It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Christmas season is upon us…I mean, can you believe it is December? Things are really starting to look merry and bright at every turn. Every radio is playing carols. It really is the most wonderful time of the year…a time to refresh, a time to give and a time to love. It is also a great time to wish. And here are the things that I think every teacher should have on their wishlist (and the best part, it can all be ordered online).
Staying Organized
One of the most challenging things as a teacher is trying to stay organized. It is always a goal of mine…or perhaps even a New Year’s Resolution. I know that I need all the help that I can get. An incredible teacher bag is the beginning of organization for me. The Teacher Tote Bag meets all my needs. This bag has a huge open compartment that will hold almost any size laptop. And the outside is basically just pockets upon pockets…a teacher’s dream.
The next step to organization is keeping all those little things that I use in the classroom in one place. For this I use a 3-tier cart. I love this one from Amazon! My favorite part is the pen cups along the top edge. I actually have several of these in my classroom. There is one for student materials and organize markers and crayons and papers. And I have one for me next to my desk. I can easily access my favorite pens and any files that I am currently working on. And because they are on wheels I can move them around with no problem.
There is no way I could make it every day without my to-do list. The Aim High To-Do List Notepad is more than just a list. This notepad allows me to prioritize my list into the things that have to happen, the things that need to get done if at all possible and the things that can wait a day or two if needed. These things should definitely be on every teacher’s wishlist.
Around the Classroom
Do you use dry erase boards in your classroom? They are a staple in my room. But I get so tired of my kiddos using their hands to clean the boards. That is why the Mini Whiteboard Erasers are a thing that every teacher should have on their wishlist. In fact, I want two packs of these so when they get lost, because we all know they will, I will have more! Every room needs an Air Purifier. Even before covid I kept one in my room for flu and cold season. You can even add a few drops of essential oil to this one to keep your room smelling fresh. And no classroom is complete without Velcro Dots. I use these babies on everrryyytthiiinng! I will always buy more even if I have a stash of 20 packs. Last, I use the Motivation Teacher Stamp Set on all my papers throughout the year. My students love the bright colors and the cute sayings and I like that they just make life easier.
Just for the Teacher
There are a few things that I think every teacher should have on their wishlist that are just for the teacher, no students allowed. The first is my absolute favorite pen of all time. Flair Pens are simply the greatest teacher invention ever. They write smooth and don’t bleed through…I mean, does it get any better? I even hide these from my TAs sometimes because I am that serious about them. Teacher Lanyards are another great and inexpensive gift for teachers and paraprofessionals. And the Burt’s Bees Gift Set is always at the top of my list. With 5 products hiding inside it is close enough to a spa day to get me through the endless days just before break. My favorite item on the teachers wishlist, especially for my special education teacher friends, is these Boho Style T-Shirts. Each shirt has a unique quote and comes in a variety of colors so there is something for everyone’s closet.
Don’t Forget the Students
Even though some gifts might not be directly for the teacher, they still love them the same and these things should be on every teachers’ wishlist. These are the items for the students in our classroom, the reason we do what we do. My students love playing with Magna Tiles. There are so many lessons that can be taught with them and I love having multiple sets in my classroom. We also use the STEM Building Blocks every day in our room.
And for my students who are learning letters or site words I like to use these Magnetic Letters and Word Boards. They are perfect for independent practice. If your students are into Fidgets or for those few who actually benefit from them, this is a great set with lots of different options. Another great idea is sending home ornament kits or puzzles that students can work on over the break. Lastly, choosing an Osmo set is difficult for me because I love them all for different reasons, but this Math Starter Kit is one of my favorites if you are just beginning your Osmo journey.
Do You Love a Teacher?
Gift ideas for Paraprofessionals
Handwritten note and some stationary
The yummiest chocolate truffles
Adorable Para Professional Stickers
If you want even more ideas, make sure to listen to episode 87 of Be The Exception In Special Education podcast with even more ideas. This easy listen is perfect for a planning period, your drive to work or on a walk. Listen to it here.
Amazon affiliate links are included in this post.
For more ideas and a free “my favorites”printable check out the gift guide below.
