There’s just something extra exciting about the first days of a brand-new school year! Freshly sharpened pencils, new crayons, decorated classrooms, and a room full of little faces ready for a year of learning and fun.
If you’re looking for a cute and easy back-to-school treat for your students, these pencil treat cups are such a fun way to welcome them! They’re colorful, simple to put together, and can be filled with just about any little treats or surprises you choose.
And the best part? I’ve included FREE printable Back to School tags that you can use to finish them off! Woohoo!
These would be adorable waiting on students’ desks for the first day of school, handed out at Meet the Teacher Night, or given as a little back-to-school surprise to take home at the end of the day!
What You’ll Need
You only need a few supplies to make these adorable pencil treat cups:
- Pencil cups from Michaels
- Ribbon in your favorite colors
- Hole punch
- Scissors
- Treats or small surprises of your choice
- FREE Back to School printable tags included in this blog post
I used bright yellow and orange curling ribbon to coordinate with the pencil cups, but this is an easy place to make them your own. Use your school colors, classroom theme colors, or whatever ribbon you already have in your craft stash!
How to Make Your Back to School Treat Cups
These come together quickly, which is always a bonus during the busy back-to-school season!
Step 1: Cut off the top rim.
Start with your pencil cup and carefully cut off the top rim. This gives you a nice open edge that you’ll be able to punch holes into for the ribbon.
Step 2: Punch the holes.
Using a hole punch, make holes in the top of the cup. These will be used to thread your ribbon through and bring the top together.
Step 3: Fill it with goodies!
Now for the fun part! Fill your pencil cup with treats or little surprises for your students.
You could add individually wrapped candy, stickers, erasers or any other classroom-friendly goodies your students would enjoy.
Step 4: Add the ribbon.
Thread ribbon through the holes you punched along the top of the cup. Pull the ribbon together to close the top, and tie it securely.
For an extra-fun look, curl the ends of the ribbon with scissors. Those colorful curls make these little pencil cups feel even more festive!
Step 5: Add your FREE printable tag!
Print and cut out the FREE Back to School gift tags included below. Punch a hole in the top of your tag, thread it onto the ribbon, and finish everything with a cute bow or curls.
And that’s it! ✏️🎉
You have an adorable back-to-school treat that’s ready to make someone’s first day a little more special.
So Many Ways to Use Them!
One of my favorite things about this idea is that it isn’t limited to the first day of school. These pencil treat cups would be perfect for Meet the Teacher Night, Open House, classroom welcome gifts, back-to-school parties, teacher gifts, staff gifts, or student surprises.
You could even leave one on each student’s desk before they arrive. Imagine walking into your new classroom and finding a colorful pencil filled with goodies waiting just for you!
It’s a simple little touch, but those are often the things that make the beginning of the school year feel extra special.
Grab Your FREE Back to School Printable Tags!
Of course, every cute treat needs an equally cute tag!
I’ve created FREE printable Back to School tags that you can use with your pencil treat cups. Simply print them, cut them out, punch a hole, and attach them with ribbon.
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE BACK TO SCHOOL TAGS HERE
Tip: Print the tags on white cardstock for a sturdier tag and brighter colors.
Ready for Back to School!
Back-to-school prep doesn’t have to mean complicated projects or hours of crafting. Sometimes all you need are a few inexpensive supplies, some ribbon, and a cute FREE printable to create something your students will be excited to receive.
Fill these pencil cups with your favorite goodies, add your tag, and you’re ready to start the school year with a little extra fun!
Looking for More Back to School Fun?
If you loved these Back to School Treat Cups and are looking for even more fun ways to kick off the new school year, check out these adorable School Supply Crafts!
This Back to School School Supply Crafts Bundle includes pencil, crayon, and glue crafts designed especially for PreK–2. They’re low-prep, hands-on activities that are perfect for the first day and first week of school, fine motor practice, classroom displays, and bulletin boards.
Pair them with your favorite back-to-school read aloud, writing lesson, or classroom discussion for an easy activity your students can proudly display!
Check Out the Back to School School Supply Crafts Bundle Here!
Happy Back to School and I hope you have the BEST YEAR EVER!!
Beth
Little Ray of Sunshine
