Gift Ideas for Teachers When You're E-Learning

 Whatever you call it: remote learning, e-learning, digital learning, etc...it is all the same.  Many students this year are e-learning due to either their parent's choice in an effort to keep them safe or the school having to go to remote learning because of rising Covid-19 cases.  

A common misconception is that teachers are doing nothing during e-learning.  The truth however, is that teachers are still working and probably harder than they had to when they were in the building!  Lesson videos have to be made, every student checked in with, paper packets made for students who don't have internet, assessments changed into digital format, classwork still needs graded, parents and students have constant questions, etc.

As we roll towards the winter holiday season, please don't forget your child's teacher.  Gift giving can be hard when you aren't going to SEE the person.  Ordinarily you could just tuck a gift in your child's backpack and send them on the bus.  But what do you do now when there's no way to get a gift to the teacher?

Here are some ideas for gifts you can give your child's teacher this Christmas that they will love and that honor the social distancing rules.

1. Target gift card. 

Is there a gift list that doesn't include a Target gift card? LOL  Everyone loves them. These can be very easily emailed to the teacher and I've always had luck with the recipients getting the email.  Bonus: There's no physical card to risk getting lost!

2. Teachers Pay Teachers gift card.  

This website allows teachers to get many things for free but there are also items that cost money.  Things are reasonably priced, many at $1-5.  Teachers can get extra games, activities, and lesson ideas from this site.  In fact, I don't know any teacher who doesn't use TpT at some point in the year.  A $5 gift card would go a long way and just like the Target cards, these are digital and simple to email.

3. Write a note telling them what you appreciate about them. 

Be specific: the funny video they sent your child when he was sick and they wanted to cheer him up?  How organized they have been through e-learning?  That they still found a way to honor your child's birthday while e-learning?  That they always have a smile on their face?  

Find some specifics and write them down.  Email it or write it by hand and snap a pic that you send.  This gift costs nothing but will mean the world to the teacher. Trust me.

4. Send their boss an email and CC the teacher.  

Let the principal know how much this teacher has done for the students.  It doesn't have to be long "Dear Principal Pat, I just wanted to say how much Jimmy has enjoyed being in Mrs. Great's class this year.  Even though we've had to distance learn, Mrs. Great has found ways to build a relationship with Jimmy.  He talks constantly about what book she is reading to them and is always eager to log in for his daily Zoom.  Signed, Parent."

Bonus tip: This is a nice way to acknowledge specials teachers too.  Gym, art, library, music---those teachers love your kids too!  

5. Coordinate some parents to create a book.

If you are able to contact the other parents, you could ask them to do #3 (write a little card/note about what they appreciate about the teacher) and snap a pic of their child with the card.  Parents will send you the photos and you can assemble them into a Google Slides presentation that you then share with the teacher.  The teacher will be able to print the pages and make themselves a book.  Alternatively you could make the book  yourself with an app like Shutterfly, though then you couldn't deliver the book to the teacher digitally.

Self Care at Christmas

The hustle and bustle of Christmas can be wonderful. I love planning gifts for loved ones, seeing decorations up through town, and spending time with family.

However, I do NOT love the stress of making sure every gift is wrapped, that all the gifts we are taking with us actually make it to the car before we leave for the long-distance family, children with cabin fever who won't quit bickering, and constantly being surrounded by people.  This introvert needs a few minutes alone!

Chances are, this season has YOU in need of some self-care, too!  Read on for 9 easy ways to take care of yourself this month.

1. Get enough sleep.

I'm serious!  Quit staying up late for just one more thing.  Go to bed. (This is the hardest one for me to do!)

2. Play holiday music and drive around.

Alone. Or with the family if they can keep their act together. If not, the "family drive" will have to happen another time.  For self-care, play the music you like and drive through some neighborhoods to look at lights.  Bonus points if you bring hot chocolate to sip as you go!

3. Take a hot bath.

One of my favorite forms of self-care!  A nice hot bath with the door closed.  A few candles lit, bath salts, and maybe a book if I dare.  But, uh, good luck.

