Memorable First Day of School Ideas

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July 5, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Crafts, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media 2 Comments

What didn’t I think of that – memorable first day of school ideas?! Create memories they will cherish with these First Day of School Ideas. Back to school printables, first day of school photo ideas, activities for kids and new family traditions you will repeat yearly.

Do I address what a crazy year 2020 has been or move on and act like all of us didn’t experience a terrible end of the year? While going back to school is always a milestone, this year is especially special. Celebrate the start of a new school year with these memorable First Day of School Ideas. We bet many of back to school ideas will become annual family traditions!

How do you start the first day of school?

Starting the first day of school can really establish the rest of the school year. It’s the fist day for re-establishing routines and it’s important to link those routines to positive feelings. The first day of school is very important because the feeling you child has walking through their classroom door can really set the tone for the rest of the year. Do they establish the feeling they love this day? Do they establish the feeling they like their teacher? Do they establish the feeling of self-confidence?

How do we celebrate the first day of school?

Living for the moment is important. Treasuring precious time with family and friends and looking for activities for bonding create a good first day of school experience. Celebrate the first day of school with a fun back to school treasure hunt to collect school supplies. Take a yearly first day of school photo. Eat a tasty first day of school snack when you get home. After school or after dinner, go for a first day of school ice cream treat. If the budget it tight, run to the grocery store and grab a cheap ice cream novelty box and take an evening walk to enjoy it. You can talk about the first day of school activities your child experienced at school!

First Day of School Traditions

You might find yourself asking, what are some (really awesome) school traditions? Back to School traditions are are first day of school ideas you want to continue and keep consistent every year. These can include first day of school lunches, first day of school photos, DIY crafts, back to school printables and mores. Start with a couple ideas and build on them year after year. You can always hault back to school activities you don’t want to stick for future years.

Love family traditions? Some of our birthday family traditions can be easily transferred into back to school ideas for the first day. Don’t forget these end of the year traditions too!

First Day of School Lunch

Make their first bite special with a First Day of School bento lunch box. Add a sweet Back to School Lunch Note. | Must Have Mom

Balloon Avalanche

This is one of those first day of school and birthday traditions you can use either way. We always keep balloons and streamers in our gift supply area. Whip it together when the kids go to bed and they will wake up to a pleasant first day surprise. | Side Tracked Mom (no longer active)

School Gitters Necklace

Have a nervous Nancy? This first day jitter glitter can go to school with your child on a necklace or can be sprinkled on them the night before school. | The DIY Mommy

German School Cones

Adopt a First Day of School German Tradition. Make these adorable DIY Schultüte, or school cones. Fill your homemade Schultute with treats and school supplies to make the start of school sweet for little ones. | Frog Prince Paperie

You can also purchase German School Cones.

Have a huge first day of school bus greeting. Host a water balloon or a silly string fight! Have a barrel of silly string and silly string guns. Gather the neighbors at the bus stop. | Source – Bower Power Blog

First Day of School Photo Ideas

There are so many first day of school photo ideas and we share many that have free downloads in our Back to School Printables post. For this list of First Day of School Photo Ideas, we are taking them outside the box. Instead of First Day of School Signs you can download, we are finding items you have to craft and create.

Sidewalk Chalk Photo

Spell it out on the driveway. This first day of school sidewalk chalk art is easy and adorable. Think you can continue it through 12th grade? | Blue Cricket Design (no longer active)

Reoccurring Photo

Create a reoccurring DIY Photo in Photo first day of school idea. Starting kindergarten year your child will hold no photo. Each consecutive year, your child will hold the previous years first day of school photo and you can watch your child grow. This will take planning ahead as you need to order the print. We recommend ordering from CanvasHQ. | She’s Making Cards (no longer active)

First Day of School T-Shirt Photo

This is an extra special idea your child will grow into. This DIY Back-to-School Shirt with Handprints for Every Grade! You can make your own first day of school shirt (with a silhouette cameo and iron) or you can pick up a handprint first day of school shirt on Etsy. | Where the Smiles Have Been

First Day of School Banner Photo

Announce a new school year with a colorful DIY First Day of School Banner. | Make it My Own

Balloon Photo

Using a white balloon. colorful stickers, and balloon sticks, write the school grade and year on a balloon! | Design Improvised

First Day of School Printables

These First Day of School free printables are helpful in creating memorable family traditions.

Time Capsule Printable

Conduct a school interview. Mark the changes school year with these yearly interview school printables fitting for kids from pre-school through high school. Add them all to a notebook or scrapbook for a printable time capsule!

Honorable mention at Mortiz Fine Designs

Back to School Breakfast Printables

Celebrate the first day a back to school breakfast with this free printable school table place setting. | The Real Housewife of Fresno (first day of school breakfast) & A Girl and a Glue Gun (table printables)

Back to School Supply Scavenger Hunt

Get the kids excited and have little fun collecting school supplies with a Back to School Scavenger hunt! 20 fun Back to School Themed treasure hunt riddles. This at home scavenger hunt leads them through a series of clues to collect their back to school supplies.

DIY Time Capsule

Make a printable Back to School Time Capsule. This adorable pencil time capsule is made with a Pringles can. | Aimee Ferre

Back to School Minute to Win it Games

Host a family game night with a Minute To Win It Back To School Edition Printable. You can also take a look at our list of Minute to Win It Game Night Ideas. | My Digital Creations.

Minute to Win It PDF Printable

Summer Party Minute to Win it with Water Pritnable

First Day of School Activities

Make going back to school to school exciting with memorable first day activities for kids.

Back to School Party

Get everyone together with a Back to School Party. So many beautiful tablescape ideas and goodies to welcome the first day of school. | The Sits Girls

First Day of School Ice Cream

When the school bell rings, bring the kids to get ice cream. This has been a tradition we have continued for years.

