DIY Suitcase and Travel Sticker Activity

Staff Setup and Step-by-Step Instructions

This DIY Suitcase & Travel Sticker Activity is a simple, hands-on project for seniors in aged care. Residents cut, fold, decorate, and close their own paper suitcase using colourful travel stickers and cut-out pictures. The activity encourages choice, conversation, fine-motor participation, and enjoyment without needing to be completed perfectly.

What the Download Includes

The printable activity includes four A4 pages of colourful travel stickers and travel-themed cut-out pieces, plus one large suitcase outline for printing, cutting, folding, and assembling. The sticker pages include destinations, landmarks, transport, luggage, travel labels, beach items, food, clothing, stamps, and other holiday-themed pictures.

These printable files are linked at the bottom of this page

Printing Tip

💡 Printing Tip: For the best results, we recommend printing the suitcase outline at 12×18 inches (305 × 457 mm). This is the size we used for our test print and found to work particularly well. A3 or A2 can also be used as alternatives, depending on what is available at your local print shop.

Print the four sticker pages at A4. Print the suitcase outline at 12×18 inches if possible, or use A3 or A2 as an alternative. Printing the suitcase on firm white paper or light card will make it easier to fold and close.

What You Will Need

The four A4 travel-sticker pages (provided in our download)
The large suitcase outline A2 or 12×18 (provided in our download)
Scissors
Glue stick or double-sided tape for attaching paper pieces
Clear tape for closing the finished suitcase
A large, clear activity table

How to Make the Suitcase Activity

1. Print the activity

Print the four sticker pages at A4 and the suitcase outline at 12×18 inches or A3.

2. Cut out the suitcase

Cut around the bold outside line of the suitcase template. Do not cut along the pale dotted lines. These dotted lines show where the suitcase will fold.

Staff can complete this step before the activity if a resident finds cutting difficult.

3. Fold and assemble the suitcase

Fold along all of the dotted lines. Fold the side sections, bottom flap, and tabs inwards so the paper forms a three-dimensional suitcase with raised sides and an upright handle. Use tape on the tabs to hold the shape securely.

4. Choose the travel stickers

Place the four sticker pages on the table. Residents can look through the pages and choose the pictures they like. For an easier session, staff can pre-cut a small selection and place the pieces in a tray.

Offer two or three choices at a time if a full sheet feels overwhelming.

5. Decorate the suitcase

Attach the selected pieces to the front, sides, and top of the suitcase. Residents can add destination badges, travel stamps, landmarks, vehicles, passports, luggage, food, or holiday pictures.

A few carefully chosen pieces are enough. The finished suitcase does not need to be completely covered.

6. Add a name or travel label

If the resident would like one, add a name tag, destination, or short label to the suitcase. This can be written by the resident, dictated to staff, or left blank.

7. Close and tape the suitcase

When the decorating is finished, fold the lid down over the suitcase. Press the edges gently into place and use clear tape to secure the lid closed. This is the final step that turns the decorated paper template into the completed suitcase shown in the finished activity photos.

The finished product is a closed, decorated travel suitcase that can be displayed, handled, or kept safely in the resident’s activity folder.

Running the Activity with Seniors

Place one suitcase at each setting, or work with one resident at a time. Invite each person to choose a few travel pieces and talk about the colours, places, objects, or imagined journey they represent. There is no right or wrong arrangement. Choosing one picture, placing one sticker, or enjoying the conversation is a meaningful way to participate.

Staff can offer help with scissors, glue, arranging, folding, and taping. Residents can take part by choosing, pointing, pressing, sorting, decorating, or talking, depending on their preferences and abilities.

Easy Adaptations

If cutting is difficult, pre-cut the travel pieces. If the resident is overwhelmed by the choices, offer two or three images at a time. If glue is messy, use double-sided tape or prepare adhesive pieces in advance. For a shorter session, prepare the suitcase beforehand and invite the resident to decorate just one panel before closing the lid.

For a group session, place one suitcase and a small tray of travel pieces at each setting. For a quieter one-to-one activity, look through the sticker pages together and allow the resident to choose the pace and theme.

Video demonstration

More Activities to Explore

If you enjoyed The Global Traveler, you might also find these activities perfect for your next group session:

Armchair Travel to Australia – Take a virtual trip across the land down under with themed videos, music, and local snacks.
Holiday Quiz & Reminiscing Questions – A fun, low-pressure way to spark conversations about favorite holiday destinations and travel traditions.
Life Story Collage Project – Extend the craft session by creating a larger “Life Story” display board featuring photos and meaningful milestones.

Download the DIY Suitcase & Travel Sticker Activity

Download the original DIY Suitcase & Travel Sticker Activity and create a colourful finished suitcase with the seniors you support. It is practical to prepare, easy to adapt, and gives residents a finished product they can proudly display.