Don’t Give Her an Apple

Caroline

We are going to be very bossy in today’s post because today we have a list of our favorite gift ideas to give a teacher. Since we are both teachers, (well I’m currently on sabbatical, but I’ve paid my dues) we feel that we have some expertise in this area. Here comes the bossy part: get a gift for your child’s teacher. The beginning of the school year is always chaotic, but 2020 decided to take it up about 82 notches. Show your appreciation to that special someone who spends way too much time putting up bulletin boards, writing lesson plans, and now has to combat any and every germ. Even if your child isn’t heading back in-person, the teacher is still there doing her job everyday. Show her some love; 2020 needs more of it.

A gift card might not seem personal, but it is appreciated. A gift card to get a coffee or one to pick up dinner the first week of school would feel like winning the lottery to a teacher. When I came back from maternity leave after having Claire, a parent of mine gave me a gift card to get dinner that week, and I think I cried. It was so thoughtful and such a treat.

At the start of a new school year, it is perfectly acceptable to give a teacher “teachery” type gifts. At Christmas, don’t give them notepads and pens. They are tired and ready for a break, but at the beginning of the year, they are excited and ready for new desk supplies.

These personalized notepads are cute and happy.

Post-it Notes are basically like gold. Ones with your name? Even better.

This personalized zip pouch is adorable and screams “Beginning of the Year Enthusiasm!”

Any of those with a nice pack of pens, some dry erase markers, and/or some pencils would be a great gift.

Claire has only been in daycare and preschool type classrooms so far, but I type out a list for her teachers to fill in at the beginning of the year. I usually ask for their favorite snack, candy, scent, drink, way to treat themself, store, and restaurant. Then I just keep it on my phone, and when I need to get them a little gift, I know what they like. The last school where I taught also did something like this for teachers to fill out, and parents would get the list at the start of the year.

You could do something like this and then fill a bag with some of their favorites. If you wanted to be really extra, you could get this tote bag for all of their goodies. It’s less than $12. They are practically giving it away.

Kat
I totally agree with Caroline and the “list of favorites”. My school does this every year and shares the info with all the parents in the class. It is the BEST morning when a student surprises me with my coffee order from Dunkin or Starbucks.
This might seem random, and it might be more of a fall item, BUT these socks are the Mercedes Benz of footwear. I had a student give me cute, cozy socks, a fun nail polish, and a nail file with the tag “A treat for your feet”. So cute. So easy. So thoughtful.

Some teachers would probably disagree with me, heck the teacher above will probably disagree with me because shes’s not a hot beverage drinker, BUT I will always love a fun mug. Not cheesy. Unless it’s this one because it’s Office inspired. A student from years ago actually gave me this mug because her mom knew I was a huge Office fan. Or if you want to be more practical, I use this insulated mug almost every single day. It’s sturdy and keeps my coffee warm long after I’ve taken the roll and collected homework. A good friend who is also a teacher gave me this mug, and if you get the reference, you just made a new best friend.

I couldn’t find the exact mug, but this one is pretty close. If you’re feeling extra generous, fill the mug with either her favorite candy or put a Starbucks or Dunkin giftcard in there. A little goes a long way.

To all the teachers out there-may your coffee be strong and your patience be plentiful.

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