Encouragement Post It Notes

Begin a tradition of kindness and start the first day off right by hanging a positive affirmation sticky note each day. Add these messages as the days go on until they fill your child’s mirror. | Source

Backpack Fairy

Have a visit from the backpack fairy. Leave your backpack in a designated spot the night before school and in the morning the back to school fairy will leave a special gift! | Blissful Roots

Paper Chain Countdown

And before the first bell rings, start a countdown. Perhaps build each day with a special bucket list on the calendar. Make a paper chain with a different activity for each day until the night before school. | Brassy Apple

Back to School Printables

Take a look at these Back to School Printables – our favorite is “If you give a teacher a cookie” as a sweet treat on the first day of school. Pin to Pinterest.

School Year Traditions

Save for later these End of the Year Activities and Ideas. Pin to Pinterest on your School Board!

WHAT’S TRENDING? Get organized for the new year with THE BUSY MOM BINDER SALE.

Also access our Free Frugal Coupon Living Printables to help you find joy through embracing the chaos of motherhood more easily!

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College Dorm Room Ideas for Girls

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June 28, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Crafts, Facebook, Home Improvement, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media 2 Comments

Inspiring College Dorm Décor Ideas are covered – from storage, to organization, decorations, and hacks. These dorm room ideas for girls include all the dorm essentials, where to buy dorm room décor cheap and affordable college living spaces you will want to copy.

College Dorm Room Ideas

If this post has desire anything, I have a huge craving to use my wallet size of today and go back to college to decorate my dorm! Your jaw will hit the floor with these college dorm room ideas. Find the best places to buy dorm room décor and get inspired by all the budget-friendly options!

Happy Decorating.

Best Places to Buy Dorm Room Décor

You cannot decorate a dorm room without knowing the best places to buy dorm room décor. While it has been almost 20 years since I have been in college, my my pre-teens are not yet at this stage, I found (through this post) there are so many awesome places to buy college dorm décor.

Many of these dorm room purchases can be used for apartment living, small homes, or even carried over into a starter home. Some of the ideas (like rugs) you might want to toss at the end of the school year. other items, you will find yourself carrying to your first home. In fact, a combination of eight kids later, my college roommate still has the bookshelf we used in our first college room. I actually still sleep with the same blanket.

Shop Dorm Room Décor

Best Dorm Room Ideas for Girls

Get inspired with these Dorm Room Ideas Pinterest worthy for girls. All the social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok dorm room décor inspiration. Let’s create the best home away from home.

Dorm Room Pinterest

Follow Neelam, an interior designer who turned a cold college dorm into a warm home away from home. Details about dorm room storage, laying textures, and adding little touches to define your personality through your college room décor for girls – five stars and two thumbs up! | Patterns and Prosecco

Dorm Room Door Decorations

Inspire your welcome with a temporary polka dot door. If looking for things to put on a dorm room door, try vinyl. Using white vinyl, a cutting machine or a circle cutter this dorm room décor ideas craft can be done in under 30 minutes. Make sure you are using Removable Vinyl! | Sarah Hearts

Free Dorm Room Décor

This college dorm room wall décor is cheap. So cheap it’s free. Use command strips and decorative clipboards. Easily change out art or calendars using clipboards for dorm wall décor that is constantly on the change.

You can download our free Dorm Sweet Dorm printable. Subscribe and look for a link and password in our inbox. The password allows you to access and download all of our free printables.

By downloading you are accepting the FCL printable terms that free download is for non-commercial use. Please contact Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living with any questions.

Dorm Room Storage Idea

This dorm room storage ideas acts as both a Collapsible storage ottoman and a bench with seat back for dorm room seating. Comes in white, gray and black to match to any dorm room theme for girls. Get this dorm storage ottoman here.

Mood Board Example

Display all your feelings on a rotating mood board for cheap dorm decorations! You can use anything from magazines, articles, sticky notes, and other materials to put together your board and of course turn to inspiration of Pinterest. | Just Josie (page no longer available)

Dorm Room Layout

Sometimes for dorm room layout ideas, take it a different direction like an L shape. For more design ideas, layer textiles. Cover your standard title floor with the largest rug you can to fit your room. Even if you don’t like this larger rug, you can add smaller rugs on top to define your space and style. | Dormify

Dorm Room Light Ideas

Instead of using the overhead florescent lighting, adding your own DIY lighting will warm up the room and make such a mood difference. Head to Home Goods (Marshalls, TJMaxx, etc) and find affordable table lamps. Jump on Amazon for hanging string lights. We used these Command light hooks to hang my daughters. I highly recommend adding Powered Bed Risers for more opportunities to make your dorm room brighter. | Belly Itch Blog

Tip: See our Vibey Lights and Cool Lighting Effects for a bedroom too for more dorm room light ideas.

Dorm Room Picture Wall

Smile with this dorm room picture collage idea. Place your favorite memories when you these this Dry Erase Polaroid Frame Decal Set. This allows you to easily rotate photos plus it it’s safe for walls and won’t leave a sticky residue.

Dorm Room Ideas for Two

Talk about a dorm room makeover. These college roommates took a scary 50 year old residence into a place to relax and rest with custom drapes, two loft beds, white dressers, monogrammed chairs, and more. They took this two person dorm room idea from drab to fab. | Today.com

Dorm Room Decorations for Girls

For this college student bedroom decorating idea, white brick wall paper will change the entire feel of an ugly cinder block wall! Bring a charming vibe within a matter of minutes. The best part about it is, if you mess up, it’s repositionable and removeable! Get your white brick removeable wall paper here.

Dorm Room Wall Décor Ideas

Create perfect under bed storage as well has hide an ugly wall with a tapestry. You can get this pull out storage here, tapestry clips here and black/white tapestry here. | Driven by Decor (Take a second and look at this entire blog – so much inspiration for mom’s home too!)

Dorm Room Wall Décor Tip: Look at our Dorm Room Hacks for a trick for hanging dorm room wall décor.

Dorm Room Décor Ideas

This dorm décor is doing so many things right. A perfect mix of textures, prints, pom-pom garland duvet cover, and a dorm room gallery wall add serious personality to this space. And of course for the ultimate small dorm room hack, a table beside the bed triples as a bedside nightstand, a vanity, and a desk. | René Quickle’s Freshman Dorm on Pinterest

Tip: Everyone needs a fur chair cover to hide basic dorm room chairs.

