First Day Teacher Gifts

Hey Loves!

To quote (and then add in to quote) the incomparable artist, Prince, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate a thing called” GRATITUDE. 

Note; This blog will be presented in two parts. 

Part 1: Here’s the thing, teachers, especially in this country, deserve all the things. I mean, I know after the last year some of you have decided to co to use to homeschool so you get it. You only have to educate your child(ren) and all that encompasses. You rightfully deserve your gratitude in verbal and physical gift form. As do teacher. 

I also know the last 1.5 years has been hard on everyone and there aren’t extra funds. You are trying to figure out how to get the essentials, and anything else is simply inconceivable. 

I GET IT!!!

As most of you know, my kids will be attending a full-day at our local homeschool program one weekly. As a homeschool mom, I know we are used to doing everything without any thanks. I’m not saying that’s right, just saying I sympathize. 

So, using $.50 markers, $.25 wooden key chains, old vinyl, a free printable and ribbon I had on hand, I put these together. I’ll be adding a little treat and BOOM! First day gifts completed for literally $1 each. 

You can substitute these fine tip markers for dry-erase markers, colored pencils, flair pens, etc. 

You know what you can also do?

Part 2: 

Again, the focus is gratitude here. It’s also great to practice a little empathy. 

Wouldn’t you want to feel seen and supported, especially after the last 18 months?

Instead of buying things, take the time to write this teacher a thank you note and include the days/times you are available to help. 

After the first week, kindly asks what it is they could use in her classroom and asses what you provide. 

Y’all, I was convicted putting these gifts together. As simple as they were for and as economical as they were for me, both could be way out of reach for another family but our gratitude and empathy remain the same. 

If you are going to give anything, my top suggestion is it needs to be useful. If you are unsure, your time is an amazing gift!

For future gift ideas, I put together these info sheets to really get all the deets on their likes, allergies, and needs. Hope this helps. 

Back-to-School Baskets

Hey Loves!

To know me is to know I love a board and a basket. Honestly, I adore them and I love how easy it is to make common necessities and/or some cute festive additions so much more grande and special. That’s my goal, the memories. I want, I guess I need my kids to feel so incredibly treasured it is foreign to them to not love themselves or others well.

Anywho, here’s the rundown for all the things in their ‘Back To School” baskets. I think I will present them the week before with a special doughnut breakfast. Thoughts?

You should know these freaking adorable labels are hand painted and personalized from Grace and Grain Studio. Seriously, the BEST customer service ever.

Both boys are getting the following:

Navy Backpack– I spent like 7 hours trying to find the best backpack for their needs as they will spend Tuesdays learning at a local homeschool program. These fit the bill and the budget. My prayer is they will last 2 years too. I also snagged lunch totes on clearance and personalized them myself. (Mine sold out so linking similar, check their clearance though!)

Speaking of personalization, I personalized two shirts for them; a polo with our homeschool name (state requirements as I have to register this year) and grade level t-shirts. I was on a roll so I personalized a crayon holder as well.

Not personalized but awesome, they got a primary composition book that leaves room for illustrations as we want him to practice writing short stories this year. I’m planning to have them dictate lots to me!

Acrylic Numbers: This was not a need. I couldn’t resist and can see us using these manipulatives for so many things.

Alphabet Jammies (linked similar but these and these are sooooooooo cute!!!)

Crayola Markers and Crayons (Not linked because they are legit everywhere from Dollar Tree to Dillards.)

The Drawing Book for Kids ( a gift from my aunt)

Crayola Band-aids (BullsEye Playground unconscious purchase. No idea how it happened.)

Here is where they differ…

Books: Jude got a signed copy of The King of Kindergarten and James got The Day You Begin (a gift from Grandma). They also got a “what’s different” activity book for the car or trips that are based on their level. (No link because I have no idea where I got them, I’ve hoarded them for a few years.)

Handwriting Practice: Each got a nifty board to practice handwriting. Jude got a manuscript lowercase letter chalk tracing board and James got a personalized cursive letter alphabet tracing board that is dry erase.

See? Everything is usable, sustainable and will last quite a bit as well as affordable.