First day of school: gifts and traditions

The first day is a big one. A small gift and a photo tradition help it feel like an occasion, not an ordeal.

Make it together, free

A letter from the First Day FairyLeft on the pillow the night before, with a word of courage. A first day of school signFree and fillable. Take the same photo every year.

Under $20

A new book for the night before. Something about starting school or making friends.
A lunchbox note. A short one for day one, and a few more for the first week.
Their own supplies, chosen by them. Let them pick the pencil case. Ownership helps nerves.
A special breakfast. Same one every first day.
A keychain for the backpack. Something small from home to hold on to.
After-school treat. Plan the ice cream in advance so there is something to look forward to.

Questions people ask

What can the kids make for the kids?

A letter from the First Day Fairy — Left on the pillow the night before, with a word of courage. It is free on Keepers of Childhood.

What is a good Back to school gift under $20?

A new book for the night before. Something about starting school or making friends.

Never miss it again. Add your husband or partner on your account and we’ll email them before Back to school with ideas like these. Set up reminders.

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The homemade ones, ready to print

Every “make it together” idea above prints from a free account — letters, scrapbook pages, photo signs and coloring pages. It remembers your children’s names so you are not retyping them, and it costs nothing.

A free account, not a trial. No card, and we will not email you about anything you did not ask for.