Hey there, awesome moms! 👋 It's that time of year again: back-to-school season is just around the corner. As a mom of three, I know firsthand how bittersweet this time can be. But I've found that creating fun, meaningful traditions can help ease the transition and create lasting memories. Plus, I've created a Back-to-School pack of 5 free printables that you can download to make it a little easier for any family to start these traditions!
So grab your pumpkin spice latte (no judgment here!) and let's dive into some amazing back-to-school traditions you can start with your kiddos this year!
Why Back-to-School and First Day of School Traditions Matter
Before we jump into the ideas, let's talk about why these traditions are so important. Back-to-school time can be stressful for both kids and parents. New routines, new teachers, new friends - it's a lot to handle! Creating special traditions can:
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Help ease anxiety about the new school year
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Create positive associations with going back to school
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Give kids something to look forward to each year
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Strengthen family bonds
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Provide opportunities for meaningful conversations
Now, let's get to the good stuff - the traditions!
1. First Day of School Photo Shoot
Okay, this one might seem obvious, but hear me out! Take it up a notch by creating a fun photo booth area in your home or yard. Use props, a letterboard for displaying the grade, and even themed decorations. Get creative and let your kid's personality shine!
Pro tip:
Create a series of photos with the same backdrop or pose each year to see how your child grows and changes.
If you're looking for a letterboard to start this tradition, this letterboard is so cool! It is double-sided and has fun characters in addition to letters. I may have to upgrade mine!
Check it out, and let me know if you get it! https://amzn.to/46tq79k
Free Printable: First and Last Day of School Signs
I've also designed free (and adorable, might I add!) FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL and LAST DAY OF SCHOOL printable signs if you're in a jam and need signs quickly:
Download your free First Day and Last Day of School printables here!
2. Special First Day of School Breakfast
Start the first day off right with a special breakfast. It doesn't have to be elaborate - maybe heart-shaped pancakes, a yogurt parfait bar, or even just their favorite cereal served in a fancy bowl or milk in a teacup! The key is to make it feel special and celebratory.
3. Back-to-School Time Capsule
This is such a fun way to capture memories and see how your child changes year to year. You can use a gallon ziplock bag, paper bag, or even a Tupperware bin! Have your child fill out a questionnaire about their favorite things, friends, and goals for the year. Add a photo and a small trinket, then seal it up to be opened on the last day of school.
What to include in the time capsule:
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Questionnaire about favorites and goals (you can even use my First Day Interview free printable - which is our #9 tradition below!)
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Recent photo
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Height and weight measurements
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Handprint or footprint
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Letter to their future self
4. Special Back-to-School Shopping Date
Turn the usual pre-school shopping into a special one-on-one date with your child. Depending on your needs and what gets your kiddo excited, choose from school supply shopping, picking out that perfect first-day outfit, or selecting a thoughtful gift for the new teacher. Let them have a say in the choices - it'll boost their confidence and get them pumped for the new year. And don't forget to finish the outing with a special treat like ice cream or a smoothie. Yum!
Choose Your Shopping Adventure:
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School supplies (if your school doesn't offer pre-made kits)
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First day of school outfit
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Thoughtful teacher gift
Pro tip to make this an online tradition:
Can't make it to the store? No worries! Make your online shopping sesh special by cozying up on the couch with some favorite snacks. Share your screen and let your little one help pick items from your virtual cart. To amp up the fun, you could even set up a little "unboxing party" when your goodies arrive or you pick them up! It's like Christmas in August!
Money-Saving Tip: Tax-Free Holidays
Did you know some states offer tax-free holidays for back-to-school shopping? It's like a mini Christmas in July (or August)! These special days let you buy school supplies, clothes, and sometimes even computers without paying sales tax. That's more money in your pocket for extra school supplies (or let's be real, maybe a larger ice cream to celebrate your savings). Check your state's website or a website like this for dates and details - they're usually in late July or early August. Happy saving!
5. First Day of School Eve Party
Who says New Year's Eve gets all the fun? Host a small family party the night before school starts. Have a special dinner, play games, and maybe even let the kids stay up a little past bedtime (shhh, I won't tell!). I know that sounds counterintuitive, but they'll be so excited for the first day of school, you'll want to tire them out a bit!
Set a fancy dinner table for their Back to School Party and have the kids help! Simply have them build open blocks with Magnatiles and rainbow-color flowers!
