This year is anything but typical for both students, teachers, and parents alike. They have all risen to the great challenges set forth this year by our current situation. Whether your child is in school five days a week, working a hybrid schedule, or even a full-time remote schedule, the adjustments teachers have had to make is nothing short of extraordinary. They continue to do amazing things with the sometimes very limited resources and time available to them.
I have always appreciated those who have answered the call to educate children but recent events have given me even more appreciation for them. Trying to teach my children has proven to be an even bigger struggle than I could have imagined. Let’s face it, kids always listen to their teachers way better than they do their parents. With that said, to any teacher currently reading this, first and foremost, I want to say THANK YOU! I appreciate what you all are doing so much! Second, I want to offer some wonderful ideas on how you can show your child’s teacher some extra love and appreciation this holiday season. The below list was compiled with the help of some teachers along with some do’s and don’ts that are sure to help make picking the perfect teacher’s gift a little easier.
1. Steer Clear of Scented Gifts
Scents are such a personal thing and many people may have allergies or aversions to scented products. Unless you know for sure that your teacher loves vanilla-scented candles and they can’t get enough of them, it’s better to stay away from giving scented gifts. But, if you do know your teacher adores candles, then try a cool twist on the classic candle. Woodwick Candles crackle as they burn. They really do sound like the gentle crackling of a wood-burning fireplace, which is nice to hear, especially if you do not have a fireplace. I love the sound and smell of these candles!
Every year teachers spend hundreds of their own dollars on their classrooms and their students. They buy things to brighten up and organize their rooms, to engage and reward their students, and to provide for those who may not be able to provide for themselves. No matter the reason, your child’s classroom looks the way it does because of all the additional money the teachers spend to make it that way. That is why teachers are always appreciative of receiving school supplies for the holidays. Anything from stickers and pencils to Sharpies and storage containers. Teachers love anything that is practical and useful, especially in their classroom. Why not give a storage container full of school supplies?
Tip: At the beginning of the year some teachers will put together and post a classroom wish list. Why not check back with them to see if there are items that weren’t purchased or that they’ve already run out of.
Kids are rough on pencil sharpeners. With so many pencils to sharpen a day, teachers may go through 4-6 sharpeners a year. Plus it’s more efficient to have more than one sharpener available for students to use.
If you’ve ever sat in on a video conference call with a teacher and her students, especially if it’s an elementary class then you know how crazy it can be. It’s important to try and make the best out of a crazy situation and this graphic tee can help put a little more fun in your favorite teacher’s day! Plus it’s a great reminder to her students to make sure they are muted.
So this was something new I’d never heard of. Teachers Pay Teachers is an open marketplace where educators share, sell, and buy original teaching resources for grades PreK-12. With a Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Card, they can purchase already made resources such as printouts or virtual presentations. It can help save massive amounts of time especially for those who are navigating the new world of online education.
3. Food Treats Can Be Tricky
When asked whether or not teachers like food items as gifts it was a toss-up. Same with the scented gifts, some people have food allergies or aversions. Unless you know for certain they can eat it, I wouldn’t give it. However, if you know your teacher eats gluten-free, you could put together a little basket of gluten-free goodies. If dark chocolate is their thing, splurge on a bar of good dark chocolate.
Originally, I thought giving a teacher a gift card was taking the easy way out and would come across as impersonal. I’m not sure why I thought that way because personally, I love getting gift cards! That being said, Teachers LOVE gift cards too! If you know where they like to eat or shop go ahead and get that specific place. However, if you’re not sure, get one for somewhere that has a little bit of everything like Target, Walmart, or Amazon, which seemed to be the survey favorite. That way your favorite teacher can buy the cozy slippers she’s been eyeing or that cowl neck sweatshirt that is both really comfortable and perfect for video meetings with her students. Plus you can easily send them virtually and write a personalized note to go with it.
One teacher surveyed was super excited to receive a Sephora Gift Card giving her an opportunity to pamper herself with some new makeup!
5. Handmade Student Gifts
After reading all the answers to my survey questions, one thing that surprised me the most was just how much teachers value the simple gifts made by the students with an emphasis on notes of appreciation. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be from the heart. Personalized ornaments, a picture frame with a picture of the student with the teacher, or something they can hang in the classroom. It’s something they can look at year after year and remind them of just how many little lives they have touched and why they do what they do.
Cover up the table, give the kids some paint or even markers and let them go to town decorating some wooden ornaments. They are great for teacher gifts or even family members.
