What goes into a school cone? Ideas for small gifts

Looking for ideas for what to put in a school cone?

Even if the name "Zuckertüte" (sugar cone) suggests it, its contents don't have to cause a sugar rush. We have better ideas and speak from our own experience.

My eldest started school last year. As always, I approached the school cone situation quite naively. "We'll just put some sweets in it and a few things to play with," I thought. In the end, it turned into a bit of a stress and, well, it could have been done better. When my youngest son starts school in two years, I'll definitely be better prepared.

 

 

Practical items for school life

Even before the first day of school, you will receive a list from your child's teacher with items needed for 1st grade. Many of these are also suitable for the school cone. Your child will be proud to receive them, and you'll kill two birds with one stone. 

• Watercolor paint box and brushes
• Painting smock
• Lunchbox (Be careful: not all fit into the new satchel)
• Water bottle
• New sports shoes for class
• Sports clothes for class
• Name stickers for labeling materials

 

Why not even more pragmatism?

There are also pragmatic ideas for the school commute or the newly organized family daily routine, which are by no means unpopular:

• Wristwatch, possibly even a kids' smartwatch with safety features (if you want)
• Alarm clock (you'll definitely need it)
• Reflectors for clothing and the school commute
• Safety vest
• Velcro badges for the school bag
• Rain cover for the school bag
• Compact umbrella
• Hat and scarf
• Report card folder
• Nice templates for the timetable

 

Gift ideas that make you proud

Your child has already grown so much, and you can certainly show and appreciate that. With gifts that make them proud:

• Own front door key
• Keychain
• Wallet for first pocket money
• School shirt (these can often be bought in advance when getting to know the school)

 

Delicious ideas for the sugar cone

Sweets, within reasonable limits, are a must, of course. The only important thing is that they aren't too heavy. That's why light treats are called for now, preferably mixed with some healthier snacks:

• Puffed rice
• Marshmallows
• Dried fruits
• Nuts
• Chocolate pen set
• Chocolate bars or muesli bars
• Lollipops
• Gummy bears
• Candies

 

Small gifts for learning

Little school beginners are incredibly proud when they can solve their first math problems or read their first sentences themselves. Children (mostly) enjoy learning and practicing. This should, of course, be encouraged:

• Learning pad for 1st grade
• Puzzle book
• Counting or alphabet chain
• Traffic rules game
• Reading or math game
• Quiz cards for starting school
• Bookmark
• Children's encyclopedia
• Chemistry kit

Things that miraculously disappear over the school weeks

...and therefore you can never have enough of:

• Rulers
• Unusual pencil sharpeners
• Craft scissors
• Pencils
• Colored pencils
• Fancy erasers
• Special pens

Thoughtful ideas for the contents of the school cone

• Friendship book
• Memory book (My 1st Day of School, My 1st School Year)
• Books about starting school
• CDs and audio plays for starting school
• Bracelet with name

Ideas for your child's mental support

Of course, your child is a little nervous about the first day of school, even if they don't yet know what to expect. It's clear even to the youngest that a completely new situation is approaching.

Yes! The entire family's daily routine changes completely when a child starts school. Morning routines have to be reorganized, homework has to be done in the afternoons. Younger siblings have to take a back seat during this time.

A little mental support can never hurt in moments when one feels queasy:

• Stuffed animal
• Lucky stone
• Small good luck charms
• A bracelet or necklace that brings good luck
• Worry eater

 

And even more ideas

• Vouchers, e.g., for the cinema, H&M, dm, etc.
• Create a voucher booklet for the start of school yourself; you can include vouchers for, e.g., 1x ice cream sundae, 1x watching a movie, 1x swimming, 1x more than usual, etc.
• Library card
• Tooth fairy box, if your child still has all their baby teeth
• Jump rope
• Elastic jump rope
• Children's carving knife
• Bath bombs or bath colors
• Sticker album with stickers
• Hair ties or clips
• Earrings
• Magic towel
• Kids' tattoos

 

Tips and tricks

• It's best to put the heavy items at the bottom so nothing gets crushed and the school cone is easier to carry.
• Fill the school cone only high enough so you can still tie it nicely at the top.
• It's best to fill the tip of the school cone, this further stabilizes it. Sweets like marshmallows or clothing are suitable for this.
• What is your child interested in? Hobbies and interests can already be considered when choosing the school cone.

Important: The school cone should not be too heavy. Your child will have to carry it on the day of enrollment and hold it up for countless photos. And afterwards, it will, of course, go into your care, and you will carry it. So, keeping the weight low is also in your own interest.