Dorm Room Plants

Easy to maintain pants will create some responsibility as well as provide some fresh air. Succulents, cacti, and aloe plants are super easy to take care of. Not to mention, those leafy greens can help purify the air quality in your dorm. If you’re too intimidated by becoming a plant mother, then just buy fake ones. | Room 264

Dorm Room Essentials

Create your own dorm room kitchenet with this Mini Fridge Organizer. This freestanding organizer fits over a compact mini fridge to provide organized storage in the available space above your fridge. Will also fit a microwave. Get your mini refrigerator storage cabinet here.

Dorm Room Seating

There higher you go with the bed, the more storage you are given below. Make sure to invest in a step stool. You can also use it as an end table, as storage, or even as a place to sit. Shop Blush Pink Storage Ottoman

Also consider getting these powered bed risers for bed height and extra long dorm bed skirt for covering unsightly storage.

Dorm Room Cart

Use a dorm room utility rolling cart for practical things like essential pantry items and kitchen supplies. Easy to pull out, easy to push back. | Jessica Slaughter

Dorm Room Themes for Girls

Go with a dorm room theme. These gold polka dot wall decals create a mural on a wall with little time and effort – instant dorm room wall décor. | Preptista

Dorm Room Kitchen

Head to thrift stores, search Facebook market place, look high and low for recycled furniture. Distress your own dorm room coffee station for late night studying or a mini dorm kitchenette. | Source Unknown.

College Roommates Quotes

Change messages and inspirational quotes in your room with a letter board. Hang with command strips for easily going on and coming off! Take a look at all of our felt letter board quotes or search your own college dorm room quotes. A felt board would be a great thing to put on a dorm room door.

Do yourself a favor and make sure you do this – take a dorm room before and after photo. It will be so exciting to see your artistic side and personality show when decorating a dorm room. Can’t wait to see what you do! | Cosmopolitan.

Dorm Room Checklist

We provided a free dorm room cleaning checklist printable. Included in our dorm cleaning checklist is a list of daily, weekly, and monthly responsibilities. Give each roommate their own copy or share the chores.

Daily

Make Your Bed
Pick Up Clutter
Wash Dishes

Weekly

Clean Out Refrigerator
Vacuum and Take Out Trash
Laundry

Monthly

Declutter Rooms
Wipe Windows and Mirrors
Dust

Grab dorm room checklist and our “Dorm Sweet Dorm” college dorm room décor free printable. Subscribe and look for a link and password in our inbox. The password allows you to access and download all of our free printables.

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More Dorm Room Décor Ideas

Save these Small Apartment and Dorm Room Hacks and Tips. Pin to Pinterest.

Looking for Dorm Room ideas? Take some inspiration from these Vibey Lights & Neon Room Lighting Affects. Pin to Pinterest.

Also save these Dorm Room Recipes – Snacks, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. No Bake Recipes. Pin to Pinterest.

3-D Paper Cactus Template + Teacher Appreciation Printable

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June 14, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media Leave a Comment

Using Cricut Design Space and a cute teacher appreciation printable, we assembled and easy craft and teacher gift idea. Download this 3-D Paper Cactus Template gift this mini potted cactus to your fantastic teacher – “Thank you for being a fan-cactus teacher!”

Fan-cactus Teacher Printable Gift Tag

3-D Paper Cactus Template

Sometimes classroom and indoor spaces lack the sunlight for a small potted plant. We put together this easy to make Mini Potted Cricut Paper Cactus. Follow this step by step tutorial in design space and wirelessly cut with Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker machines. After creating an adorable mini paper plant, we provide an optional teacher appreciation gift tag to thank a “fan-cactus” teacher!

Let’s get started!

Cactus Craft Materials

The following materials are needed to create your 3d cactus craft.

Torch Cactus template in Cricut Design Space (#M103661F)
Cricut Maker (or Cricut Joy) with Fine Point Blade and Scoring tool
Cricut Light Grip Adhesive Cutting Mat
Cardstock paper in light green, dark green, coral pink and cream colors
Mini terracotta pot (we used 2”)
Cricut Spatula
Smoothfoam Styrofoam Ball (we used 1.9″)
Hot glue gun with clear hot glue sticks
Glue stick
Optional: Mini Landscape Rocks

DIY Cactus Instructions

First gather your supplies. You will begin your process in Cricut Design Space, craft your DIY cacti, and then create your final potted paper cactus plant. When your craft is done, you can print our cactus teacher thank you note and tie with a ribbon.

3D Cactus SVG on Cricut Design Space

Open Cricut Design Space.

Click on the “+” sign to start a new project and open up a blank canvas.

Click on the Images button from the toolbar.

Search “torch cactus” image (#M103661F). Click the image to insert the pattern on the design canvas.

Resize grouping to double the original height to 4.5 inches high.

Click on the shape button on the toolbar to insert a circle shape.

Measure the diameter of your terracotta pot and resize the circle shape to match slightly smaller than the diameter of the top of the terracotta pot. (In this case, the circle shape is sized to 2.125”.)

Change the color of the lightest green pieces to pink and change the color of the circle shape to cream color. Move to the color sync tab to see all the pieces sorted by color.

Cutting Paper Cactus Template

With the machine set to Cricut Maker, select “Make It” in Design Space.

Set the material type to Cardstock, choosing the appropriate weight based on your paper.

Place your first paper color onto the light grip mat.

Follow prompts for loading cardstock paper into Cricut Maker and cutting. When the cut is complete, unload the mat from the machine.

Remove the cut pieces from the cutting mat using a spatula tool.

Repeat for the remaining colored paper cactus pieces and circle base.

Assembling the Paper Cactus Plant

Create a sharp fold on the cactus pieces along the score lines.

Group the similar sized pieces together to create a total of three separate cacti.

