While at Wal-Mart the other day I noticed that their school supplies were on mega sale! A 24-count box of Crayola crayons was just 29 cents! I suddenly felt an urge to buy 600 boxes! I mean, who can resist the smell of a brand new box of crayons?
That smell was definitely one of my favorite things about the new school year! I could not wait until my elementary school mailed out our school supply lists and my brothers and I would race to the store to get stocked up. My absolute favorite thing about back-to-school supply shopping, though, was picking out a new lunch pail.
I am 27 years old and I still buy myself a new lunch pail every year. I am not even kidding about this. And the more glitter-y it is, the better!
As I pondered the wonderment and fun of school supplies, I thought, “What if I created a Back-to-School Supply Treasure Hunt for Mommies to do with their kids to get them pumped about the new school year?!”
Mommies, HERE IT IS! All you have to do is buy the supplies, hide them around the house, and jot the following clues on pieces of paper to leave at each treasure’s location.
To begin the hunt, set a brand new backpack for your child outside his/her bedroom door in the morning. When they come out, they will find the backpack and a note that says…
Clue #1 – Grab your new backpack to start the year right! We’re going on a hunt to fill it up tight! With pencils, and paper, and markers, and things; Oh what fun a Back to School Treasure Hunt brings! The first thing you’ll need are some super sharp pencils; Head to the place that holds kitchen utensils!
Clue #2 – Markers for drawing in green, blue, and red; Why don’t you check under (Mommy’s*) bed?
Clue #3 – A box of crayons so colorful and new; Maybe you’ll find some tucked inside (Daddy’s*) shoe!
Clue #4 – You’re doing so great on this treasure hunt; Your next item can be found on the grass out front!
Clue #5 – Paper and notebooks! What a sight to be seen! Maybe you’ll find some where the clothes get clean!
Clue #6 – Snip, snip is the sound that scissors make; Find a pair in the place where a bath you do take!
Clue #7 – Rulers for measuring a line super straight; Quick, it might be by the place you last ate!
Clue #8 – Hooray! You’ve found everything on the list! But there’s one last supply that can’t be missed! The most important thing that you’ll need for the whole school year, is Jesus, your best friend, who will fill you with cheer! The best way to get the school year off to a great start, is to ask the Lord Jesus to live in your heart! He’ll be with you every step of the way; And He’ll guide you and bless you each and every school day.
BONUS IDEA – Back-to-School is a great time to get your kids thinking about others. Maybe put a double of each school supply at each spot on the treasure hunt and explain to your child that they are going on a hunt for their own supplies AND the supplies for someone who really needs them. Have your child donate the extra backpack and supplies to a local organization or to a family you know that is in need. For donation sites and details check out this article from Sun Sentinel: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfe-sfp-schooldonations,0,3609254.story. 🙂
That’s DOUBLE the magic right there!
Happy Back-to-School!
* These words can be replaced with other family member’s names.
ONE EXTRA TIP – While supplies are so cheap, grab several extra items and save them to throw into your child’s Christmas stocking in December. You’ll be glad you did!
These are such fun ideas Julie!!! Seriously….you ought to consider writing a book!!! Where were you when my children were little???? Oh yeah…you were little too!!! haha!!! xoxoxo
I love this idea! This is the best blog ever! My son’s school provides all of his supplies. I’m sure I’ll buy him a few things just for fun though. Can you help me think of some nontraditional “supplies” he might need for the 4th grade?
Hey Marcy! Maybe you could stop by ACE educational for some really fun, personalized options! Like pencils with his specific grade on it, or a really wild pencil case, a new lunch pail, backpack… tissues are always important musts for the classroom as well as wipes, hand-sanitizer, paper towels… Another GREAT store to find some CREATIVE back-to-school items – The Learning Express! Also, Haley Hendrikse told me that Walgreens has some incredible new markers out that change colors or are invisible or something. Just a few ideas!!! I hope these help! You are such a fun mommy! Xoxo
I can NOT wait to do this treasure hunt!! WHAT FUN!!! We just got back from Wal-Mart and got all of our school supplies and got DOUBLE so we could donate the extras. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!! Thank you SO much—I know this took so much time and thought–I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it and my girls will too!!