The most important part of this Survival Kit is the bag! It’s the Thirty-One Organizing Utility Tote, and it’s great for everything! I have one, my mom has several, and almost every teacher in mom’s school owns one. They’re incredibly sturdy: great for holding books, snacks, supplies, etc … everything a teacher needs to get through the day! If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, the Super Organizing Tote is also fantastic. It’s basically the Organizing Utility Tote but larger and with a zippered top. (I use mine for long car trips). There are so many great Thirty-One options you could go with, but these are my two favorites for the Teacher Survival Kit.
*** Scroll to the bottom for your chance to win the
Thirty-One Organizing Utility Tote pictured!!!
So, once you’ve chosen the bag you think will be perfect for your child’s teacher, you’ll need to fill it up with some goodies that teacher will love. There are several categories I chose from to fill my bag up, and if you stick with those your gift is sure to be a hit!
Gifts
Who doesn’t love to be treated to something nice? In the hectic first weeks of school, one incredibly thoughtful idea to include in the Survival Kit is gift cards. It could be for coffee, restaurants, the teacher’s favorite store, etc. Pretty much anything you can think of! One unique option is to give a gift certificate to a local make-ahead-meal place! It’s always great to have extra meals on hand for hectic days. Here are a few more ideas …
Starbucks
Barnes & Noble
JoAnn Fabric, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby
Target
TGI Fridays
Snacks
Most teachers have to get to school early and leave late into the afternoon, and while they do get a lunch break somewhere in between, snacks and drinks are a necessity! You want to give non-perishable items that are easy, filling, and tasty of course. An insulated cup good for hot or cold beverages is also a plus! Here are a few of my favorite ideas …
BelVita Breakfast Biscuits
Trail Mix Bars
Something Sweet (preferably chocolate)
Gum or Mints
Powdered or Liquid Drink Mixes
Supplies
Now we’re getting to the good part! Many people don’t know this, but often times teachers are required to purchase their own classroom supplies … at least anything above and beyond the basics. All of those supply costs can really add up throughout the year, so I always find it nice to provide some of these classroom necessities. Depending on the age of your child, the teacher might need something other than what I have listed, but I feel this is a pretty good list of things most teachers might find useful…
Dry Erase Markers (don’t bother with the spray pack … the bottles tend to be unused)
Highlighters
Pens for Grading (not in red)
White Out
Index Cards
Post-Its (I’ve found the little ones and flags are used most often)
Magnets and Clips
Poster Tack aka Sticky Tack
Erasers (my mom teaches 4th grade and they looove the big eraser she keeps on her desk)
Printer and Ruled Paper
Construction Paper
There are so many other practical supplies that teachers could use; these are just a few that I found easily at my local super center. I didn’t include things like hand sanitizer and tissues because usually those can be found on a list from the school of required items to bring.
This Teacher Survival Kit is such a fun way to pamper and support your child’s teacher(s) … and what’s better than helping out the person who helps to mold and educate your child?
Sami says
You are brilliant! As a teacher I always need certain things (like most of the things you’ve added to your cute little bag). I’ve told my husband that I have to stock up on clean eating snacks, drinks and other things. Thanks for some great ideas
Sam says
I’m so glad you find it accurate!!! :-)
Maureen Tenney says
I love the bring a bottle thermal in sunny stripe and the zip top organizing utility tote in swiss dots!
Maureen
maureen.tenney@gmail.com
lacers522 says
Under the New Arrivals sections, I really like the Cinch Top Bin. I can think of *so* many different uses for it :)
Corrine says
I love the Retro Metro Foldover tote in Navy Wave. What a cool give away!
Michelle says
I like the Essential Storage Tote!
Tiff says
Not sure which First Grade Hinkle Creek Teacher we will get, but I’m sure they would love this Back to School Gift!
Michele Fore says
I love that bottle! Where did you find it?
Sam says
Isn’t it so cute?! I found it at Meijer
hamy10 says
You are right on with the teacher gift ideas. I love the organizing tote; your son’s teacher will find many uses for it. What a thoughtful gesture!
hamy10 says
My favorite, by the way, is the Zip Top Organizing Tote. I love having zipped totes because I tend to spill my bags or spill something into them ;)
Shannon F says
I’ve always been a fan of the Weekender but I really love the Large Utility Tote (U R U) too! This teacher survival kit is a GENIUS idea. Thanks for the chance!
Brie says
What a sweet and thoughtful gift! I’m sure your child’s teacher will LOVE it. As a high school teacher, I’ve never ever received anything like this (not even any gifts at the end of the school year last year), so school supplies are always on my Christmas list when my family inquires (tissues, mechanical pencils and post-it notes were my favorite gifts last year). :)