4. Order takeout.

Give yourself permission to grab takeout if you are overwhelmed.  Sure, it's not usually very healthy. But you know what? Gigantic amounts of stress aren't healthy either. Zip through the Arby's window and call it a day.  No one is judging you---we're all in line right behind you!  Save me some curly fries.

5. Tune in to your faith.

Attend your religious service, read from the Bible, pray, meditate.  

6. Flip through a magazine.

I love to read but we don't always have time for an entire book. If a whole book or chapter feels daunting to you this season, that is okay!  Sit back with a magazine and read an article or two. If you don't have any unread magazines at home, stop by your local library and give yourself a half hour to browse and read their magazine selection.  PLUS, the library is quiet.

7. Schedule a massage.

Many places offer half-hour massages or chair massages that can be quite affordable.  If possible, try to schedule one for yourself.  Or splurge for the entire hour or a mani/pedi!  If spending money on a massage isn't an option right now, try watching a YouTube video on self-massage techniques for the feet and hands and do your own massage!

8. Make your house smell great.

Stovetop simmers, candles, wax melts, or wall plug ins.  Choose a method and treat your senses to a pleasant smell.  Self-care should involve all of our senses: smell included!  Kohls had great wax melts called Caramel Toffee that they don't seem to have right now but they do have a candle version.  Any time of year, but especially fall/winter, I love to have deep cinnamony/caramely fragrances. My absolute favorite wax melt though is this one from Swan Creek. HOLY COW. 

Right now they are under $8 and well worth it!  I get compliments every time I have these melting in my house.  It's also a much larger package of wax melts than the standard ones you get for $3-5 at Target/Walmart.   

9. Get your endorphins flowing.

I'd like to think that running store to store for all the last minute things I forget counts as "running" but something tells me that my doctor would disagree. Exercise, even brief bits of it, can help release endorphins and make us feel better.  Try yoga in the morning, or a short walk on your lunch break. If you're into it, take a class at the gym or do some weight lifting.  Or just crank up some happy music and have a dance party with your family!

The Best Christmas Calendars for Kids

I don't recall this being a big thing when I was a kid although my husband grew up with a Christmas countdown stocking and a mouse that moved from day to day. It was a big deal in their house and each kid had a turn getting to move the mouse. If the wrong kid moved the mouse that day, mouse had to be put back so that the correct child could move him.  It was a Big Deal in their kid world.

All kids love traditions, it helps them make connections with their family and builds a feeling of safety and unity.  One thing that we've added to holiday family traditions in the last few years is doing an advent calendar.  One year we DIY'd Lego advent calendars.  Numbered 25 envelopes from 1-25, bought a mini Lego set, and put in a few pieces into each day's envelope.  Sounds easy.

It wasn't.

We had to go through the instruction manual and make sure we were putting the right pieces in order. We didn't want our kid to open the last possible piece to the Lego set on day 4 when he couldn't use it and would have nothing to do.

We've also bought commercial sets.  They cost more but save time.  If you don't want to go the DIY route *shudders*, here are some pre-made countdowns that your children will love!

#1, 2, & 3. Playmobil Advent Calendars: $22.20 - 24.99

Our house is a big fan of Playmobil toys. They allow open-ended imagination and the toys are well made. In addition to Santa's Workshop they also have Construction Site Rescue and Horse Farm!

#4. Crayola Christmas Countdown: $19.49

This looks super cute for any kid who likes to color, draw, and doodle!

#5. The Wonder of the Greatest Gift: $24.48

This set from Ann Voskamp has very high ratings: 90% of reviewers gave it 4 stars or higher! I like that this one is a focus on the faith foundation of Christmas and also seems to have a very positive message of Jesus' love.

#6. Melissa and Doug Magnetic Countdown: $14.99

Melissa and Doug products are always good!  The advantage of this advent calendar is that it can be reused year after year!

#7. Christmas Stable Sticker Advent Calendar: $5.95

I love this cute sticker scene as a Christmas countdown!  Affordable and faith-based!

#8. O Christmas Tree Treasure Box: $19.95

The O Christmas Tree Treasure box combines the best of both style of advent calendars! It is both reusable AND able to offer a treat each day.  The boxes are empty, it's up to you to fill them!  Put in a piece of candy, a small toy, a little note/coupon ("Redeem for a cup of hot chocolate!"), etc.  It is up to you!  The versatility of this one makes it a top contender for our advent calendar this year.

