With my kids rapidly becoming tired of our regular summer activities, I can’t be more excited for the start of school. Or at least, that’s the story I’m going with. So to celebrate your kiddo’s first day back (you know, other than the sound of your screeching tires as you pull away from the drop-off zone) I’d suggest the Schultute gift box at Abe’s Market, put out by CMP fave Jade’s Toy Box. (Edited to add: Jade’s Toy Box no longer exists)

They’ve revived and revamped a 200-year-old German tradition with this cool cone shaped gift bag that’s stuffed to the brim with fun eco-friendly and educational goodies. But unlike the other gift-type boxes I’ve seen before, the folks at Jade’s Toy Box use high quality items to create a truly cool present. That means no disposable tchochkes; instead, try markers from Clementine Art, Usborne books, soybean crayon rocks – you get the picture.

And funny enough, my kids have even made good use of the cone itself, which doubles quite effectively as a princess or gnome hat. The cones are available in two different languages, and makes a very special first day of school gift for that very special kid. And that very special parent. Who can admit she’s happy to send off that very special kid.

The Schultute gift cones by Jade’s Toy Box are available at Abe’s Market – another one of our favorite places to shop.