📸 Real mom moment by @occasions.byshakira

Back to school doesn’t have to mean the end of summer fun — in fact, we say it’s the perfect excuse to PARTY! Whether you're celebrating your little's new school adventure or surprising your favorite Teacher, we believe kicking off the season with confidence (and confetti) makes all the difference.

From breakfast parties to baskets and teacher gifts, here are 10 fun, parent-approved ways to make back to school a memorable celebration!

1. Back to School Breakfast!

A favorite new tradition we’ve been taking notes on! Combat the jitters with pancakes, party cups, and confetti on the table to make the morning feel anything but ordinary.

🥞 Pro tip: Pancakes and pencil headbands make the perfect pair! Complete their place setting with a surprise accessory for extra smiles.

2. Set the Scene with a Statement!

Start the party with a bang (or a pencil confetti popper)! Whether you’re decorating the kitchen table or the front porch, set the scene for FUN. Our Jumbo Inflatable Pencil instantly transforms any space into a photo-ready moment — and the best part? It’s reusable and totally picture-perfect.

📸 Real mom moment: Parents are using these for first-day photos — and the results are beyond frame-worthy.

📸 Real mom moment by @laur.n.co

3. Back to School Baskets

You know we love a Packed Party — so of course we love a packed basket! We’ve seen them filled with new school supplies, books, outfits, shoe charms, and of course, our fun accessories to surprise your littles.

Gift it the night before with some fun school themed pajamas or as part of your breakfast celebration. It’s the cutest tradition in the making — and the ultimate “you’ve got this” gift.

📸 Real mom moment by @lululemonpants

 

 

4. Celebrate with a Countdown

Turn the lead-up into a party! Create a fun 5-day countdown with mini gifts. Think fun socks, cute erasers, treats, and make their new back-to-school gear a gift-worthy moments. It builds excitement and turns the regular prep into a party!

Dare we say... a Back to School advent calendar might be next?

5. Create a Dress-Up Station

Let your little pick out their first-day outfit — then spice it up! Add a Pencil Claw Clip, Pencil Glasses, or their favorite accessory to boost their confidence and style. Perfect for first-day photos and those all-important good vibes.

6. Front Porch Send-Offs

A Packed Party fave we live to see all over social! As soon as our Back to School Collection drops, we count down to this moment. Parents use our Confetti Pennant Kit and our novelty items to create the cutest and most memorable moments while showing off their new backpacks, excited faces, and toting those adorable "first day" signs!

📸 Real mom moment by @sweetcarolinedesigns

7. Meet the Teacher Gifts

Just like the baskets made for your littles, don’t forget the teachers who make the magic happen all year long! Get your child involved so they can proudly pass the gift along and start building that special bond with their new teacher.

🍎 Hot tip: Teachers love the fun jewelry and accessories we design for Walmart! But if you need more ideas, check out the Best Gift For Teachers Blog!

                                            

📽️ Real mom moments by @sierralmiller and @sierra.honeycutt

8. DIY Some Sweet Treats

Want to serve something special on the first morning — or surprise them at lunch? Our Pencil Wafer Treats are the cutest (and easiest) no-bake treat around. Here's how you (or even your little one) can make them! 

📽️ Pencil Wafer Treats Reel

9. Pack a Surprise Lunch Note

Keep the celebration going even after drop-off! Tuck a mini confetti bag, fun sticker sheet, or thoughtful note into their lunchbox.

If you grabbed a Packed Party lunchbox, you’re already ahead — it comes with our adorable lunch note pad. Just fill one out and pop it in!

📽️ Lunchbox Notes Reel

 

10. Get Crafty with a DIY Station

Set up a space where they can personalize their back-to-school gear. From folders to pencil boxes to backpacks, let them decorate their supplies using stickers, washi tape, patches, or our proven fave, the Stick to It Vinyl Stickers!

✂️ It’s a fun activity and helps them feel proud and prepped for the big day. Also, a fun time to DIY some Teacher gifts as well! 

🎒 Ready to Party?

Whether you go big or keep it cozy, these ideas are all about turning back to school into a feel-good moments for you and your littles!

Shop our Back to School Collection for the ultimate fresh start and be sure to share your celebrations with us! Use #PackedPartyBackToSchool for a chance to be featured!