7 Creative & Inexpensive Ways To Make Back To School Sweeter

7 Creative & Inexpensive Ways To Make Back To School Sweeter

While the kids might not be celebrating, I know many parents who will be secretly cheering to themselves when the kids head back to school. I love having my kids home, but right about now the fighting, screaming, asking me for things, the "I'm boreds" and the "Mom, mom, mom, ma, moms" are starting to get to me just a little bit. I think my kids are both happy to be starting a new year and seeing their old friends, plus they get some new swag, so all is good. Even my youngest is heading off to preschool, so this is a bittersweet year for me. I want to show you some creative, fun and totally inexpensive ways you can document and celebrate the first day of school.

One of my friends used this idea from the time her children were born to document important events. I've always wanted to copy it, but I seriously could not find a cute chalkboard in any store. The best thing to do when you can't find something in store - make it yourself. Check out this chalkboard frame tutorial from Diary of a Mad Crafter. Use your chalkboard to write the new grade, teacher's name and the year and let them hold it in all the photos.

Boring old pencils just won't do. Dress them up yourself with washi tape, like they did on the site Minted.com. Your kids will love the personal touch and it might just take the sting out of going back just a little bit.

If the pencils just won't do it, how about a diy backpack? This one is so simple and made with real fruit! Alphamom had the right idea that you don't need to spend a fortune on a new backpack, plus no one else will have one like it.

If your family is as organized as mine, I feel very, very sorry for you. We fly by the seats of our pants on a regular basis and it does get overwhelming.  The queen of organization, Martha Stewart can help us. Check out this easy, diy magnetic lunch chart to make your mornings easier.

To really get into the swing of things, try this pencil crayon hair clip. Fashionable and unique, but also functional. Instructions on Bead & Cord.

If you haven't heard of The Kissing Hand, you must go out and get the book! This book comforts little kids who are attending school for the first time, and this project will introduce it to your little one. I love it! Thanks to Crissy's Crafts.

Bargainmoosers, what unique back to school traditions do you have?

(banner image credit: goatling)

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  • Natalie
    Thanks for this post. Some great ideas! I downloaded The Kissing Hand to read with my daughter - we both enjoyed it!