Starting school is a major moment in any child’s life, filled with excitement, nerves, and new beginnings. In Germany, this transition comes with a beloved tradition known as the Schultüte—a colorful cone full of surprises that makes the first day of school unforgettable.
If you're not from Germany, you might be wondering: What exactly is a Schultüte and why do children get one? Let’s take a closer look at this delightful custom and explore how you can make it part of your family’s traditions—wherever you live.
What Is a Schultüte?
The Schultüte, also called a “school cone” or “Zuckertüte” (sugar cone), is a large, decorated paper or cardboard cone given to children when they start first grade. It’s typically filled with sweets, school supplies, toys, and small gifts.
Given on the very first day of school—usually during a ceremony known as Einschulung—the Schultüte is a symbol of encouragement. It helps children associate school with fun, love, and celebration, easing the anxiety of their first big step into education.
A Look Back: The History of the Schultüte
The tradition began over 200 years ago in parts of Eastern Germany, particularly in Saxony and Thuringia. Back then, the cones were sometimes brought to the school and hung from trees by teachers. The story was that a “Zuckertütenbaum” (sugar-cone tree) grew in the teacher’s garden and ripened just in time for new school children.
Over time, this charming tale evolved into a family-centered tradition. Today, the Schultüte is a highly anticipated part of every German child’s school experience, lovingly prepared by parents and proudly carried by kids on their first day.
What Goes Inside a Schultüte?
The beauty of the Schultüte is that there are no fixed rules about what should go inside—it’s all about the individual child. However, a good mix of fun and practical items is usually the goal.
Popular Schultüte Fillings:
Candy and snacks: Chocolate, fruit gummies, lollipops, or granola bars.
School supplies: Pencil cases, colored pencils, glue sticks, rulers, or notebooks.
Toys and treats: Small puzzles, stuffed animals, or fidget toys.
Personal touches: A good luck charm, a hand-written note, or a small photo.
Parents often tailor the contents to the child’s interests—whether that’s dinosaurs, unicorns, soccer, or space.
How to Make a Schultüte at Home
Creating a Schultüte is a simple yet joyful project you can do with basic craft materials. Here’s how:
Materials:
Poster board or thick paper (for the cone)
Wrapping paper or decorative fabric
Tissue paper or tulle (to cover the top)
Glue, tape, and scissors
Ribbons, stickers, or markers for decorating
Instructions:
Roll the poster board into a cone and secure it with glue or tape.
Cover the outside with wrapping paper or decorate with stickers and drawings.
Attach tissue paper around the rim so you can tie the top closed.
Fill the cone with your chosen gifts.
Tie the tissue paper shut with a ribbon to keep everything in place.
Even if you're not crafty, many stores (especially in Germany and Austria) sell beautiful pre-made Schultüten that you can personalize and fill yourself.
Making the Tradition Your Own
While the Schultüte is most popular in Germany, it’s a tradition that’s starting to spread. Families in the United States, copyright, and other countries are adopting it—especially those with German heritage or who want to mark the start of school in a unique, memorable way.
You can adapt it to suit your culture and family style. Some ideas:
Give a Schultüte for preschool, kindergarten, or middle school transitions.
Create a mini version for younger siblings so they feel included.
Involve grandparents or godparents in choosing or filling the cone.
The goal isn’t to create pressure or spend a lot—it’s to build positive associations around education and show kids they’re supported and celebrated.
Why Kids (and Parents) Love It
For kids, the Schultüte is like a mix of Christmas stocking and birthday gift—all wrapped into one. It gives them something to look forward to and makes their first day feel exciting rather than scary.
For parents, it’s a way to express pride and turn a nerve-wracking milestone into a joyful celebration. Many families take photos with the Schultüte each year as a keepsake, making it a lasting part of the child’s story.
A Sweet Tradition Worth Sharing
In a world that often races from one milestone to the next, the Schultüte encourages us to pause and truly celebrate a major step in a child’s life. It doesn’t take much—just a cone, a few treats, and a whole lot of love—to turn the first day of school into something magical.
So whether you’re in Berlin, Boston, or Brisbane, consider adding a Schultüte to your family traditions. You’ll be giving your child more than just candy—you’ll be giving them confidence, memories, and a reason to smile on their very first school day.