Back to school is a fun time of the year (or at least I think so). The magazine covers are filled with ways to make cookies or cakes look like school buses (I’ve always wanted to try that!). The stores are filled with displays of MUST have school supplies and the cutest ensembles of fall clothes that I’ve ever seen. We’re bombarded with ads and ideas of all of the things that we simply must do (or perhaps what we should spend to do) in order to make our child’s world a perfect Back to School Happy Holiday. But did you know there are plenty of things that you can do to celebrate back to school without breaking the bank? You can spend very little or nothing at all and make a huge impact on your kids during this time of transition in their lives. Here are a few ways we will and have celebrated going back to school in style.
Back to the Movies. On the first day of Kindergarten for the Eldest Princess, the King took the day off (mainly because he thought I was going to have a mental breakdown since at the time it was very quiet and there wasn’t a Youngest Princess yet and oh yeah I was pregnant). We picked up the Eldest Princess together from half day K. ate a quick lunch, and then headed to the theater. Whether it’s a dollar movie, a Redbox Rental, or a movie from a library watching movies together (especially at the theater) is a big deal for our family. It might be a fun way for you to pause with your family midst the busyness of the season and celebrate, too. Entertainment Books also have great coupons for theaters or you could earn a ticket with My Coke Rewards (If you drink Coke products and don’t collect these you are missing out. We don’t drink Coke products and from the generosity of others have scored big.) to lessen the financial sting. Be sure to popcorn and set up your living room like a theater if your viewing is at home.
Night Before PJs. When you’re picking out sturdy new jeans, that first day outfit, and a pack of socks for your little scholar, scan the clearance rack for a new pair of PJs. The night before First Grade started, the Eldest Princess was blessed with a pair of Wonder Woman PJs that I picked up on sale. She slept with superhero confidence and style. When she woke up the next morning, she was ready to take on the world! Amazon has great deals on Disney PJs.
Bus Stop Breakfast. What I’m most looking forward to this year is setting up a Buffet in the Driveway for the first day of school! One neighbor girl gets on the bus with the Eldest Princess and the neighbors next door who are like another set of grandparents love to watch them both. We’re hoping all Three of our Families can wait on the bus and enjoy some breakfast together this year on the first day of school. We’ll get out the chairs, set up a table with some fresh fruit, bagels, and other yummies and munch together. Of course the best part is that we’ll spend very little on this very special memory.
As always, we encourage you to spend your most valuable commodity – time, not money – on your kids. What about you? What do you do to celebrate this season in the life of your family?
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I think the breakfast buffet is a great idea! I remember in high school, a church across the street from the school would have free breakfast for kids during finals week- doing it on the first day of school is a great idea!