sales? Combine with a school event or open your own online store for added convenience.

Tried, Tested & Loved by Aussie Schools

Thousands of schools and childcare centres across Australia return to Expressions year after year. Our tote bag fundraisers capture the essence of childhood while raising valuable funds. It’s a must for any fundraiser Australia campaign.

"We were really pleased with how simple the process was, and the help we had designing our bags. Nothing seemed like too much trouble. The quality of the bags is absolutely top notch and we like the thoughtfulness of the little strip inside where people can write their names." - Shannon, Jolimont Primary School

Ready to Launch Your Fundraiser?

Let us help you create a feel-good, easy-to-run project that everyone will love. Expressions offers trusted quality, design flexibility and full support from start to finish.

See how our tote bag fundraisers work or get in touch to start your next creative project.

FAQs

How much can our school raise with tote bag fundraisers?

Most schools earn $6–$10 profit per bag, depending on order size. Multiply that by 50+ orders and you’ll see just how quickly it adds up!

Are the tote bags machine washable and durable?

Yes! Our tote bags are made from high-quality cotton and designed to last through plenty of use and many (cold machine) washes.

Is there a minimum order for fundraising?

There’s a 40-unit minimum per unique screen printed design. No big upfront cost and we make the process super simple. Please note for designs with 250+ drawings there is a minimum order of 100 units.

Can students create their own artwork?

Absolutely! Self-portraits, handprints, doodles, you name it. You can use group artwork or let each child shine on their own tote.

How eco-friendly are the tote bags?

Our bags are made from natural cotton, printed with toxin-free inks and packaged with minimal waste. A fundraiser you can truly feel good about