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Well, it's that time when we scour the internet for gifts for teachers, student teachers, and students. You might be wondering, "What should I get my cooperating teacher? Or what can I get my students? I don't have any money!"
Don't worry, dear edumagicians, I've got you covered with a few gift ideas for your mentors, student-teachers, and of course, your students! I'm excited to share some unique gift ideas for your favorite educators. Spoiler alert: there is some overlap in the gift ideas, but I'm sure you'll find something you like from this list.
Gifts for mentor teacher
When showing appreciation to your cooperating teacher, remember to include a heartfelt thank-you note. You might also want to consider thanking others who have helped you during your student teaching journey, such as your principal, college supervisor, or other teachers in the school or district—such as special ed teachers, other grade-level teachers, or edtech coaches.
Here is a list of a few gift ideas for your cooperating teacher:
Travel mug with a gift card to their favorite local coffee shop
A gift card to a local bookstore
A plant that is easy to care for and has a tag that says, "Thanks for helping me grow!" will be a good addition to their desk.
Add to their professional development library books from EduMatch publishing.
Canvas storage containers with dance-happy designs for all of your teacher needs.
Video of their students during your time as a student teacher
A sweet treat from Collete's cookies
Subscribe to a favorite edtech tool for their classroom next year.
Teacher socks from John's Crazy socks
Buy items for the classroom, such as Expo markers, erasers, flare pens, desk organization tools, notebooks, pencils, stickers, Post-it notes, etc.
Gifts for student-teacher (new grad)
As a professor or mentor teacher, if you want to give a meaningful gift to your teacher or field student, you can take inspiration from a thoughtful gift idea. For instance, you can present them with a copy of "The Wizard of Oz" during their graduation with a note that reads, "You have the brains, courage, and heart to be an educator of excellence." Here are some more gift suggestions that you may consider:
A travel mug along with a gift card to their favorite coffee shop
An Amazon gift card
Personalized stationery with their teacher's name on it (ex., Mr. Fry or Miss H)
A teacher bag for them to carry during interviews
A personalized resume portfolio cover
Arrange for each student to sign or send a personalized note, which you can frame for them.
Teacher Tote
A gift card to a local bookstore
EduMagic Shine On: A guide for new teachers.
Planner
Canvas storage containers with dance-happy designs for all of your teacher needs.
A sweet treat from Collete's cookies
Teacher socks from John's Crazy socks
Items for the classroom - Expo markers, erasers, flare pens, desk organization tools, notebooks, pencils, pens, stickers, post-it notes, etc.
Subscribe to a favorite edtech tool for their classroom next year.
Gifts for students
As educators, we teach students of all ages, and gifting them can show that we appreciate their hard work throughout the year. Some thoughtful gift ideas could be
personalized bookmarks created in Canva and printed for each student,
a video montage of the students throughout the year made using Adobe Spark or Animoto,
a copy of your favorite book from when you were in that grade and gift it to their class library
Small gift bags filled with different items with a fun tag on them, such as
Here are some ideas to restock each student's desk supplies and say goodbye:
Fill a gift bag with mini erasers, crayons, and pencils to give them a fresh start for the next semester.
To celebrate all their hard work, write "Chalk it up to a great semester with [student-teacher name]" on the board.
Attach a note to a pencil that says, "You're a sharp student! I'm going to miss you! - [student-teacher name]".
Give them a bag of popcorn with a message that says, "Popped in to say, have a great year! I'm so going to miss you!".
Send them off with a bottle of bubbles and tell them, "Student name, you blew me away this year!"
Give them a small bag of cookies and tell them, "(Student name), you are one smart cookie!"
Check out this Pinterest board full of ideas!
If you enjoyed this episode, please tag me @SFecich on Instagram. Check out the books EduMagic: A Guide for Preservice Teachers and EduMagic Shine On: A Guide for New Teachers. Get your semester ready with the EduMagic Future Teacher Digital planner.
Remember, you have the #EduMagic!