back to school Archives - Our Tiny Nest

11 In back to school/ DIY/ kids

Back to school countdown

This post contains affiliate links

The first day of school will be here before you know it! This Back to School Countdown is a fun way to get the kids excited and help prepare for the transition back or if they’re just starting kindergarten!

Back to School Countdown

To make your countdown you will need:

String or twine
Pencil cutouts (linking them here)
Clothes pins (linking here as well)

Start by numbering the front of each cutout, I did 1-10.

On the back of each paper, write little things to do to prepare for back to school. I gave some suggestions for what I did below.

Make a keychain for your backpack
Sharpen your pencils
Decorate your pencil case.
Practice opening your lunchbox – this was a tip from some teacher friends. Make sure your little ones know how to open their lunch box, put their straw in their juice box, etc. Having a little test run at home can help boost their confidence.
Set up a homework station.
Practice writing your full name, address and phone number.
Make a morning to do list. Click here to download this free printable or make your own!
Drop off your school supplies and do a tour of the school
Choose your first day of school outfit (Walmart, and Zulily, are some of our fave spots for back to school looks. I also have some ideas for girls here and the boys here).
Read a few books (linking some that we like below)

Pack your backpack.
Have an end of summer pool party or water balloon fight.
Bake a treat for an after school snack – my homemade banana bread is a favorite as well as these chocolate chip peanut butter bars!

Clip each pencil on the twine with a clothes pin and hang up your banner.

Such a super cute and easy visual for your kids to get prepared for back to school!

I love to see what you create! So be sure to take a photo and tag me on Instagram @ourtiny_nest!

My Back To School Basket

My back to school must haves

These back to school meal ideas

This end of the year teacher gift basket with free printable

Pin for later

Sign up below for more ideas right to your inbox!

August 15, 2022 By Nicolle

17 In back to school/ DIY/ kids

How to Make Back to School Basket

This post contains affiliate links

Back to school season is upon us! There is just something about this time of year that I love. Between the weather getting cooler, back to school shopping and getting back into a routine. The kids still had school throughout the summer but after Labor Day they head into their new classrooms for the year and with that comes the butterflies.

This year I decided that I wanted to put something together to give the kids the night before their first day to ease some of the nerves and make it fun. I got the idea to put together a Back to School Basket with some things to get them excited. Below I’m sharing some of the goodies in our Back to School Basket and how to put one together.

How to Make a Back to School Basket

I collected a bunch of little things throughout the summer that I thought the kids would enjoy.

Pajamas – I found these at Old Navy for $10 each!!!!

Books – Some of my favorites for the Back to School baskets are shown and linked below.

The Kissing Hand

If you Take a Mouse to School

Our Class is Family

Water bottles – I like these personalized ones stainless steel ones.

Hand sanitizer

For more Back To School Ideas check out

My Back To School Snack Mix

This fun Back To School Countdown

My Back To School Must Haves

These Back to School Meal Ideas

I love to see what you create. If you happen to make this, take a photo and tag me on Instagram @ourtiny_nest.

Pin for later

Stay tuned for my back to school countdown. Sign up below for it to go right to your inbox along with more ideas!

August 11, 2021 By Nicolle

1 In back to school/ mom hacks/ parenting

7 time saving tips for a smoother morning for moms

This post is sponsored by Kleenex, Scott, Cottonelle and Viva but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

As August comes to end, it’s time for back to school and new transitions. This September will be a new transition in our family as well as we will be in our new home and Maxwell will be in a new daycare full time. With new routines comes crazy mornings trying to get everyone ready for the day and out the door on time. I’ve gathered some tips and hacks to help beat the morning rush and help for an easier transition for all.

1.) Prep the night before – pack lunches and lay out outfits the night before. That way in the morning you can just get dressed and take lunch boxes out of the fridge and pack in everyone’s bags. Let your kids help you too that way they can wear something they helped pick out.

2.) Buy all your home essentials online and have the house stocked – In the morning the last thing you want to have to do is be running around looking for more paper towels or toilet paper because the roll is empty. I buy all of my essentials online at Amazon and have them delivered to the house that way I avoid the stores and don’t have to lug all of the bulky items around and into the car with a little one in tow.

3.) On Sunday, prepare some easy breakfasts for the week – I’m all about food prepping! One of my favorite quick breakfast ideas is egg muffins. Super easy to make and everyone loves them! In a bowl I whisk a dozen eggs, some milk and salt and pepper all together. Add shredded cheese and some veggies or meats of your choice. (We love to do some chopped bell peppers, spinach and chunks of bacon). Spray a muffin tin with nonstick spray. Pour the egg batter into the muffin tins until halfway full. Bake in the oven on 375 for 15 minutes. Store in a ziploc bag in the fridge and pop in the microwave before eating.

4.) Pack bags and backpacks the night before – Have your kids be sure to pack all their school supplies and homework the night before. Little one’s gotta bring in Kleenex for the class? Pack that too.

5.) Wake up early – I wake up earlier than everyone else that way I can shower and enjoy my morning cup of coffee in peace and quiet. I crave that time in the morning to gather all of my thoughts for the day and embrace the quiet before the chaos starts.

6.) Make a playlist – Have your kids make a playlist with songs that they like that get them up and moving. Make it into a routine. When Taylor Swift comes on, they have to get dressed by the end of the song. Once Bruno Mars is done, they have to have finished brushing their teeth.

7.) Keep the car stocked – How many times have you gotten the kids out of the house and into the car and then noticed they have peanut butter or yogurt smeared all over their face? I keep things like Kleenex wet wipes in my car that way I can wipe my little dude’s face clean before going out in public.