It’s a busy time for teachers, parents, and students, but I don’t need to tell you that.  I say, this is the time to keep things simple, yet thoughtful.  My daughter is about to begin first grade. This is a copy of her school supply list:

Wait.  Did that say 18 glue sticks???  Yes.  It did.  It was a bit difficult to turn the 18 glue sticks into a bouquet…so instead, I went with the pencils!  Why not?  What a happy little surprise to see the bunch of pencils all grouped together and tied with an easy, yet beautiful bow.

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An apple for the teacher is still a great symbol for any Educator.  However, here’s a tip from my years as a teacher.  Most teachers have enough apple décor to last a lifetime.  Why not give an edible gift – a real apple, just dressed up a bit.  A shiny red delicious with a bow is the perfect first day of school gift!

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Students, teachers, ANYONE can use a new notebook.  For this project, I used a little May Arts ribbon on the edge, and outlined a label with the word “notes.”  One back to school inspired composition book ready to go!

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I LOVE the lime green sticky post-its.  They are the size of 3 x 5 note cards.  They make appreciated little gifts to teacher friends or for your child’s teacher.  Add a special “thanks” and a knotted ribbon and you have a thoughtful, usable “note of thanks!”

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It is a crazy busy time for soooo many people, probably for you, too.  But the little extra effort to add a little ribbon will help your start of year gift stand out from the crowd and may give a shot of brightness and joy to someone’s day.