Back to School Gifts

When the temperatures start to dip and the long, lazy days of summer begin to end, it's time to start thinking about all that you have to do to prepare for back to school. A nice, thoughtful way to acknowledge a new school year is with a back to school gift. It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive, back to school gifts are a simple way of saying that everyone is excited to begin a new journey. We've prepared three back to school gift ideas for you to try for either the special kid in your life or even their teacher. 

Ideas for the first day of school gift: 

Back to School Gift Basket: Make a basket full of goodies for anyone who is heading back to school. Include some of their favorite school-related things (favorite pen, colored pencils, notebook in their favorite color), some custom-made stickers with their name, a water bottle and then a special treat like homemade cookies or fudge. You could even use a reusable tote bag or new backpack instead of a basket. 

Back to School Teacher Gifts: Most teachers will appreciate a gift certificate to their favorite coffee shop, but go one step further and create a cool, personalized mug with a gift card in it so they'll always have something special after the coffee is all gone! Take a plain, porcelain, white mug and clean and dry completely. Have your child decorate the mug with the teacher's name, a picture or a special note using a variety of colored Sharpies. Bake in the oven at 200 degrees for 15 minutes. Allow to cool completely and then add the gift card and wrap with a bow. Back to school gifts for teachers are a special way to let the teacher know that you and the student are very excited for them to learn and grow together throughout the school year. 

Back to School Student Gifts: A meaningful gift for a special student could be something store-bought or handmade. If you're a do-it-yourself whiz, try making a present that they'll remember and enjoy. Fill an empty, clear container that has a lid and a handle with something they love (Legos, Reece Cups, sidewalk chalk, etc.). Wrap a wide, colorful ribbon around the container and cut to size, with enough on the end to tie a bow. Lay the ribbon on a flat surface. Put a piece of double sided tape all the way down the ribbon. Line up colored pencils, crayons or pencils all along the ribbon (remembering to leave enough on the ends for a bow). Wrap the ribbon and the pencils/crayons around the container and tie. Add a special note that tells the special kid how proud you are of them. 

No matter what you choose to give as a back to school present, the most important thing to remember is that it should mean something and be a special way to say you're excited for school to start.