Back-to-School Prep: Building Excitement One Pencil Case at a Time

I still remember the feeling — walking into the store, list in hand, hunting for the perfect lunchbox, the sharpest pencils, and that one special folder that somehow made the whole idea of school feel cool.

Fast forward a few decades and I’m now on the other side, watching our sweet Jayden light up over his own set of new supplies. Pikachu plush in hand, mission accomplished.

Getting ready for 5th grade hit a little differently this year — maybe it’s how grown-up he’s looking (when did that happen?!), or maybe it’s the quiet pride I feel seeing him take ownership of what he needs to feel prepared.

Here’s what our back-to-school ritual looked like this year — simple, joyful, and full of little traditions I hope stick around for years to come:

✏️ The Supply Hunt

We started at home with a quick list: basics like pencils, pens, folders… and then the fun stuff — stickers, notebooks with banana prints (yes, bananas!), and of course, a Pokémon lunch kit that’s sure to be a conversation starter in the cafeteria.

Jayden beamed as we loaded everything into the cart — not because of the supplies, but because he got to pick them.

Giving him that little bit of control turns school prep into something exciting, not just necessary.

📚 The Bookstore Stop

We made time for a quick detour to one of our favorite local spots: the bookstore.

Because while school has its own reading list, there’s something special about picking out a book just for fun — the kind you can tuck into your backpack and sneak during quiet time.

🍎 Setting the Mood at Home

Back at home, we laid everything out on the table like a mini showcase. It’s a tradition we started a couple years ago — take a photo, admire the colors, and soak in the moment.

It helps turn the shift from summer to school into a celebration, not a chore.

💛 Why It Matters

Back-to-school prep isn’t just about pencils and paper. It’s about giving our kids a sense of readiness, confidence, and excitement for what’s ahead.

It’s about showing them we care — not just that they have what they need, but that we see how important this moment is.

If you’re prepping for a new school year in your house, here’s my best advice: let them lead, make it a little festive, and don’t forget to take a picture. Years from now, those little back-to-school smiles will mean the world.

✨ What’s in Your Backpack This Year?

Do you have a tradition you love during school prep? A go-to lunchbox snack? Leave a comment or tag us on Instagram @TastesFromTammie — we’d love to hear how you make the season special in your home.