Send them to school with a secret care package

Homemade baked goods

Sometimes, you just need a little taste of home to get you through the day. Slip a few homemade cookies, a brownie or a muffin into her backpack before she heads off to school. If she’s not permitted to snack throughout the day, pack enough for her to share with her friends at lunch. She’ll be glad you thought of it, and you’ll be an instant rock star with all of her friends.

Crayons or colored pencils

Remember how cool it was to have new art supplies when you were young? There’s just something special about a box of untouched crayons. Surprise your little one with that treasure by slipping some new crayons, markers or colored pencils into her backpack. Chances are, she needs new ones, and even if she doesn’t she’ll be thrilled.

A note

Slip a note into her backpack to say hello throughout the day. It doesn’t have to be long (and there’s no need to get mushy, Mom!). Just keep it short, and give her a few encouraging words or a reminder you think she might need. She probably won’t share it with her friends, but she’ll love the fact that you sent it.

Keep it safe

Don’t let all your hard work and planning go to waste by letting your care package get smashed on the bottom of a packed-full backpack. Seal those notes and gift cards in sandwich bags, and use Ziploc Brand Twist ’n Loc containers to keep the larger, breakable items safe. They won’t get lost at the bottom of the bag, and the cookies won’t be reduced to crumbs before the first bell rings!