I can’t believe it’s already time for us to start a new year of homeschool! After taking two months off, we’re all ready to dive back into our school routine.
The first day of Homeschool is always special. We have a big breakfast, we play games, look through our new curriculum, and I always give the boys a basket with some things they could use for the school year. Back to school baskets can be a fun tradition to start with your kids, whether they do public school or homeschool. You can also keep it simple, just remember to have fun with it!
In the past I’ve given them things like:
- Yoto Cards
- School supplies (pencils, crayons, rulers, etc)
- Craft supplies
- Books
- Water bottles
- Backpacks
- Pajamas/clothes
Every year is different! I try to give them things that they need and I know they can use for the following school year. This year, I kept it simple and got a few things that I thought my kids would actually enjoy (and not things that I thought would just make for a cute gift).
If you want to read more about our First Day of School traditions and see what our baskets from last year looked like, you can find them here: First Day of Homeschool Traditions.
2025-26 Back to School Baskets:
- Reading Journals . I’m so excited about these reading journals from Schoolnest. These journals have pages to track book titles, library books, jot quotes, make book wish lists, write reviews, and more. My oldest has really gotten into reading and I wanted him to have a way to keep track of what he’s read this year (as well as practice reviewing books). This will be more of a “just for fun” activity for my Kindergartener and I’ll be helping him with his journal entries.
- One Question a Day Journal. I thought this journal would be a fun way for the boys to start their day! There’s 365 questions for kids to answer throughout the year. This will be extra writing practice for the boys, as well as a fun keepsake for the end of the year.
- Mad Libs . Mad libs are a classic, am I right? It’s a fun game of fill in the blank, while practicing your grammar knowledge. I love the Mad Libs Junior versions for younger kids! Instead of kids having to come up with words on their own, there is a word bank for them to pick from. Below each space are symbols that tell kids if they need to find the nouns, verbs, or adjectives sections to choose from. I think my boys are going to love making up funny stories in their free time and they won’t even think of it as extra language arts practice.
- Reading Lights . My kids are bookworms and love reading in the dark! I thought these reading lights would be a fun addition to their baskets.
- Bookmarks . We can always use more bookmarks! Anything extra silly is bound to be a hit with my kids. I know these silly 3D animal bookmarks are going to make them smile!
- Chewing Gum . My boys have had a gum obsession lately. My oldest likes to chew it while he’s doing school because it helps him focus. I thought this chewing gum would be a fun treat to include in their baskets. Bonus points that it’s naturally flavored, sugar, and dye free!
That’s it!
I also include a first day of school pennant in their baskets. I’ve used this one from Lovely Planner for the past few years and it’s FREE! On the first day, we take a picture of the kids holding the pennants and it’s one of my favorite ways to remember the day.
Have any questions? Drop them in the comments below.