Looking for a fun and functional way to kick off the school year (or any time of the year)? How about creating your very own LEGO desk organizer? This open-ended building project is not only a great way to get creative, but it also results in a practical item that can help you keep your desk neat and organized.

The beauty of this project is that it works with whatever LEGO bricks you have on hand, meaning there’s no need to worry about missing specific pieces. Whether you’re working with a large collection of bricks or just a handful, you can customize your design and colors to fit your style. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity for kids to engage in some creative problem-solving as they think about what supplies they want to store and how to organize them.

Step 1: Plan Your Desk Organizer

Before diving into the construction, take a moment to think about what you want to store in your LEGO desk organizer. Consider the items you need to have easily accessible, such as pens, pencils, markers, scissors, erasers, or even rubber bands and small accessories. By knowing the sizes of the items you want to store, you can plan the compartments accordingly.

Some common desk supplies you might want to include in your organizer could be:

• Pens and pencils
• Post-it notes
• Rubber bands
• Scissors
• Markers and erasers
• Small items like coins, stamps, stickers, marbles, or guitar picks

Once you’ve got an idea of what you want to store, it’s time to start building!

Step 2: Constructing the Drawers

One of the most exciting parts of this project is creating the drawers that can actually open and close. To make these functional drawers, start by connecting plates to create the right dimensions for your drawer bases. For the sides of the drawers, stack bricks around the edges to form walls.

For the handles, I used 1×2 tiles with bar handles. These were attached to a 1×2 brick with two studs on the side, giving the drawer a sleek and easy-to-grip handle. These small details make a huge difference in making the organizer not only practical but also visually appealing.

To ensure that the drawers slide easily, you’ll want to add a row of tiles on top of each drawer. This will reduce friction and make opening and closing the drawers a smooth experience.

Step 3: Build the Frame

The frame is the skeleton of your desk organizer, and it needs to have openings that match the size of your drawers. The height of each drawer opening is about four bricks high. My drawers were three bricks tall, with a plate on the bottom and tiles on the top, making it easy for the drawers to fit snugly inside their designated slots.

Add tiles to the edges of each opening for a polished look, and use bricks underneath the drawers to support their weight. This ensures that the drawers will stay securely in place while still being easy to slide in and out.

Step 4: Add Compartments for Small Supplies

In addition to the drawers, I decided to build a few open compartments for smaller items like rubber bands or pencil erasers. This part is completely customizable based on what you need. You can add any number of compartments, adjusting the size based on what you plan to store.

To build these sections, I used plates of various sizes and connected them with 2×4 plates to make them sturdy. These open compartments are great for items that you want to have quick access to, like paper clips or erasers.

Step 5: Customize and Personalize

Now that the basic structure of your organizer is in place, it’s time to get creative with colors and decoration! This is where you can really have fun and make your organizer uniquely yours. Use your favorite colors or incorporate fun patterns to add a personal touch to your design.

You can also think about adding decorative elements like tiny LEGO accessories, mini figures, or stickers to make it even more fun. Whether you want a sleek, minimalistic design or something colorful and whimsical, the choice is entirely up to you!

Why This LEGO Project Works

This LEGO desk organizer project is more than just a fun way to spend time—it’s also a practical solution for keeping your workspace tidy. By building this organizer, kids can practice their spatial reasoning, develop fine motor skills, and learn about organization and design. The process of creating the drawers and compartments also encourages problem-solving as they figure out the best way to fit all their supplies into a compact space.

Not only does this project allow for creativity, but it also gives kids a sense of accomplishment when they see their custom-built organizer taking shape. Plus, it’s a perfect way to reuse and repurpose LEGO bricks you already have, giving new life to old sets.

Final Thoughts

A LEGO desk organizer is an ideal project for back-to-school or for anyone who loves a little creativity in their daily life. It’s easy to customize, fun to build, and provides a functional solution for organizing desk supplies. Whether you’re using it to hold pens, erasers, or tiny trinkets, this project is a great way to add a personal touch to your workspace. So, grab your LEGO bricks, and get ready to build a one-of-a-kind organizer that will help keep your desk neat and stylish!