A Teacher’s Take on Back to School Gifts

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This week the Target back to school ads come out. I’m definitely not ready, but my date to go back is only 30 days away. Because I’m a middle school teacher, I’ve been working all summer on new materials for my classroom and started my classroom shopping the beginning of July.  I’m proud to say that I’ll have three new book shelves and rolling carts donated by The Cleland Clan. Okay, really they’re just from my family since my lifetime blog earning are only $1.28 so far. I’m in several crafting groups on social media, and people are starting to talk about what they are making for Back to School gifts for teachers. So, I thought I’d address the topic of teacher gifts today.

So, who gets these gifts?

My sister-in-law teaches sixth grade in an elementary school. I teach junior high English in a middle school. They are totally different when it comes to gifts. Most elementary teachers are showered with gifts–they get Back to School gifts, Christmas gifts, End of Year gifts and more. The amount of items she gets at Christmas is unbelievable. Most middle school and high school teachers, however, get an occasional gift or two. I actually received two gifts and a card at the end of the year this year which is very unusual. My gifts were sweet–a jar of candy with a cute saying and an insulated cup with flavor packets and an Amazon gift card (this kid knows me well!), and I appreciated them both. However, I also appreciated the card with its personal note just as much.

As a parent, it’s hard to get teacher gifts when your child sees six or seven different adults each day. It adds up quickly. We understand that–most of us are parents too.  However, small tokens of appreciation are just as appreciated as large ones.

What do teachers really want?

While I can’t speak for every teacher, I can tell you which gifts are the most useful for my classroom. None of these are very expensive and can be donated at any time of the year.  There are my top four picks:

1. Cleaning supplies

Believe it or not, cleaning supplies are one of the best gifts you can give a teacher. I’d love a box of Clorox wipes or a bottle of hand sanitizer. And baby wipes? They are great for cleaning glue off hands. Yes, seventh and eighth grades still make a mess with glue sometimes. If you want, put them in a gift bag or put a bow on top. We’re really not picky.

2. Classroom materials

Classroom supplies are wonderful for both the beginning of the school year and midway through. I buy paper, pencils, folders, glue, crayons, markers, tissues, colored pencils and more out of my own pocket every year. There are always several students who don’t bring any of their own. It’s much easier (and less time-consuming) to provide that student with what he or she needs. If a child doesn’t have a composition (actually three are required for my class), by the second week of school, I just hand him one. It’s usually not the child’s fault he doesn’t have school supplies, and I don’t know what his family’s situation is.

Classroom supplies add up. I always pick up extra in the summer when they are on sale. You can do this as well. Replenish your child’s stash of pencils throughout your year, and if you are so inclined, make up a basket of supplies for one of her teachers. Or, just put a ribbon around a pretty pack of Post-it notes and send it in. Different colored pens are also great–I prefer purple.

3. Gift cards

I know, I know…Gift cards seem impersonal. They are really not. Any denomination is fine. No one will think less of you if it’s a $5 card. Any amount is appreciated. Stick to the big stores: Amazon, Target, or Wal-Mart. Grocery store gift cards are great too. We buy snacks and treats for our classes. Who do you think buys the candy we hand out to students who do their homework? Believe me, it’s not the school board.

Try to stay away from restaurants that serve a particular niche. I don’t drink Starbucks, so a gift card from there would probably get passed down to one of my kids. A better idea–buy a gift card to Teachers Pay Teachers. There’s so many useful items on there.  Gift cards start at $5 and go up to $500. If you’re buying a $500 one, I really hope your kid is in my class.

4. Handwritten notes of appreciation

Notes. letters, and cards are the gifts that teachers keep forever. I still have notes (from parents) from when I taught preschool over twenty years ago.  In addition, I have notes from high school students and notes from middle school students. I even have cards from college students from Taiwan who were in the states to learn English. Each year I love to add to my collection. If I’m having a bad day or year, I can go back and read those notes and remember all the reasons I do what I do each day.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, teacher gifts don’t have to be expensive. And, while much appreciated, they also aren’t necessary. Teachers will still love your child even if you never send in a gift. But, if you do decide to send one in, make it something the teacher can use. While a sign featuring a wooden pencil with the teacher’s name on it may be cute, five other parents may have had the same idea. And coffee cups? Please, just no. We all have several, thank you.

While we’re talking about heading back to school, check out these Do’s and Don’ts of Dropping Kids to School.

To read about how our family saves money on meals at Walt Disney World, click here. To read about our upcoming trip to visit the mouse, click here.

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