Back to School in 1986 vs. Today: When School Supplies Were Half the Fun

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Back-to-school season still happens every August. The stores still put up their displays. Parents still spend more money than they planned to, and kids still have very definite opinions about what they will and will not wear on the first day of school. But back to school today looks very different from the way I remember it as a 10-year-old in 1986. Today, a big chunk of the back-to-school budget can disappear into sneakers, clothes, backpacks and whatever else kids suddenly insist everyone at school is wearing. And once they actually get to school, much of their work may be done on a Chromebook, iPad or another device provided or required by the school. There are still pencils, notebooks and folders on school supply lists, of course. But they don't seem to have quite the starring role they once did. Because in 1986? The school supplies were part of the excitement. Picking out a pencil case wasn't just picking out something to hold pencils. It was deciding whether you were a Sm...
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About Me

 


About Me

Hi, I'm Kelly, the creator behind Creations & Celebrations!

I've always believed that life's happiest moments deserve to be celebrated, whether it's a child's birthday party, a baby shower, a bridal shower, a holiday gathering, or simply spending time with family and friends. Creating beautiful, memorable celebrations has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember.

Growing up in the 1980s, birthdays looked a little different than they do today. Parties were filled with homemade decorations, themed cakes, party games, and lots of creativity. Those memories sparked a lifelong love of party planning, crafting, and finding fun ways to make every celebration feel special. Today, I enjoy blending that nostalgic charm with fresh ideas and modern trends to inspire celebrations that are both meaningful and memorable.

When I'm not planning parties or designing invitations, you'll usually find me exploring flea markets and thrift stores for unique treasures, working on creative DIY projects, or designing graphics and stationery. I especially enjoy discovering budget-friendly ways to create beautiful celebrations without sacrificing style.

Professionally, I work full-time in sales, but creativity has always been my outlet. Through this blog, I get to combine my love of writing, graphic design, entertaining, and event planning into one place where I can share ideas with others who enjoy celebrating life's special moments.

Here on Creations & Celebrations, you'll find:

  • Birthday party inspiration for all ages
  • Baby shower and bridal shower ideas
  • Decorating tips and DIY projects
  • Party planning checklists and timelines
  • Printable invitation inspiration
  • Holiday entertaining ideas
  • Product recommendations that I've carefully selected to help make planning easier

Many of the invitations and designs featured throughout the blog are my own original creations, and when I recommend products, it's because I believe they can genuinely help make your celebration more enjoyable. Some posts may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no additional cost to you. Your support helps keep this blog growing and allows me to continue creating free party inspiration and helpful resources.

Whether you're planning a first birthday, a milestone celebration, a family gathering, or simply looking for creative inspiration, I'm so glad you're here. I hope Creations & Celebrations becomes a place you can return to whenever you need fresh ideas, practical tips, and a little extra inspiration for your next special occasion.

Happy celebrating!

— Kelly

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