I don’t know about you but for me, back to school time is stressful. There is SO MUCH to prepare for. Clothing, pencils, notebooks, tissues, dry erase markers, etc… You can easily spend a few hundred dollars if you don’t plan ahead or use rebate apps like Ibotta or Ebates.
Have you ever had a conversation with a teacher at back to school time? (Except for the few that are perpetually ready for anything in life) They’re bonkers. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot to do as a parent, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the stuff teachers are doing at this time of year.
That being said, we need to reward them for doing their jobs.
Why? Because their jobs are so important to us and our families. Probably one of the most important services that can be provided to us is the education of our kids.
Get Teachers Something Important
I don’t mean expensive items like jewelry or clothing. I’m talking about the good stuff. The stuff they usually buy with their own money for their classrooms.
- Copier paper– a lot of schools cannot afford to supply this to their teachers
- Staples
- Chalk
- Dry erase markers
- Red and black pens
- Treat box toys
- Laminating sheets
- Sharpies
- Pencils
- Erasers
- Clorox wipes
- Scissors
- Odor neutralizer/ eliminator – Have you ever smelled your teenager. Just imagine being closed in a room full of them for hours every day.
If you know which teacher your student will get for the upcoming year, reach out and ask for their wish list. Elementary teachers may want decoration supplies for the year, while high school teachers may just want a good refillable water bottle or a desk fan to stay comfortable in their classrooms.
The Front Desk and Administration Need Things Too
- Post-it Notes
- Pens and markers
- Lumbar pillow
- Keyboard wrist pad– No one wants carpal tunnel
- Filing supplies
Arts, Sports, Technology, Nursing and Special Ed
- Construction paper
- Paint
- Paint brushes
- Puzzles
- Band-Aids
- Drying Rack
- Basketball
- Speakers
- Instant ice packs
- Earbuds/ Headphones
The Gift Everyone Loves
Even if you don’t buy items, sometimes a simple gift card can make a difference. All major office supply or craft stores like Staples or Michael’s have them.
If buying small items isn’t your thing, consider purchasing one big item that multiple teachers could use. Like a projector, laptop or filing shelves. Ask your principle what items would be most welcome.
Of course no one is obligated to buy anything extra than the school supply list items that are required. It’s just an out of the way nice thing to do for the people molding your kid’s learning experience.
I like to buy things throughout the year to keep teachers happy whenever it’s financially possible. Black Friday and New Year sales provide massive deals on the big ticket items.
Like the saying, “If momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” If the teacher isn’t happy… Let’s just keep them happy.
North Carolina, USA