Nice new teacher "gift"

[ecteach]

I am a middle school special ed teacher, but I wanted to get some ideas on what sort of things I could purchase for my son's second grade teacher. I plan on going to Sam's Club this weekend to purchase supplies for myself. She's a brand new teacher, and has moved to NC from Ohio. I just want to help her out a little.

What are some things that are must-haves for elementary teachers? For example, are Kleenex or dry-erase markers more important? I plan on spending about $20.

Thanks for the input.

[DrivingPigeon]

So, you're thinking mainly classroom supplies, correct? Dry-erase markers are always great! They run out so quickly, and are a big expense if you need to replace them often. I had a wishlist up at Open House, and it contained 3 items:
-Colored or patterned Duck Tape (for book binding)
-Disinfecting wipes
-Packaging tape (for hanging things on the wall)

I also go through a lot of post-it notes. I hope that helps a bit. How nice of you to think of her!

[czacza]

Get a basket from the Dollar Store..then go in the travel sized item aisle of your local BB&B or drug store..get hand cream, a nail file, a small lint roller, etc...some mints, tea bags, chocolate.

[DrivingPigeon]

One more thing I just thought of: a few years ago, a parent gave me a "survival guide" on the first day of school. I thought it was sweet and thoughtful! I can't remember everything, but I do remember that it contained gum, chocolate, granola bars, and a gift card to Starbucks. It was a nice little stash to have on hand.

[pwhatley]

paper... an Office Depot gift card

[DizneeTeachR]

Baby wipes are great to have on hand for messy hands or to wipe desks down especially during cold/flu season or pink eye season...LOL (I taught 1st and had a major pink eye break out).

Love the idea of dry erase markers...it's always fun to have different colors as well!!! (You may find those at like a Target for cheaper than like Sam's club). Different sized dry erase markers are great.

[FourSquare]

I would want: Expo markers, shipping tape, Ticonderoga pencils, tissues, or hand sanitizer. I spent most of my money on those things.

[DizneeTeachR]

Four Square...I was thinking hand sanitizer...but I know some schools don't allow it...

I always appreciated when parents sent in tissues...especially during cold/flu season...nothing like blowing your nose on a 1 ply sheet that's like paper and everything goes through!!!!

[blossom90]

Shipping tapes and markers.

[chebrutta]

I would want a little hand sanitizer just for me, some hand lotion, a small bag of Kisses or hard candies, a small coffee gift card, maybe a nice coffee mug I could keep at school, and - if they're allowed - a little desk plant.