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40+ Back to School Party Ideas

Written by Natalie Johns

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Posted on July 15 2024

40+ Back to Shool party Ideas

Can you believe it’s almost time for the kids to head back to school (the first day is August 1 here in Georgia!)? We've got just the thing to make that transition fun and easy—let's throw an epic back-to-school party!


Whether you're a seasoned party planner or just looking for some fun ideas to make the first day extra special, you're in the right place. With Moment & Co.'s fantastic party kits, you can host a super fun and stress-free celebration.


So, grab your notebooks, sharpen those pencils, and let’s explore over 40 back to school party ideas that will make this school year’s kickoff the best one yet!


Themed Back to School Party Ideas

Let's make this back-to-school bash unforgettable with some killer themes. Trust us, these will bring the party to life and have everyone talking about it for weeks!

Classroom Back to School Theme

Transform your space into a mini classroom! Think chalkboards, little desks, and loads of school supplies as decorations. Set up a “teacher’s desk” where you can hand out party favors and snacks. It’s like school, but way more fun and with better treats!


Back to School Classroom Theme

Back to School Party Decor

Science Back to School Theme

Spark some curiosity with a science-themed party. Deck your space out with lab coats, beakers, and fun experiment kits. Kids can make slime or even create a baking soda volcano. It’s hands-on, messy, and absolutely brilliant.

Science Theme Back to School Party
Image from Catch My Party

Book Lovers’ Back to School Theme

For the little book lovers, turn your party into a cozy reading haven. Set up reading nooks with bean bags and stacks of favorite books. Use book covers for decorations and have a storytime session. It’s perfect for sparking a love for reading.

Back to School Book Lover
Image from Bebe H Blog

Sports Back to School Theme

Kick off the school sports season with a high-energy sports-themed bash. Decorate with team colors, sports gear, and trophies. Organize mini-games like soccer or basketball. It’s all about fun, teamwork, and a bit of friendly competition.


Sports Back to School Theme

Sports Party Decor

Art Back to School Theme

Unleash their creativity with an art-themed party. Set up easels, paint stations, and canvases everywhere. Let the kids paint their own masterpieces to take home. It’s colorful, creative, and the perfect way to inspire budding artists.

Back to School Art theme
Image from Craving Some Creativity.

Decorations and Setup Back to School Party Ideas

Set the scene and make this back-to-school part look absolutely fabulous! Here are some tips to help you nail the decorations:


Color Coordination

Get those colors popping! Pick shades that scream your theme. For a classroom vibe, think classic school colors like red, yellow, and blue. Or go with your school colors. 


Banners and Posters

You know what every party needs? Banners and posters. For a scientist-themed party, fill the walls with posters of famous scientists and their wild discoveries. Einstein, anyone? It’s educational, but fun.


Table Settings

Go all out with themed tablecloths, plates, and cups. Trust me, Moment & Co. has got the hookup with coordinated sets that make setting up a total breeze. Your table will look so good, no one will want to mess it up—until the snacks comes out, of course!

"I’m very pleased with these items for my back to school party. Natalie was very responsive when I asked a shipping question. Thanks so much a great transaction."

Judy Andrews

Party Games and Activities Back to School Party Ideas

Get back into the school year with fun activities to keep the kids entertained.

  • Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of school-related items for kids to find. Hide them around the party area and offer small prizes for those who find the most items.
  • Trivia Quiz: Test their knowledge with a trivia quiz. Include questions about school subjects, fun facts, and famous historical figures.
  • Craft Stations: Set up different stations with various craft supplies. Kids can rotate between making bookmarks, decorating notebooks, and more.
  • Relay Races: Organize relay races that incorporate school supplies. Use items like backpacks, books, and pencil cases as part of the race.
Back to School Party Ideas Activities
Image from I Heart Crafty Things

Back to School Party Ideas: Party Snacks and Treats

Growing brains need fuel to learn. However, it's still a party - so mix in some fun party snacks along with some healthy ones!

Pencil-Shaped Snack Plate: We love to keep people in the theme - and we love a snack plate. With this pencil-shaped snack plate, you get to have both. We included:

  • Pink Starbursts
  • Chocolate Kisses
  • Cheez-Its
  • Marshmallows 


Pencil Shaped Snack Plate Perfect for a Back to School Party
  • Themed Cupcakes: Decorate cupcakes with school-related toppers like mini chalkboards, apples, or pencils.

