Starting school is a major milestone in a child’s life, especially in Germany where the day is marked by a beloved tradition: the Schultüte. Known as the "school cone" or "sugar cone" in English, the Schultüte is a colorful, cone-shaped gift filled with sweets, school supplies, and small toys. This cheerful custom has been bringing smiles to first graders for over 200 years.
A Schultüte is a large, decorated cone, traditionally made of cardboard and filled with goodies to celebrate a child's first day of school. Parents or grandparents typically present the cone to the child on their very first day of first grade—known in German as the "Einschulung." The cone is often nearly as tall as the child, making it an eye-catching and exciting part of their big day.
Inside, children might find chocolates, gummy bears, pencils, erasers, a lunch box, or even small books and toys. The contents vary based on family preferences, but the goal is the same: to make the first day of school a joyful and memorable event.
The tradition of the Schultüte dates back to the early 19th century in Germany. The first recorded instances appeared in Saxony and Thuringia, regions in eastern Germany, around 1810. At the time, children were told that Schultüten grew on special trees in the school’s basement and that teachers would pluck them when children were ready for school.
Originally, the cones were relatively small and mostly filled with sweets. Over time, they grew in size and variety, becoming a creative outlet for parents and a cherished memory for students. Today, the Schultüte is deeply embedded in German culture and has even spread to parts of Austria and Switzerland.
The Schultüte is more than just a bag of treats. It represents a positive and encouraging start to a child’s educational journey. The idea is to ease the anxiety or nervousness that may come with starting school and instead associate the experience with joy, comfort, and excitement.
It’s also a symbol of transition and growth, acknowledging the child’s new role as a student and their entrance into the world of learning, rules, and routines.
In many families, crafting the Schultüte is a DIY project that adds a personal touch to the tradition. Parents and children often work together in the weeks leading up to school to decorate the cone with favorite colors, animals, cartoon characters, or even glitter and ribbons.
For those less inclined toward crafts, stores throughout Germany sell pre-made Schultüten in all sizes and themes. Specialty shops and online retailers offer custom cones with the child’s name, grade level, or favorite interests.
There are even workshops where families can come together to design and build their cones with professional assistance, turning it into a fun family outing.
While the outside of the Schultüte is important, the inside is what excites children the most. Parents usually fill it with a mix of practical and fun items. Common contents include:
Sweets and candy: A tradition that gives the cone its nickname, "sugar cone."
School supplies: Pens, colored pencils, sharpeners, erasers, or even a cute notebook.
Toys: Small puzzles, action figures, or plush toys.
Books: Age-appropriate storybooks or learning aids.
Healthy snacks: Dried fruit, granola bars, or juice boxes to balance out the candy.
The goal is to combine usefulness with pleasure, making school feel less intimidating and more inviting.
Although the Schultüte is most commonly seen in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the idea has gained interest in other countries, especially among German-speaking communities abroad. In the United States and the UK, some German schools or bilingual families have adopted the tradition as a way to preserve cultural heritage.
With growing awareness, it’s not unusual to see Pinterest boards or Instagram posts showcasing Schultüte ideas and themes, contributing to a modern, global twist on a traditional practice.
Some parents now include digital gifts, vouchers, or eco-friendly products in the cone, aligning with contemporary values and preferences.
In a fast-paced and sometimes stressful world, traditions like the Schultüte serve as gentle reminders of the importance of celebration and support during life transitions. For children, starting school can be overwhelming, and the Schultüte offers both comfort and motivation.
It also strengthens family bonds. Whether it’s made by hand or bought from a store, the effort behind creating a Schultüte shows the child that their loved ones are rooting for them.
The Schultüte is a perfect example of how a small gesture can have a lasting impact. It transforms the first day of school into an event filled with love, color, and excitement. Whether you're part of a German-speaking family or just discovering this tradition, incorporating a Schultüte into your child’s school journey can make the day even more magical.