If You Don’t Get The Teacher A Back-To-School Gift, You’re Setting Your Kid Up To Fail
Things sure have changed since I sent my daughter to kindergarten in 2012! In the last week, I am suddenly seeing my Facebook feed full of ideas for a back-to-school gift for your kid’s teacher. I’m sorry, but huh? I thought it was nice enough that I did a Christmas and end-of-year gift but now I should be dropping a gift on my kid’s teacher before they’ve even met me? I thought about totally ignoring this “trend” and going on my merry way but then, I thought about the consequences- what if my kids are among the small group of plebes that do not give back-to-school gifts this fall? What if my eye-rolling at this ridiculousness puts them on Miss Whoever’s poop list for the rest of the school year?! It’s not a chance I am willing to take.
Now that I have decided to jump on this dumb band wagon, I’ve been doing a little research. As usual, it’s Pinterest to the rescue. I had only typed in the words “back-to-school” when Pinterest’s little predictive search popped up with “back-to-school gifts for teachers”. My feed was flooded with one idea after another and I quickly became overwhelmed. I weeded through the lame, the ugly and the straight suck-uppy and came up with a few ideas for ya’ll to work with this fall so your kids can start things off on the right foot:
When In Doubt, Mason Jars
They come cheap at any craft store and can be used for pretty much anything. Stuff them with a few cute items and everyone will oohh and ahhh!
It Rubs The Lotion On It’s Skin And Then It Teaches Math
Who doesn’t like hand lotion? And a little fact about Bath and Body Works– you can take back an unopened product and in my experience, they will let you exchange it for a different scent. Just in case you and teacher do not share a passion for Coconut Lime Verbena. In which case, I highly question what kind of person we are dealing with because it smells like heaven in a bottle.
Suck-Uppy, But Subtle
Kids are disgusting so teachers can always use soap! I know that these pretty ones from Method are usually around $3 at Target. This tag is a little lame but it lets the teacher know you are up for helping and also, lets them keep your gross kid’s germs out of their face holes. Win-win.
Because Who Doesn’t Love A Fresh Sharpie?
I am not a teacher but I still LOVE buying a pack of multi-colored Sharpie markers. It makes me feel organized even if it takes me three months to remember I got them and have since bought a whole other package of Sharpies.
Cute, Crafty And Cheap
I feel like for what it would cost, this one packs a big punch. Cute little crayons, all lined up, adorably rustic and casual twine tying it all together. And all teachers need #2 pencils!
Everyone Drinks Water
I’m sure it’s not so easy for the teacher to run out to the drinking fountain during instruction time so buy her a nice cup she can fill with water on her breaks. I have a lot of teacher friends and family members and I know they all appreciate having a few of these for home and school. Oh, and I’m cheap so I wouldn’t bother with the gift cards.
We’ll Call This One “The Butt Kisser”
Only pick this one if you are planning to go hard this school year and want to ensure that your child is #1 in the teacher’s eyes. This takes real commitment to the cause.
(Featured Image: Derek Hatfield/Shutterstock)
