Whether it’s the end of another school year, or the end of an entire era of their education, the start of the summer break is a momentous occasion for kids.

It’s a time to look back on the year that’s passed and celebrate the end of their hard work, and as their parent or guardian, you can help them celebrate in style.

Here are a few ideas for how to celebrate the end of the school year with your children.

A gift for teachers

In all the excitement, let’s not forget the person who got your child to this happy point.

Show that you appreciate their teacher’s hard work by sending your child to school with a present in their backpack. Chocolate or nice toiletries are usually appreciated (or perhaps a cheeky bottle of something. Teachers need to unwind too after all).

If even their teacher is in a celebratory mood, the big day is off to a promising start.

Summer bucket list

It’s not just the end of school that’s exciting, but the promise of six weeks holiday.

Give your child something definite to look forward to over the summer break. Days out, visits with friends and family, trips to the pool, park or cinema, and perhaps even a holiday abroad. It’ll give them something to focus on and get excited about during their last day of school.

T-shirt printing

Some last days are more momentous than others: the move from primary to secondary school, the last day before you move to another place, and the very last day of compulsory education. Those momentous last days deserve lasting a commemoration, and printing a unique t-shirt is a simple and effective way to do just that.

Companies like Woven Inc. specialise in t-shirt printing, and will help you create a commemorative t-shirt, hoodie or jumper for your child and their friends; a special item of clothing that cements this special time of change.

Last day photo

Another way to make this last day last is to take a plenty of photos.

You can have one of your children entering or leaving the school gates for the last time, one of them with all their friends standing in front of the building, or one of them at the special end of year assembly.

Get it framed and give it to them as a small present, so they can look back on it in the years to come and remember how they felt.

Walk of fame

Every school year is a special school year, whether academically or personally. So why not celebrate that with a little awards ceremony of your own?

Kids go through so much, and it’s important to let them know that you appreciate their achievements, however small. Maybe they moved up a set in a subject they struggle in. Perhaps they did well in their exams, made new friends, had perfect attendance, featured in the school play or art show, or just kept going when things were tough at home for whatever reason.

It might seem silly, but a cheesy certificate, badge or some other token is a light-hearted way to let them you care.

Party!

What’s the best way to celebrate the last day of school? That’s right: have a party!

Let your child invite their friends over so they can enjoy the beginning of summer together. Give them some level of control over proceedings, such as the menu, the playlist or the activities. Even if it’s just a BBQ in the back garden, or pizzas and a movie marathon, it will end the day on a fun note.

The last day of school is a big day for any child, but by following these tips you can make it’s one they’ll always remember.