Start with the largest sized cactus pieces. Using a glue stick, glue the pieces together, sandwiching the prickly pieces between the other colors, alternating them as you go along.

Press the paper cactus sides together firmly.

Repeat with the smaller and medium sized cactus.

Allow your glued paper cactus plants to dry.

Assembling the 3D Potted Paper Cactus

First, place a dot of hot glue at the center bottom of your terracotta pot.

Lay the styrofoam ball inside the terracotta pot and let it settle on the glue dot.

Next, place a glue dot on top of the ball.

Cover the ball with the cream colored circle shape.

Lastly, attach the prepared 3-D cactus paper plants on top of the circle with hot glue and hold in place until glue sets.

Allow your final piece to dry.

Optional: Using a hot glue gun, on the flat surface of your potted plant, glue down sand and rocks.

Teacher Appreciation Printable

Using an adorable ribbon (we love this green gingham check ribbon), tie off our cactus teacher thank you note a back to school, teacher appreciation week, or end of the year teacher gift idea.

Teacher Cactus Quotes

We pulled together some punny teacher cactus quotes to use this cactus craft as a gift.

Bloom where you are planted.

Let’s stick together.

Needle’s to say you’re a great teacher!

Thank you for helping me stay sharp.

Teacher, you are always on point!

You can hand write your note (see our hand lettering ideas) using the quotes we provided or print off our teacher printable below.

“Thank you for being a fan-cactus teacher” Printable Gift Tag Instant Download

By downloading you are accepting the terms that this is for personal, non-commercial use. Please contact Frugal Coupon Living with any questions.

I am happy to share printables. When sharing with others, please lead them to my website instead of emailing them the file(s). Thanks for visiting and thanks for sharing with others!

Teacher Appreciation Gift Tags

Before you go on, take a look at this! Solve an entire year of gifts with this Teacher Appreciation Gift Tags set. Included in this set are 12 months of gift tags. Each gift tag can be paired with a small low-cost gift just to show an appreciation of thanks.

Our Cactus Teacher Appreciation Gift Tags are included in this set. From plants to chocolate bars, these Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas can be used the entire school year!

How to Teacher Appreciation Printable at Staples

I have a video to show you how I print my PDF documents at Staples. First, sign in or create a Staples account. Using the Staples printing service page, you can ship your teacher thank you note printable or pick it up.

Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your final 3-d Cricut Cactus and Teacher Appreciation Cactus Printable . Leave a comment and/or add a photo here on Pinterest!

Follow these Cricut Freebies & Tutorials. Pin to Pinterest.

Also save these Teacher Appreciation Printables to use throughout the year. Pin to Pinterest.

Quarantine Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas for the Mail

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May 5, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media Leave a Comment

Quarantine Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas for the mail plus a free donut teacher appreciation printable gift tag that can be delievered via email, over USPS or with Restaurant delivery or pick-up. Plus Virtual teacher appreciation ideas for Zoom, Google classroom and more.

Quarantine Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas

Coming up with this Quarantine Teacher Appreciation Gift Idea took some time. I knew I wanted a punny teacher appreciation printable that could be used during Teacher Appreciation week or as an end of the year gift idea. Plus, currently we are in social isolation and many local restaurants and establishments are suffering, so I wanted to grab something would would give back to local organizations.

We came up with this easy Teacher Appreciation Week gift idea – DONUT you know how much I miss you printable gift tag for teachers. And for years, were we are not in social isolation, this teacher gift tag also comes with another quote that reads DONUT know what I would do without you.

Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas

Donut Teacher Appreciation Gift Tag

Get all of our free printables including our donut teacher appreciation gift tag. Subscribe and look for a link and password in our inbox. The password allows you to access and download all of our free printables.

1.) Enter your email address HERE.

2.) Confirm the email request in your inbox.

3.) Look for the link and passcode in your inbox.

By downloading you are accepting the terms that this is for personal, non-commercial use. Please contact Frugal Coupon Living with any questions.

I am happy to share printables. When sharing with others, please lead them to my website instead of emailing them the file(s). It takes time, effort and money to put the freebies forth and I earn when you visit. Thanks for visiting and thanks for sharing with others!

I have a video to show you how I print my PDF documents at Staples. You can sign in or create a Staples account.

Mail a Gift Card

For our donut teacher appreciation gift card idea, we went at it two ways. First, we picked up gift cards that teachers could use at their leisure. I privately emailed teachers and asked for their best mailing address (knowing well that I might be the school address.) It was a personal question and I know some teachers would want to keep that information private. I softened it by sharing my child wanted to send them a treat. This teacher gift card idea well because it’s a gift that is not perishable. They can get it immediately at their home or when they return to school to pick up materials.

If leaving the home is not convenient for you, consider shopping Amazon for gift cards. You can have them mailed to your home and then add our printable teacher appreciation gift tag before mailing to your child’s educator.

By purchasing from a local bakery or restaurant, you are supporting small businesses during social isolation. Consider it a win/win.

Online Restaurant Delivery

Another option using your donut teacher gift tag is restaurant delivery or pick-up. We used Door Dash to deliver donuts. In this case, you can swing the gift tag to the establishment and add it to the order.

If leaving the house is not an option, consider this electronic addition. You can email the gift tag separately with a sweet message that your great teacher is expecting a delivery.

Another creative idea is to take a photo of your child holding the printed gift tag and email it to your teacher after the Restaurant Delivery arrives (track it on your phone or app.) I think this is a cute idea because it’s personalizes the doughnut delivery with a cute smile from your child and a sweet punny teacher message attached.

For this Teacher Appreciation Restaurant Delivery idea you will need your teacher’s home mailing address.

Teacher Appreciation Printables

We have years and years worth of teacher appreciation printables. Use any of these ideas and using a flat rate shipping box from USPS fill your box with a teacher gift and send it straight from your mailbox. Never leave the home.

More Unique Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas

Get creative with your electronic and virtual teacher appreciation ideas too.

