Sometimes, the best school supplies are the ones passed on with care and still in great shape—a clean backpack, a barely-used stack of notebooks, or a cozy hoodie ready for another round of recess.
Yes, supply lists often say “new,” but new doesn’t always mean necessary. If something is functional, clean, and in good condition, it deserves another chance—and another kid who feels ready and proud to use it.
That’s where a Friends & Families Supply Swap comes in. By gathering your community to share gently used school gear, you’re easing financial stress, reducing waste, and showing kids that the best way to start the school year… is together.
Why Host a School Supply Swap?
- Save Money: Let’s face it—school supplies are expensive, and kids often outgrow items long before they wear out.
- Reduce Waste: Reusing supplies helps cut down on unnecessary waste, making it a win for your wallet and the planet.
- Build Community: This is about people helping people. It's a reminder that we're not doing this alone.
- Teach Kids Values: Sharing, generosity, gratitude—these are lessons that stick longer than the smell of a new pencil case.
How to Host a School Supply Swap
1. Gather Your Crew
Invite friends, relatives, neighbors, school contacts, and even teammates. The more variety in ages, the better the mix of items available.
2. Pick a Fun, Friendly Theme
A little theme can turn a swap into a celebration:
- “Pencil-palooza!”
- "Swap ’til You Drop!"
- "Refresh & Reuse Rally!"
Add themed signs, decorations, or even a kids’ playlist to make it feel special.
3. Collect Ahead or Bring Day-Of
You can:
- Ask families to drop off supplies the week before so you can organize.
- Or go casual: everyone brings items to lay out on the day of.
Pro tip: Set up a quick donation bin for any extras you can pass along to a local school or charity afterward.
What to Include in the Swap
- School Supplies: Notebooks, pencils, folders, calculators, glue sticks, rulers.
- Clothing: Jackets, shoes, gym clothes—kids grow fast!
- Books: Especially age-appropriate reading lists or workbooks.
- School and Lunch Gear: Backpacks, bento boxes, reusable water bottles, lunch bags.
- Technology: Headphones, laptop sleeves, USB sticks (in clean, working condition).
Have signage so guests can easily find what they need—and where to leave what they brought.
Pro Tips for Smooth Swapping
- Encourage Good Condition Only: Remind guests to bring items that are clean, working, and gently used.
- Set Clear Start Times: This avoids early rushes or unfair grabbing.
- Label Drop-Off Zones: Make it easy to donate extra stuff even if a family can’t stay for the whole event.
- Leftover Plan: Have a box ready for extras you can donate to a local school, shelter, or nonprofit.
Make It More Than Just a Swap
Give it heart, fun, and flair:
- DIY Customization Station: Set up a table with markers, fabric patches, washi tape, iron-ons, and name labels. Let kids personalize their new gear—it turns hand-me-downs into treasures.
- Photo Booth Fun: Create a back-to-school photo booth with silly props—chalkboards, apples, and “First Day of…” signs. Free memories included.
- Friendship Book Station: Create a cozy corner with a My Friends and I community friendship book where each child gets two pages to fill out with playful prompts like "My school", "I'm in __ grade." “My favorite food:”, "My favorite activities:", and many more. As kids flip through the pages, they’ll discover shared interests, recognize familiar names, and even find others who go to the same school—turning casual hellos into future friendships. Back-to-School Special: Get 25% off your My Friends and I book order now through August with promo code BACKTOSCHOOL.
- Chill Hangout Space: Offer lemonade and cookies, and let families relax and chat. You’re not just sharing supplies—you’re building community.
Bonus Ideas to Level Up
- Kids as Helpers: Let older kids act as “swap assistants” or hosts. It builds leadership skills and helps them feel proud of giving back.
- Mini Workshop Corner: Invite a teacher or parent to give a 15-minute chat about study habits, mindfulness for kids, or organizing homework time.
- Gratitude Tree: Hang a paper tree and let kids write or draw one thing they’re excited or thankful for this school year.
Make It a Tradition
You don’t need a budget to create back-to-school magic. You need community, creativity, and the willingness to reimagine what “getting ready” looks like.
When families help each other, kids learn they’re never alone—and that showing up for your friends, your neighbors, your community… is maybe the most important school supply of all.