Ravensburger Schulanfang pad: First Reading (German)
6–7 years
A practice pad for starting school on the theme of first reading. A small gift. In German, so good for learners of German.
First school day
School start gifts: ideas for the big first day
The first day of school is a milestone. These school start gifts, including ideas for the Schultüte, make the beginning easier and a bit more festive.
The links lead to Amazon. We receive no payment for them.
Learning & discovering
Ravensburger Schulanfang pad: Concentration (German)
6–7 years
A practice pad for starting school on the theme of concentration. A small Einschulung gift. In German.
Crafts & drawing
Pelikan K12 opaque paint box with white and 3 brushes
from 6 years
A paint box with opaque white and three brushes, also useful for art lessons.
Shuttle Art art set, 106 pieces
from 6 years
An art set with coloured pencils, pastel crayons and watercolours: lots to try out. In Germany it also suits a school-starter gift (Einschulung).
Books
Leserabe: Dinoabenteuer (German early reader)
6–7 years
A German-language early reader for the first year of primary school, with dinosaur stories. Good for bilingual families or learners of German.
Leserabe: Monstergeschichten (German early reader)
6–7 years
A German-language early reader with monster stories. Good for bilingual families or learners of German.
Leserabe: Der verhexte Schulranzen (German early reader)
6–7 years
A German-language early reader about a bewitched school bag, fitting for starting school. Good for bilingual families or learners of German.
Outdoors & movement
ABUS Smiley 3.0 children's bike helmet
3–7 years
A children’s bike helmet and a practical gift for the Einschulung (first school day in Germany). Check the right size.
The Schultüte: a tradition that needs space
In Germany, children traditionally receive a large school cone on their first day of school. It is called a Schultüte, or Zuckertüte in some regions. It is big, colourful and usually filled by parents, grandparents or godparents. The principle is simple: most of what goes inside is small, and one or two things can be a little more special. It used to hold mostly sweets, but many families today mix useful items, playthings and a few treats.
What fits in a school cone
A good filling goes with the child into everyday school life without weighing it down. Popular choices are:
- pencils, erasers, a sharpener and a nice pencil case
- small drawing pads, stickers and modelling clay for afternoons
- a water bottle and a lunch box the child gets to choose
- a few sweets, but not too many
- a cuddly toy or lucky charm for exciting days
Books and games for new readers
Many children begin to read on their own during their first school year. Books with large print, short sentences and plenty of pictures make it easier to start at their own pace. You can add puzzle booklets, simple word games or non-fiction books on a topic the child already loves. The point is that reading stays fun rather than becoming a chore.
Art supplies and creative gifts
After a long school day, a change of pace helps. Art supplies, craft ideas or a sketchbook give a child room to process the day. A voucher for time together also works well, for example an afternoon of crafting or baking.
Getting to school safely: helmet and more
If the child will ride a scooter or bike, a well-fitting helmet and visible clothing are important gifts. Try the helmet on together so that it fits and the child likes wearing it. As for the route itself, practise it together several times before the child goes alone.
Less is often more
If you are planning a larger gift, a good lunch box, a pencil case or a board game for the family are all suitable. Ask the parents first what the school bag already holds, so nothing is bought twice.
The day is exciting enough, the family celebrates and many people bring something. Agree beforehand so that ten gifts are not unwrapped at once. The links go to amazon.de, the German Amazon shop, which delivers to many countries.
Frequently asked questions
- What goes into a Schultüte?
- Usually small school supplies such as pencils and erasers, a few sweets, a cuddly toy and one or two special surprises. You decide on the mix.
- When does a child receive the school cone?
- Traditionally on the first day of school, usually at the welcome ceremony or right after it.
- Which books suit new readers?
- Books with large print, short sentences and many pictures. It matters that the child enjoys them and does not feel pressure.
- Is a bike helmet a sensible school start gift?
- Yes, if the child rides a scooter or bike. The helmet should fit well, so try it on together.
On wimolino you will also find colouring pages and learning games for this age. Go to the learning games · Go to the coloring pages