Starting school in 2026/2027 – Checklist, Gift Ideas & School Life
Your Personal School Start List
Discover practical companions and personal gift ideas for the first day of school – from lunchboxes, water bottles, and backpacks to pencil cases, school kid shirts, memory boxes, and small surprises for the school cone.
Many selected products can be designed with the child's name or other personal details. This transforms a practical everyday companion into a unique gift for enrollment.
- Many products individually personalizable with names
- Practical companions for breaks, sports, childcare, and excursions
- Personalization of selected products in Bocholt
Good to know: The children's backpacks shown are not automatically school satchels. Depending on the model, they are suitable for childcare, sports, leisure, excursions, or as an additional backpack. For class, the size, fit, carrying system, and product description should be carefully checked.
Quickly find the right items for school start
Select the desired section directly and discover the currently available products, designs, and personalization options.
Gifts for School Enrollment
Personal keepsakes, practical school companions, and small surprises for the first day of school.
Discover enrollment gifts
Backpacks with Names
Children's backpacks for childcare, sports, leisure, excursions, and different uses in everyday school life.
Discover backpacks
Lunchboxes with Names
Lunchboxes and bread boxes for packed lunches, fruit, vegetables, and small snacks in everyday school life.
Discover lunchboxes
Water Bottles for School Children
Different sizes, materials, and closures for school, childcare, sports, and excursions.
Discover water bottlesPractical companions for school, childcare, and excursions
Backpacks, lunchboxes, and water bottles accompany many children daily. When choosing, not only the motif and color but also size, weight, handling, cleaning, and the intended use should be considered.
Our tip: Before buying, compare the dimensions of the backpack, lunchbox, and water bottle. The bottle should fit securely into the designated compartment and all closures should be operable by the child as independently as possible.
Backpacks for childcare, leisure, and everyday school life
From spacious 14-liter outdoor backpacks to compact backpacks with names, you'll find various models for excursions, childcare, sports, and other activities in children's everyday life. Whether a model is suitable for daily lessons should always be checked based on size, fit, and product description.
Outdoor Backpack Nature 14 L
Spacious companion with rain cover, padded straps, reflectors, and side compartments.
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Outdoor Backpack Adventure 14 L
Water-repellent backpack with rain cover, seat pad, chest strap, and reflective details.
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Little Farm Kids Backpack
Light and compact backpack with chest strap, inner compartment, and individual name design.
View productLunchboxes and bread boxes for children
A good lunchbox should suit the child's appetite, offer sufficient space for bread and snacks, and be as easy to open as possible. Depending on the model, a large compartment, fixed divisions, or additional cooling functions are available.
Large Lunchbox Mr. Fox
Large stainless steel lunchbox with fixed compartments and optional name personalization.
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N’ice Box with ice pack
Lunchbox with integrated cooling function and practical cutlery for school and on the go.
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Lunchbox Rainbow
Child-friendly lunchbox with removable tray for separated snacks and packed lunches.
View productDrinking bottles for schoolchildren
When choosing, check the capacity, weight, closure, outer dimensions and care instructions. The bottle should be safe for the child to use and fit into the designated backpack or bottle holder.
Pop-up drinking bottle Fairy Garden
Compact 400 ml bottle with child-friendly pop-up closure and Fairy Garden motif.
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Drinking bottle Mr. Lion 350 ml
Compact yellow children's bottle with lion motif and optional personalization with a name.
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Drinking bottle Mr. Fox 500 ml
Larger children's bottle with fox motif and optional name personalization for school and outings.
View productPersonalized Gifts for Starting School
The first day of school is a special milestone. A gift with a name or enrollment year can be used in everyday school life or kept as a personal memento of this day.
Which gift idea is suitable? Schoolchild shirts and a school enrollment sign are suitable for souvenir photos. A memory box stores photos, certificates and small keepsakes. Pencil holders and pencil cases, on the other hand, can be used directly in the new school day.
Personalized School Enrollment Sign
Personal sign with name as a souvenir for the children's room door, shelf or desk.
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Memory Box for School Enrollment
Personal storage for school enrollment photos, cards, certificates and small keepsakes.
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Wooden Pen Holder with Name
Practical desk organizer for colored pencils, pens and the creative coloring corner.
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Schoolchild Shirt for Boys
Personalized shirt for school enrollment celebration, family photos and as a memento of the first day of school.