Host a Class Zoom Party. have all the kids dress up and surprise the teacher. During this time you can share memories of the year together.
Make a Video Message. Have all the students in the class send in a 10 second clip of the reason they love their teacher. Piece those together for a sweet video message. Such a unique and priceless gift idea.
Send an Books Gift Card. One of my favorite places to shop for books is Better World Books. You can buy used or new books. I love buying used knowing I am recycling older books and finding many of my favorite authors and books for less. This also allows teachers to fill their personal and classroom library.
Thanks a Lattee. Thank a teacher a lot with a printable coffee gift card! Print and mail.

Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your final Donut Teacher Appreciation Gift Tag. Leave a comment and/or add a photo here on Pinterest!

The end of the school year is new. Save these End of the School Year Acitivites and Printables. Pin to Pinterest.

Find creative Pun-Tastic teacher gift ideas for save these Punny Teacher Appreciation Printables too! Pin to Pinterest.

Inspirational Homework Stations & Easy Kids Study Spaces

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March 26, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Crafts, Facebook, Home Improvement, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media 2 Comments

Ready to organize the home and create a DIY kids study space? These 15 Inspirational Homework Stations are Quick and Easy Homework Spaces to provide the kids with easy access to school supplies, quiet areas to work and bright colors to get the creative juices flowing.

Best Homework Stations

It’s been awhile since we shared our Homework Center Ideas. We realize the need more and more for the return of these work from home school rooms and zones. We have put together some of the Best Homework Stations to inspire you to get working!

Kids Study Spaces

It can be easy and affordable to make Kids Study Spaces and Homework Centers. Take a look at these inspirational ideas to get started with home schooling or finishing school work.

Display your child’s accomplishments so they can enjoy a beautiful art gallery wall while they study. We used Michael’s Studio Décor® frames for a pop of color. I did have to cut down the pictures a little bit to fit some of the frames. With 40% off, it was so affordable and I love how it came out.

It’s possible to build a desk/homework station for under $100. Using Stackable 3-Shelf Organizers, Sarah made a desk using a $19 Ikea Counter Top. She ideally was going for butcher block and could have easy made it with Butcher Block Self-adhesive Vinyl. | Pretty Providence

Small spaces? Turn a closet into a homework center. We love the unique touches on this study center. | I Heart Organizing

Create this simple DIY Rotating Desk Organizer lazy susan for an easy school at home Homework Station in under 10 minutes! It keeps all supplies at your fingertips! Portable and perfect for moving from room to room and space to space. | Busy Creating Memories

Organizing doesn’t have to be costly. We love this frugal friendly Dollar Store Hack. Get ready for a clutter-free school zone with this simple Dollar Store portable homework station and our free printable label! | Simple Made Pretty

Create a homework station for your kids by using a metal rolling utility cart to store books and other school supplies. This allows you to move school work from room to room and space to space. | Suburble

If you are using common space like a dinning room table and need privacy, consider making homework station privacy boards using a white tri-fold project board. So easy and each child can customize and design their own space. | Mom Advice

Have a wall of clipboards you can easily rotate art work, calendars or to do lists. So easy to lift the clip and remove. | Clean and Scentsible

This was done in a classroom but can easily be done to organize a homework space at home. Check out Michael’s Belmont frames – they are affordable. | Dandelions and Dragonflies

A homework station can be as simple as a binder. Grab this one with printable sheets for organizing. | I Heart Naptime

Use a nook and chalk paint to create an inspirational space for homework. | By Dawn Nicole

Use a hanging shoe organizer to sort school supplies making an easy, tucked away homework center. | A Bowl Full of Lemons

We shared this hidden closet idea in our Homework Center Ideas but wanted to share it again. Turn a crawl space like under the stairs storage into a quiet reading nook, art center or school work area. | Rebecca Propes

It doesn’t have to be expensive. Grab a $22 Home Depot pegboard and mount over a tabletop or desk. At a touch of hanging baskets, hooks, and cups to keep homework supplies within reach. Amazon has Pegboard Organizational Sets.| Claire Collected

Turn a corner of the playroom or kitchen into an area the kids can work or create. Just grab a pre-existing table and chairs. This homework station is complete with build-in chalkboard and art display board. Love the v-groove paneling. | The Project Girl

Want to involve the kids? Grab the sewing machine and make these adorable Seat Sacks for the Kids’ study corner. | Scissors and Spatulas

Take a look at our original Homework Center Ideas (also with Family Command Centers!) Pin to Pinterest.

Create a cozy nook with these Creative Reading Corner Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

April Low Waste Earth Day Challenge

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March 7, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media 1 Comment

April 22 is Earth Day! Take this easy Earth Day quiz, get your little ones involved in these Earth Day projects and activities for kids, and take on this April low waste living Earth Day challenge to create some new environmental conscious habits and perhaps a zero waste home!

Low Waste Earth Day Challenge

Earth Day is an annual celebration around the world to demonstrate support for environmental protection. On this date, environmental awareness is put forth and discussions and ideas are created to acknowledge our impact (both good and bad) on the environment.

Earth Day Quiz

Before we begin, we have an Earth Day Quiz for you. Can you do something to differently to make an environmental difference? I bet we can all answer yes! But really, here is a quick Earth Day Quiz (with answers) to teach you more about Earth Day.

When is Earth Day? April 22

When was the First Earth Day? 1970

Who founded Earth Day? Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin

Why do we belebrate Earth Day? Celebrating Earth Day serves as a reminder of how fragile our earth is and how important it is to protect our planet.

Also try this easy Earth Day Quiz for Kids…

What color is the earth from? Blue and Green (white if including clouds)

What covers 70% off the earth? Water

What are five things you can recycle in your home? answers will vary

Where is your favorite place to visit on earth? answers will vary

Want to learn more? Take an Earth Day Quiz for Kids or Earth Day Quiz for Adults.

Now that you have begun an Earth Day discussion and even grown in knowledge of your Earth Day facts, we have Earth Day Projects and our very own Earth Day Challenge for you to tackle during the month of April.

