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I’m getting right to work thinking about fun ways to launch the upcoming school year with a fun and creative back to school care package for each of my grandkids. In this blog post we’re sharing 4 age-specific ideas you can use.
General Tip
Most schools have very specific school supply requirements for their students.
If you would like to include school supplies in your back to school care package, check with your grown kids first.
Perhaps they will share the class list with you!
In our care packages, we are going to focus on items that celebrate the new school year, and can be enjoyed outside of school.
Even though I am not able to be there in person, I want both my grown kids and grandkids to know that I am thinking of them and cheering for them during this exciting transition!
Preschool & Kindergarten (This is the age group I am prepping for!)
1. Greeting Card
I’ll be sending a card from this list. Written on it will be a message about how exciting it is to go to school.
2. Crayons & Themed Coloring Pages
Color pages and a new box of crayons to use at home will definitely be part of this package.
The color pages will be a great way to facilitate conversation during the days leading up to school.
I’ll be printing out a set for myself to use while we visit virtually.
Just google ‘back to school color page’ and you’ll have lots of options!
3. Dramatic Play Printables
My granddaughter loves to role-play.
This is great because it fosters healthy development and helps kids make sense of their world.
She will absolutely love to practice being both the teacher and the student using this set from etsy. It is one of the best priced sets I’ve seen, and will be a wonderful way for her to imagine, or replay her day at school.
We’ve purchased three other dramatic play sets from the same shop and my granddaughter has loved them all!
4. Snacks
Snack Time: First on the to-do list for my grandkids after a day at school is an afternoon snack.
I’m considering a couple of different options.
Fun and easy care place settings, or educational placemats for kids.
I’m leaning toward the placemats partly out of nostalgia plus they are easy to ship and store. A pack like this would be fun so they have multiple options.
My kids loved choosing a placemat to use when they visited my mom. I’m hoping my grandkids will enjoy them as well.
I’ll also toss in a few favorite snacks to complete this back to school care package.
Elementary
1. Greeting Card
Include a cute celebration card. Inside you could write a message about the things you see in your grandkids that will be a blessing to their teachers and classmates. (kindness, humor etc…
Related Post: 11 Fantastic Back to School Cards You’ll Want to Send Your Grandkids
2. Something to Make them Laugh
Kids this age love jokes!
They can go back to school armed with some clever jokes and riddles that just might break the ice with their new classmates.
Or if MadLibs are more their style, here’s a book full of fill-in-the-blank-stories that are perfect for the first day of school
Related Post: How to Make Your Grandchild Laugh | 7 Best Joke Books for Kids
3. A Book
Grandkids all have their favorite interests. Send along a book that they can enjoy once the school day is complete.
4. Snacks
And of course, snacks are a must!
Looking to add a pen pal template or two in your care package? Browse from all the options available in the free printables library! Get immediate access when you join below.
Middle School & High Schoool
1. Greeting Card
A celebration card with your words of encouragement and affirmation will be especially meaningful to this age group!
2. Something that Helps them Connect with Friends
Provide a fun way for your grandkids to connect with their friends before school begins.
A new game that fits their interest would be fun.
Or a ‘coupon’ good for streaming a new movie to watch together is a super affordable option.
3. Snacks
Snacks – you can’t go wrong here! Find out what their favorites are, and fill the box!
4. Something to Help Them Relax
Send them some ‘down time’, because with their busy schedules they may forget how important it is to slow down!
‘Down time’ items could be facial treatments or nail polish.
Consider a card game, or a book about someone they admire that they can read bit by bit each night.
5. List of Affirmations
A list of affirmations you’ve created for them to read before bedtime each night will set the tone for a great night’s sleep before they begin another busy school day.
College Students
We could fill a moving truck-size care package for these kids!
1. Ship it to Their New Location
Prep this back to school care package to arrive at their home if they will be attending classes locally or remotely. If they are heading off to school, it would be wonderful to ship it to their new location.
1. Greeting Card
Include a celebration card with a fun memory you have of them. Share how much you’ll be thinking of them, and your willingness to be available if they ever need to chat.
3. Snacks
Send lots of snacks and gum for all the late-night studying.
4. Local Coffe Shop & Grocery Store
A gift card to a local coffee shop is always a win. A grocery card will help them pick up needed items.
5. School Swag
A gift card to their school store could be used to purchase a little school swag for themselves.
6. Quick Game
Include a game that can be played quickly. Classics like Spot It, Uno, Jenga or basic decks of cards are always fun.
If you are looking for something newer, games such as Poetry for Neanderthals, or Think’nSync, are quick to play and highly rated by students this age!
I’m feeling confident about the back to school care packages that are just waiting to be sent to a couple of sweet little girls entering a new phase of life this fall.
How exciting it will be to encourage and cheer them on!
For now, though, I’m going to get back to those ‘endless’ days of summer that will end far too soon!