You don’t have to turn another year older, win an Oscar or save a cat from a burning building to get a cake baked in your honor at our home.
So it stands to reason that I am planning a huge shindig to celebrate my first grader’s last day of school.
Okay, it’s not a huge bash, but we are certainly planning to observe the end of her first year of all-day school with more than just a congratulatory handshake. After all, we can’t leave all the partying to the eighth and 12th graders.
I realize that times are tough and most parents don’t have the means to go all out to commemorate each and every one of their child’s accomplishments, but you don’t have to break the bank to make your kid’s last day of school a special occasion.
For example, if you have younger children, consider making a customized t-shirt that he can wear on the last day of school or the day after the last day of school. Simply find a white tee and decorate it with the word “Graduate” in puffy paint. You can also add a drawing of a dog or bear wearing a graduation cap and holding a diploma. Another option is to use your home computer to print out a photo of your child, and then transfer it to the shirt using iron-on transfer paper. If you are short on time, then place an order for a custom shirt online at Cafe Press or Zazzle.
Another great idea for an end of the school year gift is a bucket of books. Select a bunch of new title from your child’s favorite author, be it Dr. Seuss or J.K. Rowling, and place them in a bucket that you can re-use at the beach or park. If you are really ambitious you could create a personalized story about your child’s school adventures at CustomStoryBooks.com.
We will be celebrating my daughter’s last day of school at a new Japanese restaurant that just opened up across from Toys R Us. After we stuff ourselves with sushi and steak I will present our future second grader with a tote bag filled with an array of art supplies, from crepe paper and Crafty Critters to glow-in-the-dark markers, chalk, glitter tattoos and face paint.
All of which I’m sure will be used up by day two of summer vacation.
How you are planning to celebrate your child’s last day of school?