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Schoolchild Shirt for Girls
Personalized shirt with name for the first day of school, the celebration and special souvenir photos.
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Grey Pencil Case with Name
Simple case for pens and stationery with optional personalization.
View productSchoolchild shirt, keepsake sign or box for photos and memorabilia from the first day of school.
A lasting keepsake or a practical companion with the child's name.
Pencil case, key ring or a small addition for desk and school cone.
Check the year: For schoolchild shirts, signs and other products with printed school year, check before ordering whether the currently offered variant is suitable for 2026 or 2027. The selection fields and images on the respective product page are always binding.
What can go into the school cone?
A successful school cone combines small practical items, personal surprises and some favorite sweets. The quantity is not decisive, but a selection that suits the child and the new stage of life.
Our tip: Large or heavy gifts do not have to fit into the school cone. A memory box, a pen holder or a larger school set can be presented separately. This keeps the school cone lighter and more comfortable for the child to carry.
- small key ring with the school child's name
- pencil case, pens or child-friendly stationery
- patches or small pendants for bag and pencil case
- small games, puzzles or age-appropriate learning products
- personal good wishes or a small voucher
- sweets in an amount appropriate for the family
Schoolchild key ring
Personal wooden pendant with name for school cone, bag, pencil case or key ring.
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Fairy Garden pencil case
Floral motif with space for pens and small writing utensils, with name if desired.
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Happy Prints Patches Set
Three interchangeable patches for individual customization of suitable bags, pouches and pencil cases.
View productSchool Start Checklist 2026 / 2027
Good preparation takes the pressure off the last few weeks before school enrollment. Not every school requires the same materials. Use this checklist as a guide and then compare it with the information and material lists of the future school.
What does a child really need for school? The school's requirements, a suitable school satchel or bag, a equipped pencil case, and practical solutions for food, drinks, and sports are decisive. Personal gifts and souvenirs can then be suitably added.
Organization and appointments
School bags and satchels
Writing, drawing and crafting
Eating and drinking
Sports and childcare
First Day of School and Memories
When should you start preparing?
Not everything needs to be done at once. A simple timeline helps to make bigger decisions early and order personalized products in good time.
Clarify basics
Organize school, childcare, school route, appointments, and school bag early.
Personalized products
Order shirts, signs, memory boxes, or personalized gifts in good time.
Complete equipment
Complete material list, lunchbox, water bottle, pencil case, and sports bag.
Test together
Try out fasteners, pack school bag on a trial basis, and practice the school route again.
Prepare for calm
Lay out clothes, school bag, and school cone, and allow enough time for the morning.
What should be coordinated with the school before purchasing?
Colors, formats, and equipment preferences sometimes differ significantly. For some purchases, it is therefore advisable to wait for the material list or the first parent-teacher evening.
Rulings, colors, sizes, and covers can vary from class to class.
Some teachers prefer certain pens or a specific basic set of supplies.
Check which shoes and clothing items are needed for the gym, outdoor area, or swimming.
For all-day or after-school care, slippers, a change of clothes, and additional bags may be necessary.
Only purchase tablets, headphones, or technical devices after clear guidance from the school.
Consider height, fit, school route, storage space, and empty weight together.
What is necessary and what is a personal addition?
First, the practical basic equipment should be right. Personal gifts and souvenirs make the start of school special, but they do not replace the school's requirements or a well-fitting school bag.
Basic equipment
School bag, pencil case, required materials, sports equipment, and childcare solutions.
Everyday companions
Lunchbox, water bottle, sports bag, and easily recognizable name tag.
Memory and gift
Schoolchild shirt, first day of school sign, memory box, pen holder, or key ring.
Don't forget on the first day of school
- Keep school information and invitation handy
- Pack school bag only with necessary items
- Securely close water bottle
- Do not overfill the school cone unnecessarily
- Allow enough time for travel and parking
- Respect photo taking of other children
- Allow the school child breaks and rest
- Do not overload the day with too many agenda items
The most important tip: The first day of school doesn't have to be perfectly staged. For the child, what matters most are familiar people, security, anticipation, and a daily routine that is not overloaded with too many expectations.
Discover products and inspiration for the start of school
These sections will take you directly to the suitable back-to-school products, personalized gift ideas, and practical companions for school, after-school care, and sports.
Questions and answers about starting school 2026 / 2027
Here you will find concise answers to frequently asked questions about enrolment, school cones, personalization, and practical preparation for the first day of school.
