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Must Have Mom

Throw The Ultimate Back To School Party For Kids: After School Snacks, Free Printables, DIY’s & More!

Free Printables· Kids Activities· Parenting

11 Aug
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Ultimate Back To School Party Ideas - Printables, #AfterSchoolSnacks, Recipes & More! - Must Have Mom
 

This weekend we had the ultimate back to school party with my kids, my niece and my nephews. They are all gearing up for back to school and what more perfect way to celebrate than to have a party? I focused on fun after school snack ideas to help out the parents, DIY homework kits for the kids and fun printables and activities to get everyone ready for their first day of school. It was an absolute blast and the kids loved it. The parents loved that their kids left with everything they needed to start off school on the right foot! Here are my fun ideas for the ultimate back to school bash so you can host one of your own!

Decorative Crayon Jar - Must Have Mom
 

I went with a red and green color scheme using apples and green chalkboards as my inspiration. I created some easy decor ideas using simple materials. This little crayon holder was made from a dollar store glass jar, free printable napkin ring that I taped to the jar and a piece of twine tied around the top. I set the crayon jars out on the table so the kids could use them to fill in their papers.

Back to School Party Place Setting with Free Printables & Ideas
 

Each back to school place setting consisted of a name strip at the top with the child’s name on it, card stock paper placemat, binder, free printable interview for each child’s grade level, first day of school sign free printable and a chocolate bar with a free printable “Have A Sweet Year” wrapper on it.

Have A Sweet Year Chocolate Bar Printable #AfterSchoolSnacks #Shop
 

The kids loved the chocolate bars. It was the perfect way to start off the year! These would be a fun treat to send on the first day of school.

Back To School Printables #AfterSchoolSnacks & more! #Shop
 

Next, we moved on to filling out the interviews. Each child had their own interview to fill out for each of their grade levels. Once they finished filling them out we slipped them into page protectors and put them in the binder. Do this each year and create a neat keepsake to look back on. It’s fun to see how their answers change each year. If you start it now you can print out all of the K-12 Free Printable Interviews and fill the binder and have them ready to be filled out at the start of each school year.

Back To School Party #AfterSchoolSnacks #Shop
 

We had kids of all ages at our party, from pre-k to 8th grade. They all had a blast and it was so fun to watch the big kids helping out the little ones. I particularly loved watching my nephew who is in 8th grade help out my daughter (first grade) when she was filling out her interview. It was a great opportunity for her to talk about her first day of school jitters and it was heartwarming watching him ease her worries.

Scrabble Cheese Crackers - Must Have Mom #AfterSchoolSnacks #Shop
 

Of course we had to have some fun after school snack ideas at our party! We had fun with the Scrabble cheese crackers and it was a great way for the kids to practice spelling out words while they snacked.

Bagel Bites at Walmart #AfterSchoolSnacks #shop
 

I found some inspiration in the “Parties & Gatherings” freezer section at Walmart and I picked up Bagel Bites and Delimex Taquitoes with a fun party idea in mind! There were even coupons for the Bagel Bites and Delimex on the Walmart website so I scored some savings too!

Bagel Bite Tic Tac Toe #AfterSchoolSnacks #Shop
 

My fun party food idea? I created a tic tac toe game board out of Delimex Taquitoes and then used Cheese and Pepperoni Bagel Bites as the X’s and O’s! Not only are these the perfect after school snacks for the kiddos, but they are made with real cheese and homemade sauce with 0g trans fat so I feel good serving them too.

Back To School Party Food #AfterSchoolSnacks #Shop
 

This was hugely popular at our party and it was fun to see the kids get some good games going! They thought it was fantastic and each took turns tournament style!

Bagel Bite & Taquito Tic Tac Toe #AfterSchoolSnacks #Shop

 Of course after the final game they devoured the board and all it’s pieces 🙂

Apple Rice Krispie Treat #AfterSchoolSnacks #Shop
 

For dessert we had these adorable Rice Krispie apples that I made. They were incredibly easy and SOOOO adorable! All of the adults were raving over how cute they turned out.

