Do you want to celebrate the first day of school by giving your new teacher a special little something to start the school year off right? This post will help you find the perfect back to school gift for your teacher!
Why Give Your Teacher a Back to School Gift?
OK, so first of all, you may be wondering why you would want to give your teacher a back to school gift. Well, a gift certainly not necessary. I can tell you as a teacher of over ten years, that I would NEVER expect a back to school gift from any student.
However,
Teachers do a ton of work for their students all year long. In fact, long before your child steps through the door of their new classroom, you can be sure their teacher has been putting in countless hours, setting up the class, hanging decorations, putting up bulletin boards, tenderly and carefully labelling and laminating.
I always estimate that I’ll be in the classroom for a full week, just to set it up. That’s not counting meetings, paperwork and all the other back to school tasks teachers must do. That is simply physical classroom set-up time. And most, if not all, of it occurs outside paid work time. That’s right, your teacher is using their precious last hours of their summer vacation to make their classroom a warm and welcoming place for your child.
In addition, you can almost guarantee that your new teacher will be logging in major hours in the weeks and months to come, all so your child has the best year possible in their new class.
Plus, these days, many teachers give their students a small trinket or gift to welcome them to their classroom. It’s nice to show some reciprocation in a situation like this!
Though not necessary, showing some appreciation certainly doesn’t hurt! It’s a great way to put your best foot forward during those hectic first weeks of school.
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Back to School Gift Ideas for Teachers
So, the next question is, what gift to give your teacher?
Definitely a small token is the way to go. There’s no need to go overboard and make an elaborate gesture. And you definitely shouldn’t spend a ton of cash.
Instead, think something small, just a little surprise and token of goodwill.
Although the traditional apple is a little overdone, a yummy snack (or better yet, a coffee) is a great way to go.
If you’re the kind of person who likes gift cards, a $5-$10 giftcard would be plenty. My faves are iTunes, bookstores, or anywhere that sells school supplies. An Amazon gift card is also perfect, because they sell EVERYTHING.
Another option is to make a gift yourself. Here are great ideas for back to school gifts that any teacher is sure to love.
Homemade Back to School Gifts for Teachers
Here are some adorable homemade back to school gifts for teachers that any educator is sure to love!
School Supply Gifts
Teachers go through A LOT of school supplies. A small gift incorporating markers, highlighters or other school supplies is a really sweet gesture. Plus, your theme will be on-point for the first day of school.
Teachers love school supplies. This cute tag from Hunny I’m Home DIY pairs perfectly with some highlighters (these ones are my fav) to make a very cute back to school gift.
On My Kids Plate has a sweet printable tag that pairs perfectly with a set of markers. Flair pens like these ones are a perrenial favorite of teachers and would also work perfectly.
Treats and Snacks
A little snack is another gift that is very popular among most teachers. Many teachers barely have time to eat during the day, or they share their lunches with students who need extra food. Snacks are ALWAYS appreciated by teachers! Just be sure to adhere to any rules surrounding allergies at your school.
Organized 31 has a super cute chocolate bar cover, that is perfect for a back to school gift for teachers. It’s a simple, but fun idea to make something simple like a choclate bar, just a little more crafty and personalized. And really, what teacher doesn’t like chocolate? I’ve sure never met one!
![Make personalized DIY Teacher Appreciation Gifts tonight in just minutes. | Organized 31 [sponsored]](https://organized31.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Teacher-Gift1.jpg)
One thing is for sure, teachers don’t have much time to sit down for a snack. This doesn’t end after the students go home. Teachers are always running around, trying to get as much done as possible. A snack you can grab and go is a must! This printable s’more mix and free tag from Hunny I’m Home DIY is perfect for a busy teacher! Grab these cute jars to complete the craft.
One thing you can guaruntee is that teachers will be EXHAUSTED after the first day of school! Jasper and Willow have a lovely printable tag that you can use along with a yummy snack. Chocolate-covered coffee beans, or any mocha-flavoured snack would be devine after a busy first day of school! My mouth is already watering!
Personalized Gifts
If you own a cricut, you can amp up the cute factor for your gift by making something personalized for your teacher. I for one would be so flattered to recieve a personalized gift on the first day of school!
If you have a cricut, making a personalized jar is a great way to show your teacher a little love. Three Little Ferns has an adorable template for a perfectly sweet apple-themed storage jar (perfect for storing some of the million school supplies teachers accumulate).
Three Little Ferns has another cricut gift to make for your faovrite teacher. This one is a super cute personalized wooden apple-themed sign to proudly hang in their classroom.
Craft Gifts
Atta Girl Says has a lovely tutorial on how to make a gorgeous back to school vase. The vase itself make a fabulous present, but filling it with some late summer flowers from your garden would make an extra nice gift.
So there you have it. Plently of ideas on how to brighten your teacher’s day by giving them a back to school gift! Happy first day of school to all of you!
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