Fun Back to School Gift Ideas for Your Colleagues Under $5

This post has Amazon affiliate links included in some of the items highlighted below.  

So, my countdown is on. I have 5 days left until have to report back to school, and like you, I've been in and out of my classroom getting it ready.  I didn't see many of my colleagues all summer, so I was pleased as punch to see those sweet faces when I went in last week.

I am one of those lucky ones who works with a group of truly fabulous teammates.  I love all five of them so much, and I like to show them that at the beginning of the year.  However, my summer shopping problem hobby has taken a toll on my available funds.  I bet you're in the same boat, right???  So I wanted to round up a few adorable gift ideas for you to gift to your teammates that will make them smile without making your debit card cry.

Lisa Storms

Grab a cute tumbler from the Dollar Tree or Target dollar spot, and fill it with Crystal light packets.  Super simple and inexpensive.  I used this idea a few years ago, and it was a hit!  Your tag could say "We're going to have a tea-lightful year together!"

Jacolyn Murphy

I love these little coffee packets, or you could use K-Cups if your school has a Keurig machine.  Buy a box and split them up between your teammates, stick them in a cute bag or mug...you're done!  I'd probably throw a few chocolates in there, too, because coffee and chocolate #nobrainer!

Adventures in Mommyhood

What teacher doesn't love a new pack of pens or markers? I'd probably go with a pack of Mr. Sketch, myself.  (PSA- Mr. Sketch are $5 on Amazon.  Go get a pack.  They're the BEST for making anchor charts, but I'm sure you already know that.)

This year, my own teammates are each getting a pack of these cute smiley stickers and Post-It's from me.  Stickers form from Target, and I split up a box of Post-It notes.  Perfect and so easy!  You can grab the tags, which are editable and free, here in my TPT store.  

So you're not feeling creative and are lacking time?  I've got you.  Purchase $5 TPT gift cards for each of your teammates.  Super easy!  Click, buy, and print.  You're done!  Teaching in the Tongass has a really cute (and free!) printable gift card template that you might like.  

I hope you grab a cute idea or two.  Do you give gifts to your teammates?  Do you have any new and adorable ideas for me?

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5 Tips to Get Your Family Ready for Back to School

You guys, it's August. It's Back to School month. Cue the moans and groans! Going back to work was never that big of a deal until I became a mom.  Going back to school is hard on families! My husband teaches, too, and also coaches high school football, so it's kind of a double whammy for us.  Our summer routine gets all shaken up! I've learned a few things over the years that have made the transition easier.

I like to cook, but I don't like to cook when I'm dead tired and sweaty from being in my classroom all day.  I try to keep my freezer stocked with a few easy things to pull out in the morning and stick in the oven when I get home.  No prep.  Baked pastas are super easy.  I made stuffed shells for a friend with a new baby last week.  It was easy to double the recipe and add a few pans to my freezer for when school starts.  My other favorites to stock are hamburger patties, homemade chicken strips, enchiladas, and lasagna.  Confession- I hate Crock Pot meals #ithinktheyregross #itsfine, but there are tons of prep and freeze ideas for the Crock Pot on Pinterest.  You can grab more freeze and go meals on my Yummy Eats Pinterest board.   If neither of those options are your cup of tea, get a few Stouffer's frozen lasagnas and call it a day.  A tired mama who doesn't have to prep and cook dinner is a way less grouchy mama.

My kids have been going to be a little late all summer, just like yours, right?  Start pushing their bedtime up little by little so it's not such a shock and fight once you're on a a regular school schedule.  Move it up 10-15 minutes each week until you're back at the normal school year bedtime.  Get back into a solid bedtime routine again.  All kids (and parents!) benefit from regular bedtime schedules.  

I try to ease my kids back into their daycare schedule by taking them a few days each week while I work in my room.  Next week, they'll go twice, and then three days the following week.  It's hard for your little ones to adjust to much less Mommy time than they've gotten used to.  It also gives you some guilt free time to get your room ready.

I'm sure I don't need to tell you this twice, but go to Target and stock your pantry.  Get the stuff that you're not going to feel like running out to get once school starts.  Maybe it's just me, but I despise going to the store after work.  My feet always hurt, and my kids are grouchy.  Recipe for disaster.  On my list: dry and frozen foods, diapers, wipes, paper towels, toilet paper, toothpaste, bottled water, baggies, trash bags...you get it.  Just keep it under control, ladies.

Remember, your job is just that, a job.  Don't waste your last few weeks of summer obsessing over your classroom and curriculum.  Limit the time that you spend in your room.  Get that stuff done, you'll be glad that you did, but also enjoy the time at home with your kids.  It's such precious thing to be able to spend our summers with our kids. 

Have a great August, my friends!  Let me know your best piece of advice for transitioning your families back into the school routine.  

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