  • Healthy Snacks: Offer healthy options like fruit skewers, veggie cups, and yogurt parfaits.

Back to School Party Ideas: DIY Crafts and Projects

Keep the kids busy with these DIY craft ideas. 

Pencil Flower Vase: How about a craft before the kids get there... and that will get your party setting an A+.


You'll need:

  • Mason Jar
  • Yellow Classic Pencils
  • Ribbon
  • Glue Gun
  • Your favorite Flowers (preferably in a school-themed color) 

Back to School Centerpiece
  • Customized Notebooks: Provide plain notebooks and a variety of decorating supplies like stickers, markers, and washi tape.
  • Pencil Toppers: Use foam shapes, googly eyes, and glue to create fun pencil toppers.
  • Bookmark Making: Set up a station with cardstock, ribbons, and stamps for kids to make their own bookmarks.

Further Readings

Party Planning Checklist

How to Set a Table

Back to School Party Ideas: Party Favors

Send kids home with memorable party favors. Here are some ideas:

  • Personalized Items: Customize items like stickers, pencils, or mini notebooks with each child’s name.

  • Educational Toys: Include small toys that promote learning, such as puzzle cubes, mini books, or educational games.

  • Mini Activity Kits: Create small kits with activities like coloring pages, crayons, and simple puzzles.

Party in a Box

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a back to school party?

So, you’re wondering what a back-to-school party is all about? Imagine this: summer’s winding down, the school bell is about to ring, and what better way to kick off the new school year than with a super fun bash? That’s exactly what a back-to-school party is!

It’s a get-together where kids, parents, and even teachers celebrate the start of a new school season. Think of it as a way to say goodbye to summer and hello to new adventures in the classroom. These parties can be anything from a chill hangout with a few friends to a full-blown themed event.

Here’s what makes them so awesome:

  • Themed Decorations: Transform your space into a mini classroom, a mad science lab, or even a book lover’s paradise. It’s all about setting the scene with fun, vibrant decor.
  • Games and Activities: Keep the energy high with scavenger hunts, trivia quizzes, craft stations, and wacky relay races. The kids will be laughing, thinking, and running around in no time.
  • Yummy Snacks and Treats: What’s a party without delicious goodies? From themed cupcakes to DIY snack stations, there’s something tasty for everyone.
  • Party Favors: Send everyone home with cool party favors like personalized school supplies, mini activity kits, or fun educational toys.

In a nutshell, a back-to-school party is all about making the transition from summer to school super fun and exciting. It’s a great way to pump up the kids (and adults) for the new school year, creating memories and starting off on a high note. So, ready to throw the ultimate back-to-school bash? Let’s get this party started! 🎉

What attire is best for practicing yoga?

Throwing a back-to-school party is easy and fun! Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

  1. Choose a Theme: Pick something exciting like a classroom, science lab, sports, or art theme to set the tone.
  2. Send Invitations: Use creative e-vites or themed paper invitations with all the details.
  3. Decorate: Match your theme with decorations. Think chalkboards and desks for a classroom, or beakers and lab coats for a science theme.
  4. Plan Activities: Keep the kids busy with scavenger hunts, trivia quizzes, craft stations, and relay races.
  5. Prepare Snacks: Coordinate treats with your theme. Apple cookies for a classroom, “beaker” drinks for science, etc.
  6. Set Up a Photo Booth: Create a fun space with props and backdrops for memorable photos.
  7. Hand Out Favors: Give out personalized school supplies, small toys, or DIY craft kits.
  8. Use a Party Kit: Simplify with a kit from companies like Moment & Co. for coordinated decorations and supplies.
  9. Enjoy: Have fun and make sure everyone is having a blast!

Whether you’re going all out with a themed back-to-school party or keeping it simple with some fun games and crafts, the key is to make it fun before the school year starts. 


And remember, Moment & Co. has got your back with those fabulous party kits that make setting up a breeze (and get you extra credit)


So, let’s get this party started and kick off the school year with a bang! Ready, set, party! 🎉