Earth Day Projects

These Earth Day Projects and Earth Day Activities for Kids are a few ways to make a difference this April and perhaps for the rest of your life. A new habit takes on average a month, perhaps making a difference this month will create some life long differences for your family and your environment.

Easy Earth Day Projects and Activities for Kids

We have more Earth Day Ideas! Also visit our Earth Day Crafts Ideas for Kids to raise awareness and support for protecting our environment with your children.

You also can find our Earth Day Activities Printables (with Scavenger Hunt) in our Free Printables section.

Earth Day Challenge

We have our very own challenge for you. Incorporate the kids and take this Low Waste Earth Day Challenge for the entire month of April. I bet you already do many of these things already. Once you complete the month, is there something you can continue and perhaps make a new habit?

Use a refillable stainless steel water bottle
Use a reusable coffee cup/thermos (even when buying coffee)
Get a library card and borrow books and magazines instead of buying prints (or join Audible and listen to books)
Use a bamboo toothbrush (instead of a plastic one)
Say no to free promo items
Use bar soap instead of liquid soap (less packaging)
Use reusable shopping and produce bags
Shop your local farmers market, bring a reusable bag
Plan meals to avoid food waste
Collect and re-purpose rain or grey water
Have your shoes and clothes repaired instead of buying new
Run full loads in the dish washer and laundry
Focus on experiences instead of things
Change all your bills to paperless (electronic)
Join carpools or use public transport
Plant a garden (even if it is small)
Carry your own reusable straw
Reduce the amount of consumption of toothpaste, shampoo, etc
Don’t impulse shop – stop, think method
Avoid palm oil (responsible for much of the world’s deforestation)
Upcycle and re-purpose as much as you can
Pack your own lunch in a reusable container

The steps will turn you into an environmentally conscious earth member (wink) and get you family closer to a zero waste home!

Earth Day Printable PDF

Get all of our free printables including this Low Waste Challenge Earth Day Printable. Subscribe and look for a link and password in our inbox. The password allows you to access and download all of our free printables.

Earth Day Printable Directions

1.) Enter your email address HERE.

2.) Confirm the email request in your inbox.

3.) Look for the link and passcode in your inbox.

By downloading you are accepting the terms that this is for personal, non-commercial use. Please contact Frugal Coupon Living with any questions.

I am happy to share printables. When sharing with others, please lead them to my website instead of emailing them the file(s). It takes time, effort and money to put the freebies forth and I earn when you visit. Thanks for visiting and thanks for sharing with others!

How to Order Prints at Staples

You can of course, keep this product digital – that would be Earth Day Friendly. However, if you want to print a copy, I have a video to show you how I print my PDF documents at Staples.

You can also follow the directions below.

Have your PDF, Word Document or printable saved to a folder on your computer.
Sign in or create a Staples account.
Return to the Staples Printing Service Page.
Scroll down to Self-Service printing.
Go to Start Project.
Go to Documents Printing.
Select Browse.
Select the Buy Now Button under color.
In the left column, choose add file(s).
Select upload files (to upload a file from your computer).
Add more files or select the blue upload button.
Select done.
Give your job a name in the top left column.
Choose color or B&W.
Make sure your project is single sided. (You can choose double sided if you need.)
Choose the correct orientation of your project – landscape or portrait.
I changed my media to 8.5×11 67 lb card/coverstock (I prefer a card stock feel over printer paper feel. It makes the paper very durable and sturdy.)
Save your product to Staples or select add to cart on the bottom right.
Proceed to checkout.

*Note: these Staple print service steps were added in Winter 2020. The directions may change as the website changes. They should give you a general outline of how to upload and order a print on Staples.com.

Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your final Earth Day Challenge Low Waste Printable. Leave a comment and/or add a photo here on Pinterest!

Take a look at our Earth Day Crafts Ideas for Kids to raise awareness and support for protecting our environment with your children. Pin to Pinterest.

Many of our Rockin’ Geology Rock Party Ideas can overlap with these Earth Day ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Upcycle old Little Tikes and Step2 Toys with these creative ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Also upcycle these Old Altoids Boxes with these creative ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Earth Day Crafts

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March 1, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Crafts, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media 1 Comment

When is Earth Day? It is April 22nd. This Earth day, embrace these Earth Day Crafts Ideas for Kids to raise awareness and support for protecting our environment with your children.

Every year, we celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd to raise awareness and support for protecting our environment. It’s important to start talking to your kids from an early age about ways we can do our part to lessen our impact on the planet. These Earth Day Crafts are a great catalyst for those discussions.

As you craft with your kids, making models and depictions of Earth, talk about ways to save water and reduce pollution. Talk about the importance of recycling, and if you don’t have one in your home, set up a can just for recycling. Discuss ways to keep the earth “healthy” and talk about activities that may make the planet “sick.” You get the idea.

But most of all, have fun making these Earth Day crafts with the kids. Proudly display the crafts in your home (or in your classroom) as a reminder all month long that we are connected with the Earth, and it is our responsibility to take care of her.

Don’t forget our Easy Earth Day Projects and Activities for Kids. Also enjoy our Earth Day printables including this Earth Day Activities PDF and Earth Day Scavenger Hunt!

Earth Day Crafts

Make a paper Earth Day garland to string up in the playroom or classroom for Earth Day. This craft is a great visual to teach kids about how we are all interconnected and all responsible for taking care of the Earth. | Hello, Wonderful

You only need a styrofoam ball, tissue paper, and lots of glue to make this pretty globe! Not only is it fantastic for Earth Day, but you could use this technique to make planets to build a solar system. | Gluesticks

Your kid will want to wear these Earth Day salt dough necklaces often as a reminder to take care of the Earth. The one with the heart will be particularly easy to do with young children—they can even make the heart shape with their fingerprints! | Natural Beach Living

Older kids who still enjoy crafting things may like paper quilling. It’s a technique that involves curling paper into different shapes like circles, loose coils, teardrops, and more. You can create some really beautiful pieces, like this lovely quilled paper earth craft. | Projects with Kids

Coffee drinkers—save those k-cups! They’re perfect for crafting. This k-cup Earth Day craft is really cute. | Artsy Momma

