Back-to-school time is bittersweet for everyone. Time with the kids is super fun, summer is unmatched what with the pool days, BBQs, and day trips, but we’ve reached that time of the summer where the heat is getting to us, the kids are restless, and even though we thought we were tired of having a routine, we’re actually ready to have one again. And, one more time, but even though most kids say they’re excited to go back to school, while they may not show it, they’re probably a little nervous too. But we know just the thing for those pre-back-to-school jitters, a back-to-school bash! Not sure where to start? We’ve got you!
Let’s talk themes because once you have a theme, you’ve got just about everything you need. Or, at least an idea. Our first theme? Well, school, of course! Invite the whole class, because what better way to kick those jitters? Serve up a classic paper sack lunch complete with sandwiches, chips, fresh veggies, and milk or juice, decorate with chalkboards, globes, textbooks, flashcards, and maybe even some old school desks if you’ve got them. As for the games, think one big (long) recess!
Up next, is a drive-in movie night for the kids. If you’re feeling crafty, and we hope you are, you can easily make “cars” out of cardboard boxes, for the kiddos to sit in; if you’re planning this party for older kids, they would probably prefer a comfy pit of pillows to sprawl out on. When it comes to the movie, as long as you have a large white sheet and projector, then you’ve got everything you need. And the easiest part? Snacks. A popcorn and candy bar is the way to go for the ultimate movie night experience.
If you and your friends and family are in a spot where you can donate some time and money, then consider having a back-to-school party for a cause where each guest brings a particular item (crayons, pencils, paper, glue sticks, you get the drift) and you provide new or gently-used backpacks, then the kiddos will take it from there by creating an assembly line to stuff backpacks with school supplies that can then be donated to a local charity or organization. After the backpacks have all been stuffed, it’s time to eat and play!
If a back-to-school party doesn’t sound quite like your kiddo’s idea of a good time (after all, you know them best) there are still a lot of ways you can make the first day of school special like planning an extra special breakfast for them on their first day of school or by decorating an area of the house for them to wish them well.