Crafting a Schultüte for the Initial School Day

Crafting a Schultüte for the Initial School Day

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First published several years ago and last updated on Aug. 11, 2025, by Kari Hanson

For a unique and meaningful way to celebrate the first day of school, consider crafting a Schultüte—a German tradition dating back to the early 1800s. This cone-shaped package, filled with treats and school supplies, symbolises the child's step from Kindergarten to "real school" and adds a special touch to the occasion.

Materials Needed

• Sturdy large paper or lightweight cardboard (coloured or plain)
• Scissors
• Tape or glue
• Decorative materials like coloured tissue paper, stickers, ribbons, markers, or glitter
• String or ribbon to tie the open end closed

Instructions

1. Create the Cone Shape
2. Cut the paper or cardboard into a large semicircle (about 50-60 cm radius, depending on the desired cone size).
3. Roll the semicircle into a cone shape and tape or glue the seam so it holds together firmly.
4. Decorate the Schultüte
5. Personalise the outside of the cone with your chosen decorations—you may want to include the child's name or fun themes.
6. Fill the Schultüte
7. Fill the cone with goodies such as candies, small toys, and essential school supplies like pencils, erasers, and notebooks.
8. To pad the bottom of the cone's inside, use crumpled tissue.
9. Cover the inner rim of the cone with gift tissue and extend it up and away from the top.
10. Finish the Schultüte
11. Tie the open wide end of the cone with a ribbon to keep the contents inside.
12. The schultuete's top is made flat by cutting straight across the upper part of the cone, resembling an oversized ice cream cone.

This homemade Schultüte not only embraces a rich tradition but also allows you to customise the size, decoration, and contents based on your child's interests and needs. This simple craft can be a meaningful ritual to mark the transition to school.

Note

Schultuetes are not as readily available in the United States but can be found online. The tradition of giving a schultuete is a 200-year-old German tradition, and the schultuete is embellished to fit the child's interests with stickers, glitter, jewels, movie posters, or pictures. Schultuetes are traditionally given to German students at the beginning of first grade.

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