Ideas for Making the Last Day of School Special

Maycember Advice for Moms: Encouragement, Ideas & Easy Wins

If you’re a mom, you probably already know that May is the new December—full of activities, obligations, and emotions. From teacher appreciation week and school dress-up days to field trips, graduations, and vacation planning, “Maycember” is real. And moms? We are right in the middle of it all.

But here’s the truth: your presence matters more than your perfection. Your kids may not remember every detail, but they will remember how you made them feel—loved, safe, and celebrated. So let’s lean into this season with grace, joy, and a few easy ways to make it special without burning out.

My #1 Maycember Advice: Be Present

Between teacher appreciation gifts, class parties, dress-up days, field trips, and summer vacation planning, it’s a full season. But it’s also full of sweetness, celebration, and connection.

And you? You’re doing holy work in the middle of it all.

Your kids won’t remember if you nailed every themed snack or RSVP’d on time. They’ll remember feeling safe, seen, and celebrated. So let’s simplify May with joyful, meaningful moments you’ll remember too.

Fun and Easy Last Day of School Ideas

1. THIS 2 in 1 Last Day of School Banner!

It comes with 3 strings so I just used one for breakfast "happy last day" and two for after school "hello summer" and the graphics. 

2. Streamers and balloons

These are the same price on Amazon as they were in-store at Walmart just now! Next year I'll plan ahead and save myself a trip to Wally World at the last minute! 

Balloons here! - I throw a few on the ground inside my house and a few inside my car!

Streamers here! 

3. Silly String

Why is a silly string fight with your sibling just the best childhood memories? Mine absolutely LOVE THEM! And so do I :) 

5. You Are Special Today Plate

Our family loves this plate! We use it for birthdays and any occasion we can! 

6. Outside Fun 

Something about getting wet and playing outside just feels like the right thing to do after a year of learning in school! 

Inflatable Water Slide

Ours is similar to this one - keeps my kids entertained for hours! Some of the best money we have ever spent! 

Simple & Meaningful Conversations for the Last Day of School

7. At breakfast or on the way to school, tell your kid, “I’m so proud of you for finishing another year of school. I hope you feel so proud of yourself too! You’ve been a blessing to your teacher & our family. You’ve learned so much and made new friends. Thank you God for this special year.” 

And listen to the song, "Good Day" by Forrest Frank

8. After school, tell them, “I’m so happy for this summer with you! We are going to have so much fun together!” Even if you will still see them the same amount of hours during the summer, summer feels so fun and different for kids so join them in their excitement too! Talk about things you want to do together this summer, make a summer bucket list, and just let them know how important they are and how much you enjoy being with them. 

And listen to the song, "Celebration" by Forrest Frank. 

Mindset Shift for Maycember Moms

Repeat after me:
✨ “I don’t have to do it all. I get to choose what matters most.”

You’re not failing if you don’t check every box. You're showing up, you're loving well, and you're making memories in a meaningful way.

Looking for More Encouragement?

One of my sweet real-life best friends and college roommates, Morgan Eseke, has a huge gifting on her life for encouraging moms! Check out her Instagram and her blog. 

Join Us on Instagram

Follow @ElevateMotherhood on Instagram. This is where the day-to-day fun happens! We talk encouraging motherhood, fun mom hacks, cute and casual & affordable outfits, Amazon finds, and more! We keep it positive and make it fun!