My daughter has been home with me the whole summer, and it’s been amazing. Very soon, she’s heading back for her Junior year at college already. Crazy!

I’ve been thrilled to have this quality time- we’ve spent a lot of it going to the lake, cooking together and experimenting with home-made goodies! The first day of school was always a special day for all of us when they were younger and so excited! You had to get the photo of course (see below), and an extra-special breakfast.

I would typically take them on a little shopping spree for clothes and necessities like binders, backpacks and lunch boxes. Now that they’re older and independent, they don’t want a big fuss – but I still want to send them off in a special way. Here are some thoughts:

• A special dinner out. I love to give my girls experiences they’ve never had before, and there are so many interesting meal choices now. This year we’re going to a Brazilian steak house, since it’s a first for her. I cannot wait for a memorable time and delicious food.
• Fun night at home. My daughter worked A LOT this summer, and her last week home was super busy. On one of her nights off, we did a Mexican theme. Grilled fish and chicken for tacos, Mexican rice and salads, and frozen Margaritas! We went in the hot tub, listened to music and just enjoyed a super relaxing night together.
• The credit card with (of course) a limit. I’ve made mention of the fact that I give them, in general, a credit card (it literally has a $500 limit) which is helpful for trips and chores. In the case of back to school, I let her shop within reason for incidentals- little things for her apartment, and she loves the beauty section at TJ Maxx (so do I!). The products are so interesting and cheap. She scored some big bottles of shampoo and conditioner that should last awhile!

• Manicures. We splurge on these a few times a summer- before our lake party for instance, but definitely the week before she heads back to school. Starting something new just calls for a little refresh of the nails. 
• Groceries. Something as mothers we focus on a lot is making sure our children are well-fed. We will usually go food shopping when I make a visit to school, but I like her to be stocked up in preparation for going back as well. This you must do together, because I could make some educated guesses, but it’s important she will actually eat what you buy and you aren’t wasting your time and money. Back in the day we liked our oatmeal packets and mac and cheese and stuff, but kids who were raised like mine have much more sophisticated (and frankly, healthier) palates. We love Trader Joes because the quality and price is great. The frozen food there is incredible- so we take a trip to the city (we don’t have one in my small town-boo) and stock up for both of us!
• Small yet special treats. My daughter was loving the pens I use for journaling, and my eyebrow pencil she noticed in the bathroom (this is something I LOVE about having daughters- when she has something interesting, I test it out to see if I might want it too!). So I ordered her a pack of the pens and the eyebrow pencil, and surprised her with a little treat one night when she got home. 

I hope your child has a great send-off to school! I know it’s a bittersweet time, but look at the positive- you’re able to spend some time on yourself now!