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How to Make the First Day of School Special (With Downloadables!)

Jessica Reyman

Jessica Reyman

How to Make the First Day of School Special (With Downloadables!)

It happened again! You blinked, and summer flashed before your very eyes, making way for the first day of school all too soon. (Wasn’t it just the beginning of June?!)  Whether you’re sending your little one off to pre-K for the first time or are a seasoned first day pro, it’s always a major milestone. 

Though we can’t guarantee that someone won’t (quite literally) cry over spilled milk at breakfast or misplace their lunchbox for the fifteenth time, we *can* create a little bit of magic to help make things more memorable. Here’s how to make the first day of school special!

The Night Before: Cozy, Calm & Confident!

Calm those back-to-school jitters before the bell rings by creating a few special moments the night before their big day:

1. Choose Their Back To School Looks

Letting your little learner choose their first day fit not only gives them a sense of independence but also allows their personality to shine bright! Whether they’re into sports, science, or art, our new prints are full of personality-packed picks that will inspire your child’s imagination, help build their confidence, and hold up at recess.

2. Cozy Up…

A smooth back-to-school routine has the power to make or break the next morning. After a warm bath, let your kiddos wind down in their fave pair of LS jammies. Made from buttery soft Lunaluxe® Bamboo with tons of fun new prints to choose from, there’s something for every little learner. Make it a “night before" tradition by grabbing matching styles for the whole fam to wear together!

3. …and Wind Down.

Once everyone is cozied up and matching, take some time for a bedtime story or one-on-one chat to set an intention. Read a favorite book together or ask questions about their hopes for the year. When they answer, really listen. You’ll both be grateful for this bonding time, and just a few minutes to check in will reassure your child that they’re going to rock this school year!


Featured Styles: Coloring Crew Two-Piece Pajama Set & Large Cloud Blanket

 

Morning Rituals to Set the Tone

It’s here! Starting the day with a few morning rituals can create calm and set the tone for a fabulous first day: 

1. Say Cheese!

Take a moment to document the start of a bright new year with a First Day Photo! This will feel particularly special at the end of the year, when you can look back at how far your kiddo has come. Download our printable First Day sign for your photo!

 

2. Pump Up The Jams!

Get your kids energized in the morning with a mood boosting playlist or a special breakfast. Fuel the fun with wacky dance moves, heart shaped pancakes, and tons of smiles before sending them on their way! A few moments of family fun will boost their energy, lift their mood, and ease their nerves.

 

Lunchbox Notes: A Mid-Day Hug

When the afternoon rolls around, the overwhelm of being back at school may hit your kiddo or they may start to miss you. Send them a little hug from home with a surprise note in their lunchbox! 

A simple “I love you” or “I’m so proud of you” goes a long way. Download our printable lunchbox notes, featuring the cutest elements from some of our fave LS prints!

 

Celebrate Together After School

Even the most exciting big days can feel a little too long. Take time to celebrate making it through all the first day feels once they’re home! Share a special after-school snack together while they tell you about their day, or stop by their fave park to get some fresh air. Ask them how school went, what they loved most, what they learned, what felt scary or new, and what they’re most excited for in the year to come. 

You’ve Got This! (And They Do, Too!)

It doesn’t require grand gestures to make the first day of school feel memorable. What matters most is that your little learner feels connected and supported by you. This is what will give them the confidence to make it their best year yet! 

Download our exclusive LS printables for all your back-to-school needs, and don’t forget to tag us at @littlesleepies in your first day photos! 

18 Comments

  • Cassie

    Aug/25/2025

    Such great tips!!! I love to do lunchbox notes!!!

  • Melissa B.

    Aug/19/2025

    Used the back to school print out today for first day of school photos! Just printed out the lunch notes. I’m thinking I’ll hang up one every few days on his door for when he comes home as a surprise because his preschool serves lunch for them.

  • Brittany Parker

    Aug/07/2025

    I love this back to school blog! Especially love the idea of printable lunch box notes! As parents we get so busy & still want to put a smile on our kids faces! Love this so much!

  • Brittney Bryner

    Aug/07/2025

    These are great tips. The downloadable is so cute! Cannot wait to share the picture with you guys!

  • Blair

    Aug/07/2025

    Great advice! The downloads are so cute! Being a teacher I know how important it is to be positive when it comes to going back to school! Parents that help motivate their children, create a positive environment and mindset about school! School supply shopping and letting your children pick out some new outfits make going back to school fun and enjoyable!

  • Caitlin S

    Aug/02/2025

    Always love the downloadables you share! These are no different, how thoughtful and kind! Thank you!

  • Candace

    Aug/02/2025

    LOVE these tips. My son starts preschool next week and I’ve never been more nervous in my life. He’s nonverbal and while I know this is the 1st day of so many accomplishments to come, the mama in me wants to keep him with me forever. Sometimes we forget it’s their 1st day but it’s our 1st day as well.

  • Sara

    Aug/02/2025

    All such amazing tips especially for first-time parents!!

  • Carmen F.

    Jul/21/2025

    Awesome tips and can be modified for first time daycare babes like my little one! Ready to grab some fro-yo and chat with my baby girl !!!

  • Ashley Graham

    Jul/21/2025

    Thank you for the printables. I am excited for my kids to start school. Shopping for outfits for them is my favorite thing and the new Little Sleepies back to school play line is perfection this year!!

  • Liz Eli Hanlon

    Jul/21/2025

    Thanks for the downloadables ! They are so cute …. I agree completely about it doesn’t take a lot to make your child’s day special … I love the routine of school days , I get as mich done as I can the night before so mornings won’t be stressful or rushed. I want to be present and not always rushing my boys. I always remind myself, my attitude sets the tone ❤️

  • Heidi

    Jul/16/2025

    Absolutely love the printable notes! Be such a sweet surprise for the littles

  • J. Lawson

    Jul/16/2025

    My mom used to put special notes in my lunches and I can’t wait to do the same for my two boys! My mom also used to send me to school with special treats for my class on my birthday.

  • Kaylynn

    Jul/16/2025

    Can’t wait to help set up first day outfits, that was always my favorite thing growing up! Love the idea of adding a love note to the lunchbox!!

  • Christina Boerger

    Jul/16/2025

    The back to school page and notes are so cute! Gonna save to use for when my twins are school age

  • Jenny

    Jul/16/2025

    The lunch box note designs are so cute!! Would love to see more of these in the future!!

  • Stephanie

    Jul/15/2025

    Love these!!!!!

  • Brynna

    Jul/15/2025

    Love lunchbox notes!

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