Important: Material lists, dates, and requirements may vary depending on the federal state, school, and class. Therefore, the information from the future school and the details on the respective product page are always binding.
What is the difference between enrolment and starting school?
Enrolment often refers to the festive first day of school. Starting school also includes all preparation and the beginning of the new daily routine – for example, school bags, materials, childcare, school route, lunch box, and water bottle.
What does a child need for starting school in 2026 or 2027?
The basic equipment usually includes a suitable school bag, a pencil case, the materials specified by the school, sports equipment, and a suitable solution for food and drink. Additional products depend on the school, childcare, and the individual needs of the child.
When should one start preparing for enrolment?
Major decisions such as school bag, childcare, and school route should be clarified several months in advance. Personalized products should be ordered with sufficient lead time. It is best to purchase notebooks, folders, and special materials only after receiving the school list.
When should a personalized school enrolment gift be ordered?
It is best not to order right before the enrolment. Processing and delivery times vary depending on the product and season. The currently applicable time can be found directly on the respective product page and on our page regarding Shipping, Delivery, and Pickup.
What do you give a child for enrolment?
Popular items include practical companions for school life and personal keepsakes. These include lunch boxes, water bottles, pencil cases, pen holders, school starter shirts, school enrollment signs, memory boxes, and small gifts for the school cone.
What do grandparents or godparents give for school enrollment?
Grandparents and godparents can give a lasting keepsake, a practical everyday companion, or contribute to a larger purchase. More expensive gifts should be discussed with the parents in advance to avoid duplicate purchases.
What goes into the school cone besides sweets?
Suitable items include small stationery, a keychain, pencil cases, personalized items, patches, puzzles, small games, learning products, vouchers, or a personal message. Large or heavy gifts can be given separately.
Are all school starter products customizable?
No. Whether a product can be designed with a name, year, or other details can be seen directly from the selection fields and information on the respective product page. Not every material or model is suitable for the same type of personalization.
What should be checked before personalization?
Carefully check the name, spelling, capitalization, special characters, enrollment year, and all other details. For products with a year, pay special attention to whether the selected version is for 2026 or 2027.
Is a personalized children's backpack a school satchel?
Not automatically. Many children's backpacks are particularly suitable for childcare, sports, leisure, or excursions. For daily lessons, the fit, carrying system, size, weight, and storage space must match the child and the intended use.
Which lunch box is suitable for school?
The lunch box should offer enough space, fit into the satchel, and be able to be opened independently by the child. Dividers can separate bread, fruit, and vegetables. The specific dimensions, materials, and care instructions are crucial.
Which water bottle is suitable for starting school?
A school water bottle should be light, robust, and easy to use. Compare capacity and external dimensions with the satchel and an existing bottle compartment. Test the closure together with the child before the first day of school.
Which items should be marked with a name?
It is particularly useful to mark lunch boxes, water bottles, sports bags, pencil cases, and easily confused clothing items. For safety reasons, complete personal data should not be unnecessarily visible on the outside.
Can I order products for the 2027 enrollment now?
That depends on the specific item and the currently offered versions. Some products are personalized without a fixed year, others are expressly designed for a specific enrollment year. The selection fields, product images, and item descriptions are binding.
Where can I find more ideas for school enrollment?
In our collection of gifts for school enrollment you will find the complete product selection. Additional tips, school starter shirts, and school cone ideas can be found in the School Enrollment Guide 2026 .
Personal companions for a special new chapter in life
Since 2011, Schmatzepuffer has been offering personalized gift ideas for babies and children. Many suitable products are designed or refined according to your specifications in our manufactory in Bocholt.
Individually personalized
Selected products are designed with names, year, or other personal details.
Carefully selected
We combine practical everyday companions with personal gift ideas and keepsakes.
Manufactory in Bocholt
Many personalizations are created directly at our location. Shipping or personal collection are possible depending on the order.
Please note: Personalization, material, dimensions, age recommendation, and processing time may vary depending on the item. The information on the respective product page is always binding.
Discover more suitable theme worlds
Supplement your school preparation with the right product worlds, guides, and everyday companions.
Prepare for school enrollment personally and relaxed
Whether it's a practical lunch box, a suitable water bottle, a small gift for the school cone, or a lasting keepsake: Choose products that suit the child, everyday life, and existing equipment.
With early planning, there will be enough time to carefully check personalizations and enjoy the first day of school without unnecessary haste.
