Printing kids’ name labels

Use our free labels to organize your kids’ toys, supplies, and other gear


4 school children with yellow backpacks

Introduction

If you’re still spending money on packs of ready-to-use labels, check this out: You can print your own labels at home! It’s a quick, cost-effective way to label school gear and organize your kids’ stuff at home. We have free, custom name label templates, plus how-to tips to guide you through the process.

Labels for school

girl with kids’ name labels on her notebook

Name labels are a simple and fun way to make sure lost property finds its way back to you. .


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Parents know you have to label your kids’ school supplies if you want them to make it home at the end of the day. Name labels are a simple and effective way to make busy lives feel more organized while keeping toys and coats out of the lost and found box.

Check out this list for ideas to get you started labeling:

  • Lunch boxes
  • Folders and binders
  • Pencils
  • Books
  • Toys
  • Sports equipment
  • Hats
  • Shoes

Download free label templates

cat and monkey label templates

Visit the HP Creative Studio and choose between the Cat’s Meow or Monkeying Around designs for a full page of free labels.


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HP offers two sets of name labels on the HP Creative studio: Cat’s Meow and Monkeying Around. Both sets include a full page of labels in a variety of sizes.

While the small round labels don’t have space for a name, once your child recognizes the monkey or cat that adorns their gear, they’ll know it’s “theirs”!

Visit the HP Creative Studio to download these free label templates now! Or, read on for printing instructions.

Label with discretion for safety

TIP: Putting your child’s name on the outside of a jacket or backpack can be fine in many cases, however, be aware that readily displayed names allow strangers to pretend to know your child. To play it safe:

  • Label clothing items discreetly and on the inside.
  • Choose a place where people will actually look and see the information, like on the care tag of a shirt or inside of a backpack pocket.
  • Skip the first name and use your kids' initials or your family name.

Organizing toys and more at home

brother and sister looking at books

Label books to organize them by subject, which can teach younger kids a new way to think about books.


boy in a park with a yellow toy dump truck

Label toys that leave the house, especially if they’re shared among multiple kids.

Kids are more interested in helping keep things neat when the “things” or spaces are their own. With labels, your kids can easily jump in and lend a hand—while learning a bit about organization along the way.

  • Label books: Organize a bookshelf, creating specific areas for themes and age groups. Or, use labels to aid in alphabetization, which can also enhance learning for younger kids.
  • Label boxes and drawers: Create inventory labels for the outside of storage containers filled with your kids’ school work, art supplies, or winter clothes.
  • Label toys: Label toy organization bins and shelves (i.e. “Horses”, or “Blocks”). Label hard-to-classify toys with their designated bin.
  • Label shared objects: Put an end to those “it’s mine!” squabbles by labeling similar items that are shared among multiple kids.

TIP: If your child is very young, focus on matching, by labeling with shapes or colors.

Get more tips and ideas for saving and organizing your kids’ things.

Other uses for name labels

girl with party horn and a kids’ birthday party

Use labels at kids’ parties—they’re perfect for gifts, cups, and party favors.

When you think outside the box, you’ll find lots of opportunities to use labels:

  • Kids’ parties: Label gifts, party favors, cups, and plates. You can even use labels for place cards.
  • Travel: Label clothing, shoes, luggage, and travel items.
  • Bookplates: Label books (or movies or CDs) so borrowers will remember whose they are.
  • Nametags: Use labels as nametags for school trips or family reunions.

Labels are also great to use just for fun on art projects, folders, etc. Let your imagination move you!

How to print labels

screenshot of Kids’ Name Labels in Creative Studio

Step 2: Click View. The labels will open as a PDF.


screenshot of name typed on Cat’s meow name labels

Step 3: Click in any of the boxes to add your child’s name.

Ready to print? Follow these steps:

  1. Go to the HP Creative Studio.
  2. Choose between the Cat’s Meow name labels and the Monkeying Around name labels and click View. The labels will open as a PDF.
  3. Click in any of the text boxes to add your child’s name.
  4. Do a test printout on regular paper. You don’t want to waste any of your label paper.
  5. Load label paper into the printer.
    (See your printer’s manual for loading instructions. If you don’t have your printer manual, you may be able to download a manual from HP Support.)
  6. Let the labels dry completely before using them.
Tips
  • For durable, waterproof labels, laminate your sheets at a copy shop. In a pinch, you can also use clear packing tape to create durable labels at home.
  • If you’re worried about damaging the surface you’re labeling, print labels on regular paper and attach with paper clips, ribbon, or safety pins.

What you need to print labels

HP Photosmart 6510 e-All-in-One with callout of touchscreen

The HP Photosmart 6510 e-All-in-One features a large color touchscreen that allows you to quickly print everyday projects and photos, without a PC!


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It doesn’t take much to make your own labels. Here is what you need to get started:


  • An inkjet or laser printer: HP printers, like the HP Photosmart 6510 e-All-in-One, feature large color touchscreens that allow you to quickly print everyday projects and photos without a PC.
  • Full sheet of label paper: Available at any office supply store. Don’t forget to check the labels to confirm compatibility with your printer type. Many labels are specifically designed for laser printers or inkjet printers.
  • High-quality ink: Original HP Ink cartridges have proven superior reliability and higher average page yields—up to twice as many pages than ink cartridge refills.1

Visit the HP Printer buying guides to see the entire selection of HP Printers and e-All-in-Ones.

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  • 1 Display-permanence rating by Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc., or HP Image Permanence Lab. For details, see hp.com/go/printpermanence.