Back-to-School Eve Party Ideas:
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Make a paper chain countdown for the week leading up to school
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Have a dance party with school-themed songs
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Do a family craft project related to school or learning. Check out my DIY Noisemakers Tutorial - they're perfect for celebrating!
6. Lunchbox Love Notes
Who doesn't love a little midday pick-me-up? Start a tradition of slipping a special note into your child's lunchbox on the first day of school (and maybe continue it throughout the year if you're feeling extra!). These little messages can be a source of comfort and encouragement during those potentially nerve-wracking first days.
Ideas for lunchbox notes:
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Jokes or riddles to make them smile
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Words of encouragement or affirmations
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Doodles or small drawings
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A reminder of something fun planned for after school
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A simple "I love you" or "You've got this!"
You could use something as simple as notebook paper or post-its; it's the thought that counts!
If you're looking for premade cards to switch up the look for your kiddos, I love these perfectly-sized lunchbox notes - and they're made of quality cardstock to withstand whatever happens in those lunchboxes of theirs!
Check them out here: https://amzn.to/3ynSIQW
They also have so many fun designs: unicorns, dinosaurs, and superhero!
Free Printable: Week of Lunchbox Love Notes
I've also created a Free Printable resource for busy parents: Weekly Lunchbox Love Notes! These lunchbox notes are perfect if you are looking for ideas of what to write every day. Print out the sheet on Saturday or Sunday, pre-write and cut out all of the notes, and then you're set to go for the whole school week ahead!
Download your free Week of Lunchbox Love Notes here!
Pro tip:
Prep these notes ahead of time when you're less rushed. You could even create a batch for the whole first week of school! Get creative with colorful paper, stickers, or even use pre-made lunchbox note cards if you're not feeling particularly artsy. The key is the thought behind it – your kiddos will feel the love no matter what!
This tradition is super easy to pull off, even on busy mornings. Just grab a pre-written note and tuck it into their lunchbox. It's a small gesture that can make a big impact on your child's day without adding stress to your morning routine. Plus, it gives them a little piece of home to look forward to during the school day. Win-win!
7. Back-to-School Blessing or Wish Jar
This is a beautiful tradition that can grow with your child, plus it can get grandparents, aunts and uncles, and family friends in on the fun! Have family members write wishes, blessings, or words of encouragement on slips of paper. Put them in a jar for your child to read throughout the year when they need a boost.
To help gather up the wishes, I created this Free Printable: A Jar of Wishes and Wisdom to print at home or to share with friends and family near and far.
Download your free Wishes & Wisdom notes here!
8. New Year, New Book
Start a tradition of gifting a new book at the beginning of each school year. Choose something that aligns with their interests or a book that you loved at their age. Write a personal inscription and the year inside to make it extra special.
For my favorite back-to-school and first day of school books to kick off this tradition, check out my hand-picked list of 15 Best Back-to-School Books to Prepare Kids for Their First Day You'll find links and a bit more detail about each book!
You can shop all of these books on my LiketoKnowIt also!
9. First Day of School Interview
Create a set of questions to ask your child each year on the first day of school. Record their answers in a journal or on video. It's amazing to see how their responses change over time!
Sample interview questions:
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What do you want to be when you grow up?
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Who is your best friend?
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What are you most excited about this year?
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What's your favorite subject?
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If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Free First Day of School Interview Printable:
If you're looking for a printable interview that you can use year after year, I've got you covered!
Download your free First Day of School Interview printable here!
10. Back-to-School Service Project
Start the year off on a positive note by giving back to your community. Choose a school-related service project to do together, like donating supplies to a local shelter, participating in a back-to-school supply drive for kids in need, or donating gently used books to your local or school library.
Free Printable: 5 Back-to-School Traditions Pack
If you're ready to get a jumpstart on all things "back-to-school traditions!," you can download all 5 Free Printables here. The pack includes:
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First Day of School Sign
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Last Day of School Sign
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First Day of School Interview
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Week of Lunchbox Love Notes
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A Jar of Wishes and Wisdom
Download the entire Back-to-School Traditions Free Printable Pack!
Wrapping Up
Remember, mamas, the key to a great tradition is consistency and meaning. You don't have to do all of these - pick one or two that resonate with your family and make them your own. The most important thing is creating special moments and memories with your kiddos.
What are your favorite back-to-school traditions? Share in the comments below - I'd love to hear your ideas!
Don't forget to pin this post for later and share it with your mom friends. Together, we can make this the best school year yet! 🍎📚✏️
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