Summer is on its way out. School is on its way in.
Some parents are counting the days until school starts. Others are hanging onto the last gasps of summer and those moments with all the kids at home. But one thing we can all agree on is that, ready or not, school is coming, and it’s time to prepare.
As you gear up for school, you can get kids back on a regular sleep schedule, get everybody a fresh haircut, schedule a check-up with the doctor, and, of course, hit the stores for back to school shopping.
Back-to-school shopping often includes new clothes, shoes, a backpack, a lunchbox, and school supplies. But, as you shop for all these things, you should consider getting a little something for your child’s new teacher.
Teachers put in a lot of time and effort to prepare for a new school year. The kids may show up on the first day of school refreshed from a carefree summer, but teachers have likely been at it for weeks, preparing lessons, making the classroom look just right, and figuring out ways to make new students feel welcome.
Getting a “back-to-school” gift for your child’s teacher is a great way to start the new school year with a positive relationship. Here are some great gift ideas any teacher would love.
(Actina/pixabay)
1. School Supplies
As you shop for school supplies for your child, consider adding some supplies for their classroom. Many teachers have limited funds available for extra school supplies and end up spending money out of their own pockets to have a well-stocked classroom.
You can beef up a teacher’s arsenal with these items:
- Glue Sticks
- Pencils
- Crayons/Colored Pencils
- Draw Erase Markers
2. Germ Defenders
Did you hear the joke about the germ? Well, we would tell you, but we don’t want to spread it around.
Like “dad jokes,” germs can spread quickly, especially in elementary schools. Elementary schools are the perfect breeding ground for germs, as kids constantly touch their faces, surfaces, and each other.
Most teachers would appreciate having some of the following cleaning supplies on hand to help combat the spread of illness.
- Disinfecting Wipes
- Hand Sanitizer- It seems like teachers go through hand sanitizer by the gallon.
- Disinfecting Spray
- Tissues- Teaching students to sneeze into a tissue rather than on their neighbor is a great way to slow the spread of germs.
3. Relaxation Gifts
After all of the hard work teachers put into planning a new school year, they deserve a relaxing evening at home. Help your child’s teacher unwind by choosing one of these types of gifts:
- Tissues- Teaching students to sneeze into a tissue rather than on their neighbor is a great way to slow the spread of germs.
- A New Book
- Movie Night Gift Pack- This might include treats, popcorn, soda, a movie, or a code to rent a movie.
- Adult Coloring Book
4. Personalized Gift
Although it’s likely that you don’t know your child’s teacher very well yet, getting them a personalized gift can help you and your child connect with them. Some personalized gifts to consider include:
- A Sign To Hang In The Classroom
- Stationary
- Pens/Pencils- These can disappear easily. Give your teacher one that is unmistakably theirs.
- Tote Bag
- Planner
- Pencil Holder
- Tumbler or Water Bottle- Most teachers have plenty of mugs, so opt to change things up and give them a tumbler or water bottle with their name or a fun saying on it.
- Lanyard
5. Cookies
Although it has long been a tradition to give teachers apples, there are other goodies, such as cookies, that may satisfy their sweet tooth even better. We’re not saying apples are a bad idea; we’re just saying cookies are a better idea. A few ways to gift cookies could include:
- A Single Gourmet Cookie- Put a single gourmet cookie in a cute gift box tied with a bow. Add a gift tag with a clever saying as an added bonus.
- Cookie Assortment- If you can’t decide between chocolate chip, peanut butter, or snickerdoodle cookies, go for some of each.
- Edible Cookie Dough
- Packaged Cookie Mix
6. Gift Card
A gift card can be a great option if you just can’t decide what to give your child’s new teacher. That way, the teacher can pick what they want or need. You can choose to give gift cards for things that might benefit the classroom or for the teacher’s personal life. Some gift card ideas include:
- Movie Theater
- Spa- A nice massage or a facial after a long school week can feel like heaven to a teacher.
- Department Store
- Restaurant- Going home and making dinner after a busy day can seem daunting. Give your child’s teacher a break by letting someone else do the cooking for them.
- Office Supply Store
- Book Store
- Coffee Shop
Your child is about to spend the next nine months with this new teacher, so why not start the school year off on the right foot? A simple gift of kindness can go a long way in letting a teacher know you appreciate all they have done and will do for your child.