Back to School Party Candy Apples Recipe #AfterSchoolSnacks #Shop

Back to School Candy Apples

Sarah | Must Have Mom
Easy spin on rice krispie treats making them into apples!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 2 mins
Total Time 17 mins
Course Dessert
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 1 package mini marshmallows 5 1/2 cups
  • 6 cups rice krispies cereal
  • 1 package red jello
  • red gel food coloring
  • 12 to otsie rolls chocolate
  • 2 airhead candies

Instructions
 

  • Melt butter in large microwave safe bowl in the microwave.
  • Add marshmallows and stir to coat.
  • Microwave 60 seconds and stir. Microwave in 30 second intervals until marshmallows are completely melted.
  • Stir in jello powder.
  • Add food coloring and continue mixing until desired color is reached.
  • Add cereal and mix well.
  • Add additional food coloring as needed.
  • Wear greased gloves (to prevent dying your hands) and form small balls and shape like an apple, flat on the bottom and round on top.
  • Place on parchment paper and continue forming all 12 apples.
  • Let set until they firm slightly (a few minutes) then use your finger to form a diver in the top where the tootsie roll stem will go.
  • Then put tootsie roll into the divet and form around the tootsie roll so it holds in place.
  • Next cut 1/4" strips of airhead candy and fold in half to create a leaf.
  • Place next to tootsie roll stem.
  • Store in airtight container.

Back to School Party DIY Homework Kits
 

The kids were so excited to each take home their own homework kits packed full of school supplies and everything they will need to successfully do their homework each day. These were the perfect party favor as they served a purpose for back to school and they left prepared for all the homework that they year will bring!

DIY Homework Kits
 

For each homework kit I bought a shower caddy at Walmart in the section with the plastic bins and organizing bins. I applied a chalkboard sticker and wrote their name on it. Then I filled them with notebooks, folders, a ruler, pencils, pens, markers, crayons, scissors, erasers, glue sticks, a pencil sharpener and a timer. For the full DIY Mobile Homework Station tutorial click the link! The timer is perfect for setting the amount of time you expect your child to work on their homework before taking a break.

DIY Teacher Gift Idea Pencil Vase
 

My centerpiece doubled as an excellent teacher gift idea. Using a large, empty soup can you simply use hot glue to apply the pencils all the way around. Then finish it off with a pretty bow and fill with flowers! What teacher wouldn’t love to have this on her desk?

First Day Of School Printable Sign
 

Finally, each child left with these cute free printable first day of school signs along with last day of school signs so their parents can snap their photos and add them to their binders along with their interviews!

Get more back to school party ideas in my backyard back to school party post!

 

What are you doing to prepare for back to school?

*Thanks to #AfterSchoolSnacks and #CollectiveBias for inspiring this post.

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46 Comments

Previous Post: « An Open Letter To Mothers Of Colicky Babies
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Elizabeth @ Being MVP says

    August 11, 2014 at 4:39 pm

    What a fun idea! I love the centerpiece as a gift to the teacher.

    Reply
  2. Aimee Smith says

    August 11, 2014 at 5:12 pm

    I want to go back to school just to come to your party! How fun! Love that tic tac toe game!

    Reply
  3. Katy Rawson says

    August 11, 2014 at 5:46 pm

    You have inspired me. I love the Back to School theme. The rice krispie apples are adorable. I love the edible tic-tac-toe. This can easily become a new family tradition for our families.

    Reply
  4. Lisa says

    August 11, 2014 at 5:52 pm

    These are such great ideas. I love the rice krispie apples so much! I want to come to your back to school parties!

    Reply
  5. Jen Temcio @dapperhouse says

    August 11, 2014 at 6:46 pm

    You are SO FUN! These ideas are amazing and looks like the kids Really enjoyed it.

    Reply
  6. Francine @ Teresa's Family Cleaning says

    August 11, 2014 at 6:53 pm

    What a fun idea. Love your photos too!

    Reply
  7. kristin says

    August 11, 2014 at 7:03 pm

    I love these ideas!! How fun and creative too. Those apples are too cute too!!!

    Reply
  8. Angela S says

    August 11, 2014 at 7:09 pm

    You put such a fun party together. A back to school party is a grat idea!

    Reply
  9. CrazyMom a/k/a Melanie says

    August 11, 2014 at 7:37 pm

    What a fun back to school party and I love your apple recipe, soo creative..thanks for sharing

    Reply
  10. Pam says

    August 11, 2014 at 7:43 pm

    What fun ideas! I especially love those candy apples. I would have liked the kids to bring me one when I was teaching!

    Reply
  11. Dee Mauser says

    August 11, 2014 at 7:56 pm

    What a great idea. And an awesome way to get kids back into the mindset of school just prior to them going back.

    Reply
  12. Amy Desrosiers says

    August 11, 2014 at 8:00 pm

    What a fun party to celebrate back to school! My girls seem to be very excited for this time.

    Reply
  13. Mama to 5 BLessings says

    August 11, 2014 at 8:06 pm

    You are a superhero mom What cute ideas, love the apples! We always have an end of the year party in our homeschooling, we should do a back to school one!