#9. Lego City Advent Calendar: $23.99

We've had Lego advent calendars before and the kids always loved them!  Each day you get another little Lego piece that goes with the set.

#10. Hatchimals Advent Calendar: $19.99

While my kids are not much into Hatchimals, this calendar looks adorable if you have a Hatchimals fan at home!  83% of reviewers gave it 4 stars or higher.  It comes with 10 figurines and then the child also gets to craft the winter scene.  Not going to lie: my adult self would think this was great!

Do you have a favorite that I missed?  Let me know!  

DIY Self-Care Gift Set (on a budget!)

Tis the season to be....stressed out! Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Self-care is the practice of taking care of one's self physically, mentally, and spiritually.  Like the old saying goes, "You can't pour from an empty cup."  I'm trying to be better at caring for myself in ways like getting to bed on time, getting semi-regular massages, staying connected with my faith, etc.

As a teacher, I happen to know that the rest of the staff at the school is just as busy as I am!  Though we all have different roles, everyone is giving it their all.  Sometimes we need encouraged to recharge.  Our family tries to do a gift to all of the office staff each year at Christmas.  This year's gift is a self-care kit.  

I've been gathering things for several months in preparation.  Not only is a self-care kit a great gift but you can also do it within a reasonable budget.

Here is the breakdown of what is in each kit (and what it cost):

• wax melts  These were from Kohl's and were $5 each.  I bought 6 but used Kohls Cash and a promo code.  Total cost: $0.
  
• face masks  These are also from Kohl's and were $3 each.  I bought 6 but like above, used Kohl's Cash and and a promo.  Total cost: $0.  Amazon has the Earth Therapeutics masks right now ($13 for 5 masks).  A fair price if you're out of Kohl's Cash!
  
• candles  These were from Kirkland's and I had paid $3 for an entire container of 20 candles. Total cost: $3.
• mini notebooks     These are from a recent trip to Dollar Tree. Total cost: $6.
  
• candy   I used 2 bags of Dove Promises and 1 bag of Hershey Kisses. I bought 3 packs from Dollar Tree and divided it up. Total cost: $3.
• magnets I only had 4 of these so the 4 office workers will get one but the 2 specials teachers will be out of luck (I don't think they'll mind).  These were list price $6 but on clearance at Barnes and Noble.  Total cost: $1.50.
  
• tea  It turns out that the sampler box of tea has easily gift-able packets inside. There are 5 flavors, so 5 packets. You can't open them up to further divide because the tea  bags themselves are not marked/labeled (learned that the hard way).  So again our office staff gets tea and the specials teachers will not.  Total cost: $2. 
• cellophane bags  These are from Dollar Tree. Total cost: $1
• ribbon I will add wide ribbon around each one before gifting them.  The ribbon will come from Dollar Tree. Total cost: $1.
• gift tag I used Canva to make a label with a little poem I wrote.  Canva has a free and a paid version. Of course I use the free one. ;)  If you're crafty you could make your own tag. Bottom line: the gift tag is free. Total cost: $0.
  

Grand Total: The kits have a value of $11.50 each but with sales and coupons I spent just $17.50 for all 6 self-care kits!  That means just $2.92 spent to give a gift worth over $11!  Not only did these turn out super affordable (less than the cost of a $5 gift card) but also they are promoting care and compassion to their recipients.  I can't wait to give these little self-care kits out next month!

Of course we are giving these to school staff but the little DIY kits also make great gifts for: teachers, tutors, coaches, Sunday School teachers, nurses, secret pals, moms group friends, neighbors, coworkers, and stylists!

Need an easy to follow/remember guide for making a self-care kit?  I've got you covered!  Check out the infographic below:

Amazon links may be affiliate links. See full disclosure here.

Friday Funnies-Social Media Edition

Hope everyone had a good Christmas!  We ate ourselves into a stupor, relaxed at home with each other, and watched A Christmas Story an unbearable number of times.

