The Best Back to School Open House or First Day of School Snack Treat Ideas
Back to school season is here, and whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or a room mom, it’s always fun to make the first day extra special with cute and affordable treats! At Nanny to Mommy, we love celebrating milestones while sticking to a budget, and today I’m sharing some of the best back to school snack treat ideas that are perfect for Open House, Meet the Teacher Night, or the first day of school.
These easy back to school treats can be handed out by teachers to students, from classmates to each other, or even included in your child’s lunchbox as a surprise pick-me-up. Best of all? They are simple to make, budget-friendly, and use everyday snacks you can grab at any grocery store, making them ideal for frugal families and busy parents alike!
1. Starburst – “Burstin’ with Excitement to Have You in My Class This Year!”
Who doesn’t love a little burst of sweetness? Starburst candies are colorful, cheerful, and affordable. Simply bag up a few Starburst candies in a small treat bag and attach a cute tag that says, “Burstin’ with excitement to have you in my class this year!” This idea is perfect for teachers welcoming new students or for kids to share with their classmates. You can find printable tags on Pinterest or make your own for a personalized touch.
2. Pencil Snack Bag – A Cute, Edible “Pencil” Treat
This one is both creative and delicious! To make your own pencil snack bag, layer yellow candy (like banana Runts or lemon candies), followed by pink Starburst for the eraser, Rolos or chocolate kisses for the pencil tip, and some mini marshmallows for the sharpened end. Place them in a clear treat bag and tie it off with a label that says, “Ready to write a great year together!” These are adorable for Open House nights and will definitely bring smiles.
Goldfish crackers are always a hit with kids (and teachers too!). Pack a handful into a snack bag or small plastic container with a note that says, “Now that you’re here, it’s O-fish-ally going to be a great year!” This is a budget-friendly back to school snack idea that works well for allergy-friendly classrooms too, just grab the appropriate version of Goldfish (like whole grain or color-free).
4. Let’s Have a SWEET Year – Classic Candy Option
Sometimes simple is best. Pick up an assortment of candies, mini chocolate bars, lollipops, or gummy treats, and place them in a cute bag or cup with a label that says, “Let’s have a SWEET year!” This flexible idea lets you customize for your classroom’s needs or your child’s favorites while keeping costs low by shopping in bulk.
A fun, refreshing idea is to give out mints (like Lifesavers or peppermints) with a tag that says, “You’re MINT to be here!” This small gesture is perfect for middle and high school students or as a teacher desk drop-off for fellow educators. It’s a sweet way to encourage students and staff while spending very little.
6. This Year is Going to Be Such a TREAT – Snack Mix
Create a back-to-school snack mix with pretzels, chocolate candies, popcorn, and mini marshmallows. Portion them into clear cups or bags and add a tag saying, “This year is going to be such a TREAT!” This is a fun way to offer a snack with a mix of salty and sweet flavors that kids love.
7. SIP SIP Hooray! Happy First Day – Juice Boxes or Mini Bottled Waters
Stay hydrated and festive by attaching a label to juice boxes or mini water bottles that says, “SIP SIP hooray, happy first day!” This is a healthier option that works for classrooms where candy might not be allowed. Kids love cute puns, and this makes hydration more fun.
8. It’s Going to Be a POPPIN’ Great Year – Popcorn Bags
Who can resist popcorn? Pop some popcorn, fill up small snack bags, and add a cute label saying, “It’s going to be a POPPIN’ great year!” This is a great frugal classroom snack idea because popcorn is cheap, easy to make in bulk, and allergy-friendly for most schools.
9. You Are One Smart COOKIE – Cookies for the Win
End your back-to-school treat lineup with a classic favorite: cookies! Bake (or buy) your favorite cookies and package them individually with a tag that says, “You are one smart COOKIE!” You can even have your child help decorate the tags or the bags for a special touch of personalization.
10. I’m BEARy Glad to Have You in My Class – Gummy Bears
Gummy bears make for a quick and adorable back to school treat! Fill up snack bags with gummy bears and attach a label that says, “I’m BEARy glad to have you in my class!” This idea is both cute and budget-friendly, perfect for Open House or the first day of school.
11. I’m Glad You ROLLED UP Tonight for Open House – Fruit Roll-Ups
Hosting Open House? Hand out fruit roll-ups with a cute tag that says, “I’m glad you ROLLED UP tonight for Open House!” This clever idea works well for making families feel welcome and is super affordable for teachers providing treats.
12. Thanks for POPPIN' In – Blow Pops
Blow Pops are a fun, affordable treat with a built-in pun! Fill a small treat bag with a Blow Pop (or even two) and attach a note that says, “Thanks for POPPIN' in!” This is a perfect little thank-you favor for Open House, Meet the Teacher Night, or even for parents who attend a classroom event. It’s simple, sweet, and easy on the wallet!
Budget-Friendly Tips for Back-to-School Snacks:
- Shop at your local dollar store or wholesale club for bulk snack items.
- Use free printable tags from Pinterest or design simple ones yourself.
- Keep it simple: Kids appreciate the thought more than fancy packaging.
- Opt for pre-packaged snacks if your school has allergy or health restrictions.
Whether you’re a teacher looking to make your students feel welcome or a parent wanting to brighten your child’s first day, these fun and frugal back to school treat ideas will start the year off on a happy note.
👉 Which idea is your favorite? Have you ever made back to school treats before? Let me know in the comments below!
If you loved these ideas, don’t forget to save this post on Pinterest and follow Nanny to Mommy for more budget-friendly parenting tips!
Written by Diana Chastain from Nanny to Mommy
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