Schultüten
In preparation for our daughter starting school I have had to start looking into another German tradition. Not only does she need her Schulranzen, but she will also expect a Schultüte on her first day.
Actually, I first came across the concept as a student in Germany in 1993 whilst watching a TV show called “Supergrips” (known elsewhere as “Blockbusters”) where the main prize was a Wundertüte – a sort of mystery prize. At the time, I did not realise the significance of this item as part of German school life.
But be it a Schultüte or the infamous Wundertüte, it is the same shape: a large cone.
The Schultüte cone is colourfully decorated – often with the same sort of designs as the Schulranzen, and is purchased empty several weeks before school starts.
Into this cone then go small presents that the child receives on their first day. These may be small books, or stationary, or even sweets. The cones are certainly large enough to fit all three into them!
So given the possible contents, this cone can get quite heavy. Which makes it even more amazing that the children carry it around with them on their first day at school – proud of what they have been given, but not even knowing what is inside. You see, they don’t actually open the cone until they get home!
Our Schultüte is now awaiting its contents. Any suggestions?
About Graham
It’s a wonderful tradition that is so anticipated and fun for the children. It makes that first day of school so much easier and exciting for them. My wife started a company that brings this to America, with a custom designed cone which comes filled with a small journal/keepsake workbook, a plush character, some pencils, temporary tattos, and a limited-edition certificate. We left some room for a special gift to make if personal and from the parent’s heart. Check it out at http://www.kindercone.com
It’s a wonderful tradition that is so anticipated and fun for the children. It makes that first day of school so much easier and exciting for them. My wife started a company that brings this to America, with a custom designed cone which comes filled with a small journal/keepsake workbook, a plush character, some pencils, temporary tattos, and a limited-edition certificate. We left some room for a special gift to make if personal and from the parent’s heart. Check it out at http://www.kindercone.com
This Schultüte is a very German tradition. Back when I was younger and sweets were rare, it actually made us look forward to the first day of school.
On the other hand, we dreaded some teachers we had heard about (the ones who used to pull your ears, your hair, use a stick etc.)
And, very importantly, we also had our first day of school picture taken with the Schultüte. I still have mine somewhere…
This Schultüte is a very German tradition. Back when I was younger and sweets were rare, it actually made us look forward to the first day of school.
On the other hand, we dreaded some teachers we had heard about (the ones who used to pull your ears, your hair, use a stick etc.)
And, very importantly, we also had our first day of school picture taken with the Schultüte. I still have mine somewhere…
@Lancelot: Thanks for the link. How is the business running? Are many parents in the USA taking up the tradition?
@Maria: I think you should find that picture and scan it for your blog!
@Lancelot: Thanks for the link. How is the business running? Are many parents in the USA taking up the tradition?
@Maria: I think you should find that picture and scan it for your blog!
Great idea! But where is the picture….:P
I think I need to ask St.Anthony to help me find it ( I find him very reliable!)
Great idea! But where is the picture….:P
I think I need to ask St.Anthony to help me find it ( I find him very reliable!)
Graham, funny I just read your and Maria’s responses, well business has been really pretty good considering that we had just launched, think it helps that it comes filled with this really fun Kinderjournal and Karli the cat. I had some fan letters that declared Karii the “awesomest”. That makes all the work worth it. There is an ad where to get a Schultuete but then you cannot get any where you land. Can I put a small advertisement with you ?
I have nothing but KinderCones, Schultuten..check it out on my website.
Vivian
Graham, funny I just read your and Maria’s responses, well business has been really pretty good considering that we had just launched, think it helps that it comes filled with this really fun Kinderjournal and Karli the cat. I had some fan letters that declared Karii the “awesomest”. That makes all the work worth it. There is an ad where to get a Schultuete but then you cannot get any where you land. Can I put a small advertisement with you ?
I have nothing but KinderCones, Schultuten..check it out on my website.
Vivian
Hi Vivian,
thanks for coming back to us. I have sent you an e-mail about advertising.
Graham
Hi Vivian,
thanks for coming back to us. I have sent you an e-mail about advertising.
Graham