Holiday Books & Gift Guide

This year, more than ever, the joy and spirit of the holiday season is something so many of us need. And when we think about our children and students, this is doubly true. 

If you’re looking for a holiday gift this year, whether to add to your own wishlist or to give to someone else, we’ve created a quick guide that may help. From books to paint supplies, everything here is meant to cultivate creativity and make this season a bit brighter and lighter for all.

How to Use This Guide

The items in this holiday gift guide can be used for both teachers and students, unless otherwise marked. We believe everyone should have good books, tools to stretch their creativity, a focus on staying healthy and well, and some good old fashioned fun. So we’ve selected gifts in each of these 4 categories. 

Whether you’re shopping for a teacher, your students, your staff, or your own child, there’s something on here for everyone!

Classroom Book Packs

No matter where you are (virtual or in-person), books are a staple for any teacher or child. From read-alouds to illustration study, a book truly does open a new world of possibilities. 

These book collections we’ve curated are used in our K-5 Lessons from the Accelerator. They are filled with rich storytelling, represent a variety of cultures, and offer incredible illustrations. They are perfect for any classroom or home library. 

Grade K Books

Grade 1 Books

Grade 2 Books

Grade 3 Books

Grade 4 Books

Grade 5 Books

And if you’re looking for a list of books that teachers may want to read themselves, check out our 2020 Teacher Reading List for our top 20 recommended books this year.

Creativity Packs

Research tells us that creativity helps us boost our mood, decreases stress, and increases hopefulness for the future. Who wouldn’t want those side effects? Here’s some items you can mix and match to make your own “Creativity Pack” for your favorite teacher or stocking stuffer:

Health and Wellness

Self-care isn’t as eye-roll inducing as in previous years. We now are all well-aware of how important health and wellness is. Here’s a few items our team loves for staying well:

**This one is just for teachers!

Just for Fun

Sometimes, it doesn’t have to fit into a category. Here’s a few ideas for gifts that just bring the joy!

Low-Cost/No-Cost Ideas

One thing all teachers know: it’s not about how much you spend. It’s truly the thought that counts. We’d take a handmade card with a heartfelt message over another candle or mug any day. Here’s some ways to bring the holiday spirit at little to no cost:

Scratch Off Cards

Assistant Principal Aubree Smith shared this idea for making your own Scratch Off Cards – all you need are 1” scratch off stickers and this template. Change up the prizes on the template depending on who you’re giving them to.

scratch off cards

Create Your Own Mix-Tape

Throw it back to the 80’s with this idea. All you need is a device and either Audacity (PC) or Garageband (Mac) to record your very own mix-tape. 

Pick a selection of songs that are meaningful and either sing and record them, or download a compilation. Then export it as an .mp3 file and upload it to a cloud service like Google Drive or iCloud. Share the link in a card!

Donor’s Choose or Charity Project Support

If you or someone you know has a Donor’s Choose project, you can contribute to that in any way possible. Even $1 helps. And if your child or student is raising money for something (think Boy/Girl Scouts, 4-H or FFA, church-related projects, etc) your support could mean a lot to them.

The Gift of Time

If you’re an admin or a team leader and want to support your staff, provide coverage for an hour at some point this month. That hour may not seem like much, but it can be a lifesaver. 

As for students, try giving them a free block in class to listen to music or create a craft. Learning is intense and spending time together in a creative way can help build bonds and release some anxiety. 

Finally, for your own children, quality time is more important than things. The key here is quality – not just watching TV together. True, intentional time where you both select an activity to do together is a wonderful gift.

12 Days of Christmas Actions

Principal Kristy Andre shared these 12 days of Christmas cards for inexpensive ways to celebrate her staff. You could easily adapt these for your own team or family.

They include things like Random Acts of Kindness Day, Candy Cane Shake Recipe, Decorating an Ornament, Packs of Tissues, Hot Chocolate Cart, Flair Pens, and more.

No matter whether you celebrate the holidays or not, we’re wishing you a season of joy, peace, and creativity. You matter – who you are and what you do is important. May these gift ideas celebrate you and the special people in your life. Happy holidays!

