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Do you have a smarty pants in your house? Maybe more than one? I love to celebrate school success during the back to school season with a fun party! It’s a great way to say “You’re doing a great job, and keep up the good work!” When you celebrate back to school and the success of your learner, you’re showing them that you’re proud of them! So, gather some goods and invite your learner’s closest friends over for a celebration.

One thing I find to be essential to any great party is a lot of brain food! When choosing a menu, aim for fun and creative snacks with some old standbys. I like to also mix salty and sweet– everyone likes a variety!

When mixing and matching, mixing and matching same-colored dishware is a great way to keep things unified without having to go matchy-matchy. Just use what you have!

Old standbys like cookies and crackers are delicious options, but it’s always fun to add an element of surprise– check out the starfruit I found at my local Walmart store! That’ll be a fun treat for anyone who hasn’t tried it, so look for fun new things to try when you go shopping.

Rearranging a storebought vegetable tray into a bowl is a great way to make it look a little classier (or you can save some money by DIYing your vegetable tray and cutting your own vegetables!) In addition to standbys like carrots and celery, I served up a fruit platter with guava, persimmon, and rambutan– don’t be alarmed by the appearance. Under that fuzzy rambutan skin is a sweet, delicious fruit!

When it comes to party menus, I really like the idea of guests choosing their own adventure a little bit. One way to do this is to have a make-your-own-smoothie part of the snack bar! This is one part that I encourage adults and kids to get together on and mix up some fun concoctions!

To make an effortless beverage bar, offer up a few things… first, a variety of frozen fruits and vegetables for plenty of flavor and nutrients. Then, add some thickeners like Greek yogurt and sweeteners like honey and agave nectar. You’ll want some extra mix-ins, too, like chia seeds and shredded coconut, or for the over-14 crowd,  Emergen-C®.  Emergen-C® is packed with B vitamins, electrolytes, more vitamin C than 10 oranges^ and other antioxidants†. With over 20 flavors, you have plenty of delicious varieties to choose from.* (^Based on the USDA.gov nutrient database value for a large, raw orange. †Zinc and Manganese*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease)

During the back to school season and through the winter, I like to make sure I’m stocked up on the essentials, like the ones I included in this Smarty Pants party. Things like Robitussin®, Centrum®, and Chapstick® are must-haves when heading into the school year– they’re all in one convenient section, so just look over by the pharmacy and follow the signs to Vitamins, Cough Relief, Pain Relief, and even Chapped Lips.

While I’m at Walmart shopping for these essentials, I know that I’m also able to pick up the food and party supplies I need, which makes it a great one-stop-shop to stock up.

It’s just smart to stock up, and the truth is, while you’re stocking up for your family, you can pick out some great items to be included in a goodie bag, too! When it comes to back-to-school, I like to make sure I have Robitussin® on hand– it helps you clear cough from your schedule*! (*Use as Directed) And trust me, we all know how busy a schedule does not have time for congestion. It’s one of many things I have to make sure I keep on hand.

A Smarty Pants Party DIY doesn’t have to end at just a Smoothie Bar, because it’s always fun to let your guests pick out their own goodie bag supplies, too! Before they head home from the fun of celebrating Back To School and the successes that come with that, it’s a great time to give them a chance to pick their own necessities for the school year.

Give kids at the party fun choices, like Chapstick®— it’s skincare for lips™ and just keeps everything soft and smooth. Everyone needs a Chapstick® in their backpack or bag, so this is an item that’s sure to disappear from the table quickly– be sure to buy enough by snagging a multipack. Bracelets, quirky glasses, notepads, and pencils are also great choices.

Giving kids the chance to pick their own goodies, and giving a variety of fun items like temporary tattoos alongside essentials like Chapstick® and pencils, is a great way to keep them prepared while still keeping things fun!

When dishing out goodies, don’t forget the parents. You know how much the school year can just knock you out as a parent, so making sure moms and dads who bring their kids get a little treat, too, is a big help. You’ll want to be sure they are stocked up on must-haves… Advil® Liqui-Gels®, for example, are a great must-have. Nothing’s faster on tough pain* (*Among OTC pain relievers. Use as directed) like headaches in the after school pick up line or backache from acting like a taxi service to your kids. Hair ties are something most moms can never get enough of, making them a great item to include, too! Make sure the parents at your party are taking care of themselves with items like Centrum Vitamints®, which are Essential nutrients you enjoy like a mint, including 100 % or more of Vitamins C, D, E, and B6. It’s just a great thing to keep with you during the school year for sure. Don’t forget pens, too– every mom needs a nice pen in her purse. That’s always the first thing I lose and need to replace every school year.

When it comes to throwing a Smarty Pants party, be smart about it– offer up fun choices, use bright colors, and celebrate the success of back to school with friends and family you love. Make sure you’re stocked up on back-to-school essentials, and help keep your family stocked up, too.

What is your back-to-school must-have, and now that we’re closing in on the end of the first semester, how do YOU celebrate school success with your family? Let me know in the comments below!