    Reply
  14. Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says

    August 11, 2014 at 8:07 pm

    Awe, that looks like a fun party! All 3 of my girls are in school all day this year – I need to throw myself a party to celebrate! 😉

    Reply
  15. Jennifer says

    August 11, 2014 at 8:19 pm

    I love this post! What a great way to make the most dreaded day of any child’s life a fun experience.

    Reply
  16. Shauna says

    August 11, 2014 at 8:47 pm

    What a great way to celebrate a great day. I love the tic tac toe… that is so super-smart. Thanks for sharing and love the free printables.

    Reply
  17. Jenna Wood says

    August 11, 2014 at 9:12 pm

    The apples are just adorable, what a clever idea to throw a party to get your kids excited about the upcoming school year! This reminds me of something my mom would have done.

    Reply
  18. Janel (A Mom's Take) says

    August 11, 2014 at 9:31 pm

    We have already done back to school, last weekend, but now I want to have a party and make those adorable candy apples. Hope everyone has a great school year in your household.

    Reply
  19. anna pry says

    August 11, 2014 at 9:57 pm

    very cute ideas, i especially like the caddies with the supplies in them

    Reply
  20. Myrah - Coupon Mamacita says

    August 11, 2014 at 9:58 pm

    That is such a great idea! Gorgeous decor, food and kids!

    Reply
  21. Tammileetips says

    August 11, 2014 at 10:26 pm

    What a great party!!! I love the teacher’s gift I am sure they will love taking it in too. Looks like a ton of fun!

    Reply
  22. Ann Bacciaglia says

    August 11, 2014 at 10:56 pm

    What a fun idea! I love the flower vase. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  23. Nolie says

    August 11, 2014 at 10:58 pm

    I love the tic tac toe board snack. What a fun idea to make for the kids.

    Reply
  24. Amber Edwards says

    August 11, 2014 at 11:17 pm

    What an awesome back to school party! My kids would have a blast with this! And I love that pencil bouquet!

    Reply
  25. Chelley @ AisForAdelaide says

    August 11, 2014 at 11:19 pm

    I love your centerpiece-turned-teacher-gift! While I don’t have kids in school, yet, I’ll Pin this so I remember your great tips!!!

    Reply
  26. Lisa says

    August 11, 2014 at 11:59 pm

    What a fun idea to have a back to school party! Love the way you turned the food into a game too!

    Reply
  27. Angele @shoeboxbegone says

    August 12, 2014 at 2:30 am

    I love the shower caddy turned homework cart!!!! I’ll have to do that for my 3rd grader this year. great party ideas too 🙂

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      August 15, 2014 at 3:22 pm

      I just added in a link to the homework caddy tutorial if you need any tips!

      Reply
  28. Kelsey Apley says

    August 12, 2014 at 8:03 am

    What a fun party, I love all the details you put into it and I love the tic tac toe!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      August 15, 2014 at 3:21 pm

      Thanks Kelsey! The details are really what makes it so special!

      Reply
  29. April says

    August 12, 2014 at 8:35 am

    Super cute idea. Love the crayon holder.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      August 15, 2014 at 3:21 pm

      Thanks April! I could totally see that doubling as a great teacher gift for her desk!

      Reply
  30. Kimberly Grabinski says

    August 12, 2014 at 10:11 am

    Such a cute idea! I love the tic tac toe and the apples are adorable!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      August 15, 2014 at 3:21 pm

      Thanks Kim! The tic tac toe was such a huge hit with the kids too!

      Reply
  31. Tess says

    August 12, 2014 at 8:41 pm

    What a fun party idea. I think we might have one this weekend to celebrate.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      August 15, 2014 at 3:20 pm

      Let us know how it goes!

      Reply
  32. Kristin Wheeler (@MamaLuvsBooks) says

    August 12, 2014 at 10:21 pm

    I love the “Have a Sweet Year!” What fun!!! #client

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      August 15, 2014 at 3:20 pm

      The kids thought those were so cool!

      Reply
  33. Brett says

    August 13, 2014 at 12:53 am

    What a great idea! We may have to throw a back-to-school party next year.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      August 15, 2014 at 3:20 pm

      It’s a great tradition to start!

      Reply
  34. Stefani Tolson says

    August 13, 2014 at 12:15 pm

    My kids start their new school year tomorrow. A back to school party might be in order for the weekend! You got some great ideas here.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      August 15, 2014 at 3:20 pm

      Wow you go back to school early!

      Reply

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Meet Sarah

Meet Sarah, the mom behind Must Have Mom, where she shares easy solutions to simplify everyday life for busy families. As a mom to four young children she knows what it's like trying to be supermom and keep your sanity. This is the place for moms to unite and enjoy the crazy journey of motherhood. Read More…

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