We are coming to that time of year where we show appreciation to our teachers and administrators. They have such important jobs and are a part of our extended family. Besides teaching, when we are not with our children, they are the ones that continue the raising and shaping of our children. They are an essential part of the person our children will grow to be one day.
Having two daughters, I struggled the first couple years to come up with unique gifts for the holidays and teacher appreciation week. Having many teacher friends, I knew that teachers have received tons of mugs, ornaments, candles, etc. So I wanted to come up with something a bit different and/or helpful. With budgets cuts, many teachers buy classroom supplies with their own money. I have come to realize that helping them stock their classroom is really appreciated as one type of gift.
However, once I started my stationery business I realized that teachers love to receive a set of personalized notecards or thank you cards. Teachers are always sending home a quick message or thank you notes for their gifts. So why not provide them with a cute or pretty stationery set to do this. I try find out a little about the teachers. Maybe favorite color, flower or animal. Your kids are great in helping with this information. From there I can pick the perfect stationery set for their gift.
Here are some holiday favorites:
Here are some everyday favorites:
Here is my breakdown for the year. In the beginning of the year I always send in some classroom essentials; tissues, pencils, zip bags, sticky notes, highlighters, to name a few. During the holidays I do the same, but include something personal. This may include something sweet and a stationery set. Also, I love to crochet, so depending on the teacher I might make a scarf, coasters, or trivets. Handmade gifts go a long way. For the teachers who teach specials like Gym, Music, Art, etc, I like to send a small gift bag with some chocolates, a couple sticky pads and highlighters tied with a bow. This way they are not forgotten about. During teacher appreciation week I like to send in another stationery set along with flowers and maybe some more school supplies. To close out the year I always send a gift card. This way they can either buy themselves something or use it to stock up on the next years supplies. But whatever you give teachers will always appreciated you thinking of them.