10 First Day of School Traditions to Start with Your Kids
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something. Please check out my disclosure policy for more details. All opinions are my own!
The first day of school is a big deal—whether it’s kindergarten or middle school, those memories stick forever.
As a mom of three (with two already in school), I’ve learned that adding a few simple first day of school traditions can make the day feel extra special instead of just stressful.
You definitely don’t need to do all of these (please don’t!).
This isn’t a checklist to stress you out—it’s just a bunch of fun ideas you can pick and choose from.
The goal isn’t perfection; it’s finding something that makes the day memorable for your kids and fun for you.
See what fits your family and make it your own. (Personally, I’m a sucker for the video interview.)
<— Pin it! Save this post for later!
Why First Day of School Traditions Matter
The first week of school sets the tone for the entire year. Adding little traditions—like a special breakfast, a photo, or a treat to share—makes the day less nerve-wracking and way more memorable. These are the moments your kids will look back on and say, “Remember when we always…?” That’s what it’s all about.
Psst – this night before school routine checklist will save your sanity.
10 back to school traditions to start with your kids this year
1. Take the Iconic First Day of School Photo (With a Sign!)
You can’t have first day of school traditions without the classic photo. Print a cute sign (we have a few free ones here!) with your child’s grade and the year, and snap the picture on your porch, driveway, or by the front door. You’ll love looking back at how much they’ve grown each year.
2. Start the Morning with a Special First Day of School Breakfast
Make the morning exciting by serving a special breakfast. This doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect—pancakes in fun shapes, their favorite cereal with sprinkles, or even muffins with a note on the side do the trick. The idea is to start the day on a happy note.
3. Chalk the Walk with Positive Messages
The night before or early that morning, grab some sidewalk chalk and decorate your driveway or walkway with encouraging messages and fun drawings. Write things like “You’ve got this!” or “Happy First Day!” to send your kids off with a smile. It’s simple, but it makes the day feel special right from the start.
4. Bake a Treat Together the Day Before
This is one we love in our house: baking something sweet together the day before school. Cookies, a cake, or even brownies work. Then enjoy the treat after the first day while everyone shares stories about how it went. It’s the perfect way to calm first-day jitters and connect as a family.
5. Go Out for a Special Dinner (or Make Their Favorite Meal)
After school, celebrate with a dinner out—or make their favorite meal at home. Either way, this tradition gives everyone something to look forward to and creates an easy space to talk about the highs and lows of the day.
6. Create a Back to School Basket for Teachers
Help your kids kick off the year with kindness by putting together a simple basket for their teacher. It doesn’t have to be anything over the top—just a few essentials like pens, sanitizer, and maybe a coffee gift card. Kids love giving it, and teachers love receiving it.
Here’s a bunch of ideas for your teacher back to school basket that they’ll love.
7. Add a Lunchbox Love Note
Slip a little note, joke, or doodle into their lunchbox. This tiny surprise can brighten their day and remind them you’re thinking of them. Even the “big kids” secretly love this one.
8. Give a New Book for the Night Before or After School
Kick off the school year with a fresh read. Gift your child a new book to enjoy either the night before school or as a calming activity after their big day. It’s a sweet, screen-free way to wind down and keep reading a priority.
Here’s a couple of our favorite first day picks: this one and this one.
9. Record a First Day of School Video Interview
This is my personal favorite. Every year, ask your kids a few fun questions—what they’re excited for, their favorite things, what they want to be when they grow up. Record it! Watching how their answers (and personalities) change over the years is priceless.
Check out this post for the video interview questions I ask and tips for saving your video (so it doesn’t get lost over the years!).
10. Keep a Countdown with Days Left of School
Want to keep the fun going all year? Use a Days Left of School countdown to track holidays, breaks, and special events. Kids love watching the numbers tick down, and it keeps everyone motivated when the school year starts to feel long.
Making First Day of School Traditions Your Own
Adding a tradition (or two) to your first day doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s chalking the sidewalk, leaving a lunchbox note, or baking cookies the night before, these little things become the memories your kids will talk about for years.
Pick a few of these first day of school traditions that work for your family and make them your own. You might be surprised at how much these small moments end up meaning to your kids (and to you, too).
