Holiday gift guides are all over social media right now. And I wanted to make sure you had some inspiration for the early educators, nature lovers, and young students in your lives. If the last few years have taught us anything, it is this: getting back to basics is a necessity, and encouraging fun while learning can be done at school AND home.
My young students are coming to me lacking some basic fine motor skills that can be supported at home through their holiday gifts. Instead of going all digital this year (because we are getting enough of that) add some hands-on, old-fashioned components to your gift-giving.
Holiday Gift Guide for Young Children
For the children in your life: remember they don’t need the latest, greatest, and most expensive. In fact, I believe that intentional gifts are some of the most meaningful. And usually the ones they will remember when they are grown.
China/cups/plates etc. from the thrift store or a long-forgotten cabinet can be a great place to start. Some of my most cherished memories are of making mud pies at my grandmother’s house with her ORIGINAL FIESTAWARE! She didn’t use it anymore and gave it to us to play with. But looking back now I always think about those amazing mud and flower creations in fancy colorful dishes. Tea sets and real tools, a huge chunk of clay and sculpting items, or an entire box of random and creative art supplies will spark curiosity and interest in children around the world.
Loose Parts Holiday Gift Guides: basically any item that has no predetermined purpose. The child must use their imagination to play, which is another skill they must practice both at home and in school. The following list is just a starting point for your gift-giving ideas. And certainly not an exhaustive list!
- Sticks
- Rocks
- Buttons
- Leaves
- Beads
- Clothespins
- Wooden Peg Dolls
- Pebbles
- Seeds
- Paper tubes
- Pine Cones
- Seashells
- Walnuts
- Acorns
- Nuts
- Bolts
- Keys
- Glass Gems
- Yarn
- Tape
- Cardstock
- Measuring Tape
- Potion Jars
- Wooden Scoops
- Magnets
- Rubber Bands
- Calculators
- Blocks
- Funnels
**You could also make homemade playdoh and create a sensory tub for the children with many of the loose parts listed.
Sensory play adds hours of play for young children. You can create your own sensory box or purchase a premade one. There are many places to purchase premade sensory bins, but my favorite for parents and teachers alike is from Amanda over at Sparkling In Primary. She includes detailed lesson plans with her quarterly boxes. And for toddlers and young preschoolers, the Tiny Tikes Box from my friend Karyn is a must have.
Holiday Gift Guide for the Teacher In Your Life
For the educators in your life, there are many options as well. You could always offer to purchase some professional development for them. I know that seems like a strange one. However, many schools do not offer reimbursement for PD which is not done at the district level. And many times the PD that is interesting and designed specifically for teachers is not offered through a district. So offering to pay for PD is always a thoughtful gift.
Not sure what to grab for PD or where to look? Here is a holiday gift guide list of professional development opportunities coming up in the new year.
- Black Friday Teacher Deals
- Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Card
- New Year Conferences
Holiday Care Package
Put together a holiday gift care package for your teacher friends, one that includes headbands for those not-so-great hair days.
Emergency chocolate (or a favorite treat) is a thoughtful item to add to a care package. A few K-cups with their favorite creamer or coffee gift cards. You can NEVER go wrong with Flair Pens or Ink Gel Joys, some binder clips, and sticky notes. Since teacher lanyards are all the rage, including one in the care package would be a welcome addition.
Early educators could always use picture books, classroom manipulatives, and art supplies. A fun or super cozy pair of socks is a good choice too. And if you are still stumped a gift card to a local shop or favorite online shop can be exciting. One of my favorites for natural classroom materials is Van and Ver. They have some great choices for young children and classroom teachers alike.
Faith-Based Educators
And I cannot forget my faith-based educators. Some Bible journaling materials, a cozy blanket, and a yummy candle are always good choices. A sturdy inspirational journal with a fancy pen set would round out the holiday gift-giving. A prayer plant or even a meditation box would also be good choices.
What are some of your favorite education-related gifts? LET ME KNOW IN A COMMENT BELOW!
