As the dog days of summer gradually give way to the crisp air of autumn, it’s time to bid farewell to that sultry sunshine and embrace the back-to-school season. But before the school bells start ringing and our normal routines take over, let’s make the most of the remaining days, creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime – or, at least, that’ll keep us warm throughout winter.
In this article, we’ll explore a variety of activities that allow you to savor the last moments of summer, celebrate with loved ones, and even – whisper it – prepare for the upcoming school year. From relaxing and reminiscing to planning unforgettable ‘goodbye-to-summer’ parties, we have you covered, like a parasol, with ideas that capture the essence of this transitional period.
So, dust off your flip flops, grab a refreshing drink, and let’s mark the end of summer in a way that only Zazzle.com can!
Reflect and Relax
As the months of balmy summer evenings come to a close, it’s essential to take a moment for yourself and reflect on the adventures you’ve had and the memories you’ve made. Did your vacation with the kids exceed all your expectations, or did you attend a party or summer wedding this year that was a particular highlight? Before the hustle-and-bustle of the school year starts, think about what just ended.
Journaling
Since you’re reliving these experiences anyway, why not document them (in a custom notebook from Zazzle)? Write about the places you’ve visited, the people you’ve met, and anything that’s left a lasting impression. Being grateful for these occurrences will help to welcome more of them into your life!
Meditation and Yoga
We’re assuming the weather is still good where you are, so we think you should find a peaceful spot in a park, forest, or your backyard and unroll a yoga mat. Before the school runs and after-school drop-offs commence, take the time to improve your yoga routine and meditation technique. On a related note, you could learn “How to Practice Mindfulness” in general with Zazzle Ideas!
Digital Detox
Our last idea in this section is perhaps the most important, and it’s something you could make part of your routine in the new school term. Disconnect from the digital world for a day or weekend, put away your devices and screens, and strike up a conversation with a friend or family member. According to Intelligent Change.com, “all you need to do is start with a series of small commitments,” and, at the end of your detox, jot down how you felt and what you learned!
Create and Celebrate
So long, summer – we’ll miss you! Parting is such sweet sorrow, but if you want to make it a little easier to say goodbye, then you could host an ‘end-of-summer’ party. Acknowledge the memories you’ve made during this sun-drenched season with the party to end all parties!
Themed Decorations
The most successful parties begin with a theme, and so you should set the tone for your party by selecting an appropriate style or vibe. It could be a tropical luau, a retro beach party, or a cozy bonfire gathering. Let your creativity run wild, and make it a theme that resonates with your group’s interests. Then, once you have your theme, transform your venue into a summer paradise with banners, balloons, tablecloths, and invitations.
Plan Engaging Activities
Ride that last wave of summer heat into the sunset with engaging games and activities. At the beach, you can arrange sandcastle building competitions, volleyball matches, treasure hunts, or swimming contests; at home, you can set up a queue of lawn games, such as cornhole, beer pong, and Topple Tower. And if you’re still short of ideas to keep the young ones entertained, refer back to our “25 Indoor & Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids” article.
Share Memories
In honor of the amazing summer you’ve had, invite guests to share their favorite memories of the season at the party. Provide a guest book or a memory jar where people can write down their highlights of the summer and wishes for the upcoming school and college year. At the very least, this should provide some interesting answers to that clichéd “How I Spent My Summer” prompt at school in September.
Soak and Stroll
While those midsummer days may have meant sweltering temperatures, the remaining summer days should prove more comfortable weather for immersing yourself in the great outdoors. Enjoy the beauty of nature before the summer comes to an end!
Beach Outings
True, you’ve probably been there several times already this summer, but how about one last hurrah? Whether you’re soaking up the rays, taking a refreshing dip, or playing beach games, those sandy dunes offer a perfect setting to savor the last days of summer. Don’t forget to bring along personalized beach towels from Zazzle, complete with your name or monogram!
Picnics in the Park
This next idea is simplicity itself. Pack a delicious spread of sandwiches, fruit, and snacks, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the park. If you want to ensure you have everything, consult our “Planning the Perfect Picnic” article!
Hiking Adventures
This might be a new experience for some – and it’s certainly more difficult than planning a picnic – but hiking has numerous physical, mental, and relational benefits, according to the National Park Service. Lace up your hiking boots and explore scenic trails in your area (or further afield). As you trek through nature, you’ll discover breathtaking viewpoints, lush landscapes, and the sublime serenity of the woods and mountains.
Engage and Enjoy
Before the curtain finally falls on summer, making way for, um, fall, then it’s worth paying tribute to the colorful cast of family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues who contributed to some of the memories you’ve made. You won’t have the same amount of free time once the back-to-school season starts, so why not take part in some of the following activities?
Game Nights
Dedicate a special evening each week for family game nights. Gather around the dining table or cozy up in the living room with a selection of board games, card games, or even video games. Any game is a good opportunity for laughter, friendly competition, and family bonding.
Movie Marathons
Plan a movie marathon day where the whole family can indulge in their favorite films or explore a series of movies. Create a cozy atmosphere with blankets, pillows, and delicious snacks, and you could even finish the marathon with a movie-themed game of charades.
Cooking and Baking Together
This is one of our most delicious ideas. Spend time in the kitchen as a family, whipping up delicious meals or indulging in baking adventures. To mark the end of summer, you could focus on recipes that reflect the flavors of the season, such as homemade ice cream, fresh fruit desserts, or barbecue feasts. Personalized aprons and kitchen accessories from Zazzle will add a touch of fun and style to your culinary endeavors.
Shop and Study
Wait, come back! We’re not suggesting you need to spend the last days of summer cramming for exams – not at all! But all the same, it may be worth getting a head start on the new year by refreshing your wardrobe, stocking up on school supplies, and indulging in a bargain hunt or two.
Assess Your Needs
Before diving into the shopping frenzy, take a moment to assess your needs. Look at the remnants of last year’s school equipment, and make a list of essential items that need to be replaced or updated. Determine the school supplies you’ll need, such as notebooks, pens, and backpacks, to ensure a smooth start to the year. Don’t forget the college extras, either, such as electronics and tech accessories to ready your study space or motivational wall art for your dorm room. You can find a full list of necessary school and college supplies in our “Top Back to School Supplies” article!
Take Advantage of Sales and Discounts
Back-to-school season often comes with enticing sales and discounts on books, stationery, and children’s clothing, so keep an eye out for promotions both online and in stores. For instance, you could check Zazzle’s Coupons page for any ongoing discounts or special offers on personalized products that align with your back-to-school needs!
Plan a Shopping Schedule
A last-minute shopping rush is something neither kids nor parents enjoy, so avoid the end-of-August stampede by planning your shopping schedule in advance. To make things easier on everyone, don’t try to accomplish everything in one day. Allocate one day to browsing school supplies, and another day to get outfits for school.
It always seems like the last few days of summer slip away too quickly, but with the above guide, you’ll have hopefully made the most of those dwindling daylight hours. Whether you’re hosting a party, spending some quality time with your loved ones, practicing self-care, or doing something else entirely, tell us how you’re marking the end of summer in the comments below!
Eoin is a Content Specialist at Zazzle in Cork. He’s recently bought a house with his fiancée, and thus most of his time these days is spent trying to keep the walls from caving in and the wolves from the door. Still, he’s always open to book, game, and movie recommendations, so if you have some, let him know: he’ll add them to a very, very long list.
