Celebrating Teachers with Thoughtful, Secondhand Finds

If there’s one thing every parent can agree on, it’s that teachers deserve all the love. They give so much of themselves to our kids, and often go above and beyond, even spending their own money to stock their classrooms with extra books, games, and supplies.

This year, I wanted to do something special to show our appreciation on Teacher Appreciation Day. Instead of the usual coffee mug or gift card (which are still great!), I thought it would be a little more meaningful to build a little classroom basket filled with fun, gently-loved games, books, and activities the whole class can enjoy.

And of course, the first place I headed was Once Upon A Child.

Why Shop Secondhand for Teachers?

There’s something special about giving secondhand gifts. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s sustainable too — giving great items a second life in a space where they’ll be loved and used daily.

By shopping secondhand, you can gather an amazing assortment without breaking the bank — and you’ll often find brand-new treasures mixed in too!

Things to look for while shopping for the classroom:

- Books for classroom libraries

- Board games for rainy day recess

- Puzzles and educational toys

- Craft supplies and activity kits

Building the Teacher Appreciation Day Basket

I had a ton of fun putting this basket together. And it t was so easy to shop around Once Upon A Child for things I thought the kids would love and teachers would appreciate! I filled this basket with picture books, puzzles, matching games, and toys. Everything in total was only $15! 

You could even add a Once Upon A Child gift card so the teacher can pick out a few things for their classroom or their own kids!

A Little Extra Love Goes a Long Way

If you’ve been looking for a fun, easy Teacher Appreciation Day idea, consider creating a classroom basket like this! It’s a small gesture that makes a big difference in a teacher’s day. Next step? Stop by your local Once Upon A Child and see what fun finds you can gather. 

Blog By: Shelbie Todd | @sincerely.shelbie