Black glue can help you create stunning art! Outlining the continents and then using watercolors to paint the Earth creates gorgeous contrast in this fun Earth Day black glue craft. | Messy Little Monster

Kids who can paint the shape of the continents will enjoy making these earth magnets made out of upcycled jar lids. They can even add them to their lockers at school as a reminder to take care of the planet. | Moms and Crafters

Learn about the layers of the Earth for Earth Day! You can use this craft as an opportunity to simply teach kids a little more about the Earth and its various layers. We only see the top layer, the crust, but there’s so much that goes on beneath Earth’s surface! Small children will need to have an adult do the spray painting. | Surviving a Teacher’s Salary

Earth Day Crafts for Preschoolers

Talk to your kids about what makes the Earth happy and healthy and what makes the Earth sad and unhealthy. This craft offers a great visual representation through interchangeable elements as you go through the list of suggestions. Preschoolers will have so much fun coloring the Earth and then changing out the eyes, mouth, and the heart/bandage elements. | The Inspiration Edit

This cupcake liner earth craft is stunning! It’s so fun for little ones because they can learn to paint using different materials. For this project, they’ll be painting with a toothbrush and a pom-pom. How cool is that? | I Heart Crafty Things

Handprint crafts are fun for preschoolers, and this hand print earth craft is just adorable. The printable template makes it easy to guide little ones through this craft. And look! The Earth is wearing a party hat in celebration of Earth Day! | Simple Everyday Mom

Any kid who enjoys playing in the dirt will love making this Earth Day craft. Simply cut out the earth shape, color or paint in the water, and cover the land portions with glue and dirt. It’s a great excuse to get messy. | Kids Activities Blog

Get ready for some sticky, slimy fun! This Earth Day Baking Soda Slime is Borax-free and totally kid-safe. Make sure your kiddo doesn’t have sensitivities to baking soda before proceeding with this project. Keep in mind that it’s a little stickier than regular slime, but the mess is part of the fun. | Steamsational

Speaking off messy crafts, shaving cream painting is another one that’s popular with kids. The marbled effect you get from shaving cream art is so pretty, and the blue/green combination is perfect for Earth Day. | The Simple Parent

Start a new springtime tradition by making seed bombs with the kids to celebrate the Earth! Use blue, green, and white paper to give the seed bombs an earth-like appearance, or just use whatever paper scraps you have on hand. Adults will need to run the food processor, but cutting the paper scraps and shaping the balls gives kids lots of fine motor practice. Seed bombs would make nice neighbor gifts, along with a hand-painted pot or recycled container. | Little Bins for Little Hands

Moms, if you have any CDs leftover from yesteryear, you can use them to make one of these cute CD ornament Earth Day crafts with the kids. Turning old things you don’t use into art is a great way to encourage kids to recycle and upcycle. The ornament would look really pretty spinning around on your porch or breezeway. | Our Kid Things

Children need to be taught to love our planet from a young age. The hands holding the world project is a great way to do that. Use the conversation starters to talk about how we can love the Earth. Isn’t it cute that the hearts are made out of thumbprints? Younger children may need help with tracing and cutting their handprints. | Fun Handprint Art

Don’t forget to pin this list of Earth Day Crafts to save it!

Look at these Easy Earth Day Projects and Activities for Kids. Pin to Pinterest.

Many of our Rockin’ Geology Rock Party Ideas can overlap with these Earth Day ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

For Earth Day, head to the thrift store! Take something old and make it new including this Upcycled Farmhouse Table. Pin to Pinterest.

With the kids, take old paint chips and turn them into crafts with these Paint Chip Crafts Ideas! Pin to Pinterest.

High School Reunion Ideas

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February 9, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media 4 Comments

Feel like everyone else is getting older but you are staying the same? We all are on the age train and as time goes back, our class reunion gets closer. High School Reunion Ideas including class reunion decor, high school reunion theme ideas and even class reunion memorial ideas for those that have gone before. Happy planning!

High School Reunion Ideas

Reunited and it feels so good…

I dare you to try to not sing that when talking about a high school reunion! Impossible. The song was always in the subconscious of my mind as I was planning this post. Whether celebrating your 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or even 60th high school reunion, we have some of the best class reunion ideas to create a memorable night or weekend. High school reunion decorations, theme ideas, planning ideas, and even memorial ideas to remember those that have passed before.

We both are so excited ’cause we’re reunited, hey, hey!

What to do at a High School Reunion?

First, if you are wondering what to do at a high school reunion, it’s really nice to have ice breakers. You can use these Minute to Win it Games with directions and supply list or these Family Reunion games go well – because you know, we are like family!

More Class Reunion Games to Consider:

Adult Party Games (includes drinking and non-drinking games for adults)
Wine Party Drinking Games
Beer Party Drinking Games

Class Reunion Decorations

The reunion decor is everything. It is what brings the vent together, brings the initial visual excitement and bridges the gap of past to he present.

First, name sure you have a name tag for everyone. This High School Reunion Name Tag Template uses photos from the past so you can connect the look for X number of years ago to today! Comes in 10 to 60 years.

Save money on decor by shopping at The Dollar Tree. The Magic of Ordinary Things purchased green floral foam and the shredded paper at the Dollar Tree. She got the IKEA pails for $0.79 each. (We found similar metal pails on Amazon.) All in all, for 20 custom centerpieces, she spent less than $40… less than $2 a piece!

Have a back in time display. For example, if you graduated in 2000, have a back in 2000 and list the following…

Popular Songs
TV Shows
Films That Were Released
What Things Cost
Events in History
Winning Sports Teams
Celebrities Who Were Born

You get also get a Back in the Year Digital Copy Flash Back here and turn it into a poster at a copy store like Staples.

Every high school reunion needs a photo booth! | Idea Source Cindy at Flickr

This Dry Erase Photo Frame can be personalized to your event.

Also look at these High School Class Reunion Photo Booth Props.