Holiday Book & Gift Guide

This year, more than ever, the joy and spirit of the holiday season is something so many of us need. And when we think about our children and students, this is doubly true. 

If you’re looking for gifts this year, whether to add to your own wishlist or to give to someone else, we’ve created a quick guide that may help. From books to paint supplies, everything here is meant to cultivate creativity and make this season a bit brighter and lighter for all.

How to Use This Guide

The items in this guide can be used for both teachers and students, unless otherwise marked. We believe everyone should have good books, tools to stretch their creativity, a focus on staying healthy and well, and some good old fashioned fun. So we’ve selected gifts in each of these 4 categories. 

Whether you’re shopping for a teacher, your students, your staff, or your own child, there’s something on here for everyone!

Classroom Book Packs

No matter where you are (virtual or in-person), books are a staple for any teacher or child. From read-alouds to illustration study, a book truly does open a new world of possibilities. 

These book collections we’ve curated are used in our new K-5 Lesson from the Accelerator. They are filled with rich storytelling, represent a variety of cultures, and offer incredible illustrations. They are perfect for any classroom or home library. 

Grade K Books

Grade 1 Books

Grade 2 Books

Grade 3 Books

Grade 4 Books

Grade 5 Books

And if you’re looking for a list of books that teachers may want to read themselves, check out our 2020 Teacher Reading List for our top 20 recommended books this year.

Creativity Packs

Research tells us that creativity helps us boost our mood, decreases stress, and increases hopefulness for the future. Who wouldn’t want those side effects? Here’s some items you can mix and match to make your own “Creativity Pack” for your favorite teacher or stocking stuffer:

Health and Wellness

Self-care isn’t as eye-roll inducing as in previous years. We now are all well-aware of how important health and wellness is. Here’s a few items our team loves for staying well:

**This one is just for teachers!

Just for Fun

Sometimes, it doesn’t have to fit into a category. Here’s a few ideas for gifts that just bring the joy!

Low-Cost/No-Cost Ideas

One thing all teachers know: it’s not about how much you spend. It’s truly the thought that counts. We’d take a handmade card with a heartfelt message over another candle or mug any day. Here’s some ways to bring the holiday spirit at little to no cost:

Scratch Off Cards

Assistant Principal Aubree Smith shared this idea for making your own Scratch Off Cards – all you need are 1” scratch off stickers and this template. Change up the prizes on the template depending on who you’re giving them to.

scratch off cards

Create Your Own Mix-Tape

Throw it back to the 80’s with this idea. All you need is a device and either Audacity (PC) or Garageband (Mac) to record your very own mix-tape. 

Pick a selection of songs that are meaningful and either sing and record them, or download a compilation. Then export it as an .mp3 file and upload it to a cloud service like Google Drive or iCloud. Share the link in a card!

Donor’s Choose or Charity Project Support

If you or someone you know has a Donor’s Choose project, you can contribute to that in any way possible. Even $1 helps. And if your child or student is raising money for something (think Boy/Girl Scouts, 4-H or FFA, church-related projects, etc) your support could mean a lot to them.

The Gift of Time

If you’re an admin or a team leader and want to support your staff, provide coverage for an hour at some point this month. That hour may not seem like much, but it can be a lifesaver. 

As for students, try giving them a free block in class to listen to music or create a craft. Learning is intense and spending time together in a creative way can help build bonds and release some anxiety. 

Finally, for your own children, quality time is more important than things. The key here is quality – not just watching TV together. True, intentional time where you both select an activity to do together is a wonderful gift.

12 Days of Christmas Actions

Principal Kristy Andre shared these 12 days of Christmas cards for inexpensive ways to celebrate her staff. You could easily adapt these for your own team or family.

They include things like Random Acts of Kindness Day, Candy Cane Shake Recipe, Decorating an Ornament, Packs of Tissues, Hot Chocolate Cart, Flair Pens, and more.

No matter whether you celebrate the holidays or not, we’re wishing you a season of joy, peace, and creativity. You matter – who you are and what you do is important. May these gift ideas celebrate you and the special people in your life. Happy holidays!