Here are today's funnies for you...courtesy of social media!



Ahh the joy of public bathrooms:


And one Christmas spoof too good NOT to post!

120 (No candy) Stocking Stuffers!

Last year I shared some of our favorite ideas for stocking stuffers that don't involve candy.

I am reposting, adding ideas, and putting it all into one post this year to help jog our memories as we grab the last minute stocking things (why are stockings always what I do LAST??)

Links are affiliate links.  Read full disclosure here.

1. Socks
2. Bath soap
3. Cute washcloth
4. Gerber Graduates Puffs
5. Winter hat
6. Sippy cup
7. Stroller toy
8. Baggie of cheerios
9. Small book (this Sassy brand one lets you put in photos of your family! We had it when our first born was little. So sweet!)

10. Rubber ducky
11. Comb/brush
12. Jar of baby food
13. Baby/toddler spoons




1. Socks
2. Crayons
3. Homemade playdoh
4. Baggie of Kix cereal
5. Sippy Cups

6. Underwear
7. Small book
8. Bubbles
9. Musical toys (maracas, triangle, etc)
10. Homemade I-Spy bottle
11. Character Toothbrush
12. Silly Straw
13. Bath fizzies/crayons

14. Floating toy for bathtub
15. Cookie cutters for playdough
16. Stickers
17. Finger puppets
18. Magnetic alphabet letters
19. Stamps & ink pad
20. Winter gloves
21. Bubble bath
22. Matchbox Car
23. Toob of animals


24. New pillowcase
25. Bubble bath
26. Finger paint
27. Flashlight or Nightlight
28. Little People


1. Socks
2. Tech Deck

3. Silly Straw
4. Toothbrush
5. Paperback book (the "Magic Treehouse" series is popular with this age group!)
6. Pencils for school
7. Fun bath soap
8. Bath mitt
9. "Shaving" kit (I see these at Meijer, Walmart, Target, and Walgreens during the holiday season.)
10. DVD (Sugar Creek Gang is cute!)
11. Kid's toothpaste
12. Glow sticks
13. Silly putty
14. Dot-to-dot books
15. Matchbox cars
16. Glow-in-the-dark stars for the ceiling

17. Harmonica/Recorder
18. Small nerf balls
19. Hacy Sack
20. Pokemon cards
21. Baseball cards
22. Bananagrams game
23. Monkeys in a Barrell
24. Mini kite
25. Lego mini set
26. Card games (Uno, Old Maid, Go Fish)
27. Soccer socks or shin guards




1. Socks
2. Tech Deck
3. Yo Yo
4. Paperback book (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, "I survived" books, etc)
5. Hex Bugs
6. Lego Minifigure or small set
7. New Wallet
8. Suduko or Word Search book
9. Can of silly string
10. Mini boxes of cereal
11. Earbuds

12. Boxer shorts
13. Small notepads
14. Deodorant/body spray
15. Toothbrush
16. DVD
17. Bookmarks
18. Post it notes
19. Specialty pencils/drawing supplies
20. Small sketchbook
21. Silly straw
22. Card game (Uno, etc)
23. Glow Sticks
24. Sharpies
25. Silly Putty
26. Mad Libs book
27. Rubik's Cube

28. Compass
29. New pencil pouch
30. Chapstick
31. Washi tape
32. Rainbow Loom bands
33. Finger Lights

34. Keychain (Lego, Minecraft, Star Wars, etc)
35. Popcorn
35. Beef jerky or Slim Jim
36. Flashcards (multiplication, division)
37. Hair gel/pomade
38. Watch
39. Earbuds
40. Water bottle (Nalgene, etc)


1. Movie tickets
2. Xbox gift card
3. Gas money (if they are of driving age)
4. Laser Tag gift card
5. Devotional book
6. Makeup
7. Hobby items (running shorts, golf balls, etc)
8. Hair accessories or styling products
9. Power Pack charger

10. Charging block/cable 
11. Skate wax (for the scooter/skateboarders in your life!)
12. Water bottle (Camelbak, Nalgene, and Tervis brands are popular)



Got a great stocking stuffer idea that I left out?
Let me know in the comments!
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