Play a game – Guess the name of these celebrity year book photos… then again, if you are crafty you could probably make your own poster and play this came with your own class (careful for hurt feelings!)

Balloons can be really affordable, the expense comes when you outsource the task. Grab your craftiest graduates and have them follow this easy Balloon Wall tutorial with your class colors. This tried and true image comes from a Pinterest user and took about 2.5/3 hrs and 250 balloons.

This black, white and gold balloon garland has high ratings too. In includes Balloons garland strip to guide you on your balloon craft. I highly recommend getting 3M Command Brand hooks to hang your balloon garland.

High School Reunion Themes

It’s really easy to take your class reunion decor a certain direction if you have a reunion theme.

Make your high school reunion the theme for the decade you graduated or of your birthday. Great class reunion themes include an eighties party, nineties party or 21st century. Incorporate some of our Glow Theme Party Ideas.

Your reunion might host many events on the schedule. How about incorporating an Adult Theme Prom for the evening. This is perfect those that wish to stay Forever Young! | Source

Make your reunion, Holiday Theme. One of the best times of year to have a reunion is, ironically, not the end of the school year or over summer but rather over the holidays. People return home for the holidays to visit their parents and family.

If the idea of dressing up in theme is really annoying to your guests, have a theme that doesn’t require theme to purchase a themed outfit. A Casino Night allows people to dress up or down and gives people the perfect excuse to wear jeans or wear a tux like the 007 they think they are – wink. Casino Party Decor from Oriental Trading Company.

High School Reunion Planning

The planning is the hardest part! Some of these people you don’t remember, others cannot be motivated to help, because of their busy schedule (who isn’t busy?) Suggestions for class reunion planning might help you get others involved.

No one is going to hand write 1,000 invitations. Plus, do you have everyone’s email address? The best way to hand a class reunion is to create a high school reunion Facebook group. Once you do that, create a digital class reunion invitation.

Black and Gold Digital High School Reunion Invite
Banner Digital High School Reunion Invitation (personalize your colors)
Mascot High School Reunion Digital Invite

A Facebook group. This is where you get others involved. Began the group at least a a year in advance and map out your requests. Have a specific date (months in advance) you ask for people to drop photos. Another date ask for classmates to share a memory. Another date, have people tag a friend. The more engagement you get in the group, the more likely it is to come forward to people’s Facebook news feeds.

Plan a Class Reunion Checklist

Have no idea where to start? This class reunion checklist is great for the high school reunion planning committee. Download it, save it, check it as you go.

Eventbrite has a free class reunion software for your class reunion. Easily create a reunion website, manage registrations, and collect fees. In a survey, look at these results for reunion preferences voted on 2500 high school reunion attendees.

94% like a reunion that serves alcohol, 6% prefer booze-free
92% like to go big after the sun goes down, 9% prefer a day-time reunion
89% like to see throwback videos and photos, 11% prefer not to see photos from the past
84% prefer to keep it adults only, 16% want to make it kid-friendly
83% want a casual reunion, 17% want a formal reunion
75% want to open it up to former teachers, 22% want classmates only
73% like to keep it toast-free, 27% want to hear speeches
67% hope there’s a dance floor, 33% prefer the reunion to be dance free

Don’t forget to assign superlatives. these don’t have to be the same titles you gave in your high school yearbook. Biggest jock is no-longer cool. Try things like furthest traveled, most kids, married the longest, with their high school sweetheart, etc. You can even buy High School Reunion Trophies.

High School Reunion Awards

Possible class reunion superlatives include…

Farthest Traveled
Lives the Closest to the School (least distance traveled)
Married the Longest
Married High School Sweetheart (winner is the longest)
Most Eligible Bachelor
Most Eligible Bachelorette
Most Kids
Most Recent Baby
Parent the Longest (oldest child)
First Grandparents
Most Accomplished or Most or Highest Degrees
Never Left the School (became a teacher at the school!)
Most Interesting Job
Still the Same
Most Changed
Most Social Media Followers
Most Famous
First to Retire
Deserves the Most Honor (military members)
Hero Award
Beat the Odds (overcame the most obstacles)

Some of these reunion awards might not be clear. You can vote on on some of these at the start of the event and award them later in the evening.

If that is too much work, these School Class Reunion Party Mug Shots work too!

Class Reunion Memorial Ideas

As you get further away from your graduation date, those that have passed will go up. Have a Class Reunion Memorial for those Gone but not forgotten. This can be done wither with a bow or tree of life remembered.

Using an old yearbook, copy photos of those that have died. Increase the size before copying. Cut out the photos and attach them to a memorial ribbon. You can play this bow on a chair called the Empty Chair. | Source

The Empty Chair Poem for a Class Reunion

The Empty Chair

We gather here a class once more,

To reminiscence like years before.

Upon the days and joys we knew,

Before our school-aged time was through.

Yet before we meet with memories near,

We think of those always held dear.

Our friends and classmates passed away,

To be with God and enjoy their day.

Until that hour when we join again,

An empty chair we will maintain.

In honor of the life-long bond,

We forged with those now passed beyond.

The friends with whom we learned life’s truth,

Whose bonds lasted far from our youth.

And shall remain forever near,

When we gather from year to year.

– Author unknown

Print a Copy of The Empty Chair PoemGet all of our free printables including this Empty Chair Poem. Subscribe and look for a link and password in our inbox. The password allows you to access and download any of our free printables.

I am happy to share printables. When sharing with others, please lead them to my website instead of emailing them the file(s). It takes time, effort and money to put the freebies forth and I earn when you visit. Thanks for visiting and thanks for sharing with others!

Another idea is to have memorial tree of life. Using an old yearbook, copy photos of those that have died. Increase the size before copying. Cut out the photos and hang them from a tree branch to mimic a tree. | Source

Lastly, you can pick up these Memorial Luminaries of Deceased Classmates using old yearbook photos.

Incorporate some of Graduation Party Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Some ideas might overlap, enjoy our Family Reunion Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Also take a look at these Retirement Party Ideas (the time will come – wink!) Pin to Pinterest.