Many families enjoy getting their new teacher a back-to-school gift. As a teacher, I can tell you that it makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside when we receive them. We remember those little acts of kindness throughout one year, if not many more. Oftentimes, teachers will use those memories to remind them of the joy of their students when the days seem long and hard.
So, how do you know what to get a teacher you probably don’t know very well?
Let me start out by saying what every teacher is thinking… no more mugs! Please!! I have written about this before and I will continue to do so. Teachers get so.many.mugs. I can’t even begin to count how many I have received over the years. The truth is, 99% of them have been donated. Yep, my cupboard at home and at school are full. I’m not alone in this. Unless you know your new teacher very well and know that they NEED new mugs, please skip them.
My second ask is that you skip the food treats. I just so happen to be one of those people who have very specific dietary needs. I have to give away almost 100% of what many students give me. That includes food mixes, candy, and treats. Again, unless you know that your teacher isn’t gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, or so on, I suggest you skip the food items.
So, now that we’ve covered the major don’ts, let’s get to the dos. I promise they are cute and much appreciated :)
1. Sharpies
Teachers love to have plenty of choices for marking, grading, note writing, and the like. How do my markers dry out so fast? Ugh. Good thing some great parents and kids have thought to buy me more Sharpies!
If you want an adorable gift tag, hop on over to The Suburban Mom and grab her template. You won't be sorry!
2. Food gift cards
Most teachers, no matter their dietary restrictions, can find something to eat at a restaurant. If you really want to give your new teacher some food, I would suggest a gift card to a local restaurant. Teachers work late nights sometimes and having someone else prepare dinner can be a life-saver.
Skip to my Lou has a delightful card to attach your gift cards to. It's the extra touches that really pull at a teacher's heartstrings.
3. Gift cards
Did you know that most teachers buy quite a bit of stuff for the classroom to function properly or for students to have fun games and rewards? Those purchases usually come out of their own pockets. Why not help them out a bit by providing a gift card they can use for the classroom or for themselves?
4. Plants
Indoor plants for the classroom, their home, or their outdoor gardens are super sweet gifts for teachers. Now, of course, not everyone has a green thumb, but hopefully, you will get a plant that doesn’t require a ton of upkeep *ahem*
Why not make it extra cute by writing a sign that says “I’m excited to grow!”
5. Bouquet of flowers
While this may be the gift that lasts the least amount of time, it is one that many teachers truly appreciate. Having fresh, beautiful flowers on my table is something I truly enjoy throughout the year. If you are looking for a way to surprise your teacher and make them feel special, I encourage you to get them a simple bouquet to warm their hearts and desks.
If you're wondering how to help your kids practice skills and concepts at home, you'll want to download my FREE guide 3 Ways to Make Learning at Home Fun!
Comments