A 'Summer Surprise Bag' – Our Exciting New Tradition for Kicking Off Summer

As the season changes, our family faces a significant transition. After a long school year, particularly one impacted by the pandemic, the arrival of summer break is a welcome relief. Whether your children were homeschooled, engaged in remote learning, hybrid classes, or attended school in person, this past year has certainly been a challenge. Let’s take a moment to collectively exhale as we approach summer.

This transition leaves parents pondering one important question: what comes next? How can we keep our children engaged for the next two and a half months while still managing our adult responsibilities? Between work, household chores, errands, and the need for some social interaction, maintaining a balance can be tricky, especially when kids’ routines have changed so much. I have a couple of suggestions to make this easier. First, consider creating a summer activity list for your children. Trust me; a little planning goes a long way. Second, surprise them with a summer gift bag filled with fun items to make their summer unforgettable.

You might wonder if spending more money on your kids is necessary. The reality is, you’re likely going to spend quite a bit on them throughout the summer anyway, from activities to snacks (oh, the snacks!) and gas for all those outings. Why not bundle some of that into a delightful gift to celebrate the start of summer?

Swim Gear

If water activities are on your agenda, your kids will need swim gear. Think beyond just swimsuits—include cover-ups, flip-flops, goggles, beach balls, dive sticks, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Remember to add swim safety items like floaties if necessary.

Gardening Supplies

More like digging in the dirt! Equip your kids with gardening tools like hand shovels, gloves, seeds, and a watering can for hours of outdoor fun. My older kids enjoy making bouquets, so adding a pair of gardening scissors and a vase could be a nice touch.

Books

Our collection of books is vast, but with four kids, they can easily swap among themselves. Books aren’t limited to just paperbacks; comic books, graphic novels, and audiobooks also make great gifts. While local libraries are fantastic resources, check for any pandemic-related restrictions that might be in place.

Snacks

Let’s be honest—snacks can significantly impact your summer budget. Prepare your kids’ favorite travel snacks and drinks for outings, whether it’s for sports practices or longer trips. They’re also perfect for grab-and-go moments when heading outside or visiting grandparents.

Craft Supplies

My kids absolutely love fresh supplies for their creative projects. A stack of cardstock, markers, crayons, scissors, tape, and other art materials can keep them entertained while you tackle your to-do list. If you’re incorporating some summer learning, consider adding flashcards and workbooks as well.

Play Clothes

I don’t have the time or patience to fuss over my children’s outfits. Assess what they need for summer, and don’t shy away from budget-friendly tees and shorts—even if they feature wild prints! Once a year, we gift each child a plain white tee and a tie-dye kit for a fun summer project.

Outdoor Equipment

Remember the joy of outdoor play as a child? Hula hoops, jump ropes, and sidewalk chalk can provide endless entertainment. Don’t forget to pick up a sprinkler—after all, nothing beats a classic summer!

Kitchen Fun

Kitchen tools can be exciting too. Consider reusable popsicle molds for your kids to create their own frozen treats. They love mixing chocolate milk with banana slices! Also, get sturdy water bottles in different colors for easy identification.

Building Toys

Younger kids enjoy wooden blocks, while older ones might like a new LEGO set. Building toys foster creativity and problem-solving skills and can offer hours of entertainment. My kids particularly enjoy building contests, where we set a timer and judge their creations.

Movie Night

A classic favorite, movie nights are always a hit. Stock up on popcorn, candy, and drinks to create a cozy cinema experience at home, complete with pajamas.

Gathering your kids’ summer essentials in a gift bag is a delightful way to kick off the season. Plus, you were going to buy these items anyway, so why not enjoy the satisfaction of being the “summer fairy godparent”?

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Summary:

Introducing a ‘Summer Surprise Bag’ can transform the start of summer into a magical experience for your kids. This thoughtful gift, filled with swimming gear, books, snacks, and outdoor toys, not only keeps them entertained but also gives parents a structured way to manage the summer break. With a little planning, you can create lasting memories while maintaining your sanity.

A ‘Summer Surprise Bag’ – Our Exciting New Tradition for Kicking Off Summer