Some snowflake ornaments the kids painted a few years ago to give to teachers, family, and friends.
Bonus: It’s Okay to Ask
Still not sure what to get? I learned that it’s okay to ask, but asking the right questions will make the whole scenario less awkward. Just asking a teacher what they would like for a gift puts them in a weird position that they’re not really sure how to answer. Instead, be more specific with your questions. Are you a coffee drinker? What is your favorite restaurant? One mom even suggested that if she loves something they are wearing she always asks where they got it. That way it gives her an idea of where they shop. Plus she knows where she can snag one for herself. By asking more specific questions, it takes the pressure off the teacher, but still gives you some insight as to what they like.
Tip: If you are really on the ball, some teachers said they have received Teacher Favorites questionnaires from their students at the beginning of the year. This quick little questionnaire can make gift-giving a whole lot easier throughout the year. You can make your own or find one already done online.
Bottom line is that it truly is the thought that counts. Teachers love to and deserve to feel appreciated, especially this time of year, especially with all the changes and adjustments they have had to make this year. Not only do they have to try to keep kids engaged but they have to do so from a distance whether it’s through a computer screen or just behind a mask. It has been hard on them not seeing their students’ precious faces and their sweet smiles on a daily basis. They’ve had to learn new skills and instantly attempt to become technology savvy and they’ve had to constantly adjust on the fly to make sure students are still learning and for all this and more, again, I say Thank you!
It’s Your Turn: Share your favorite teacher gift ideas with us in the comments!
To say cropped and shorter sweaters are “having a moment” is an understatement. The past few years I’ve found it much harder to find longer tunic style sweaters. Since I’m a leggings junkie in the fall and winter months, this has been a wee bit frustrating. While my daughters can get away with the shorter tops with leggings look, it’s just one that I’ve never been comfortable with.
When I saw this rust textured tunic sweater earlier this fall I just KNEW it had to go onto the Outfit Formulas® fall capsule wardrobe shopping list. Many of you already have it and have given it rave reviews too. I can see why, it’s super soft, just the right weight, and comes in eight (!) different colors. The good news is that I’ll be wearing this well into winter as I start to transition into what I like to call “leggings season”.
It’s a shop your closet kind of post so pull out your favorite sweater and add closet staples to complete out each one of these looks!
*update: While the tunic sweater referenced is sold out, Old Navy still has a great selection of tunic sweaters this season. Check them out HERE!
White jeans for fall? Why not! There’s no good reason why you need to put them away after Labor Day. This closet staple can be worn year-round, yes even in winter, when paired up with warm and cozy layers.
Olive is a neutral and any of the eight colors this sweater comes in will pair up perfectly with your favorite olive jeans. Keep it simple with some taupe ankle boots.
Can a longer sweater be worn with less fitted jeans? The answer is yes! Just make sure not to go with an all-over too baggy look. The pieces should be semi-fitted.
While my Thanksgivings past have been pretty epic celebrations with our extended family involving two turkeys and enough stuffing and pumpkin pies for a small army, this year things are considerably different. It’s the first year in the past 20 or so that we won’t be celebrating with a huge meal with our extended family. While this makes me really sad, I’m also looking forward to a more intimate gathering and a LOT less cooking and baking!
Since things will be way more laid back this year (let’s be honest, I might do my cooking in jammies) but I’m going to go a little dressier with my dinner outfit. Let’s face it, I don’t get a lot of opportunities to dress up these days and I want to do something that makes the day feel a little more special!
I ordered this cranberry ribbed wrap dress a few weeks ago and knew the minute I tried it on it was THE ONE. The color screams Thanksgiving and it will double as a Christmas dress too! I added my leopard shoes for this easy outfit formula, done and done!
Solid Color Dress + Leopard Shoes
Since Thanksgiving is so different for everyone, I was very curious to see what outfit combinations the Pretties were styling for this holiday. I asked and they responded! I loved reading the formulas they were using, if they closet shopped or bought something new, and of course, since it’s Thanksgiving, what they were thankful for. Below are their responses along with their fabulous photos.
Pretty #1 – Lisa G
Plaid Top + Black Top + Black Bottoms + Black Loafers + Statement Necklace
Lisa’s outfit formula is a mix of closet shopped and new items. While her plaid shirt and black pants from C&B are new the rest is closet shopped. She loves this look because she can wear comfortable clothes but still look very put together and stylish. She’s also very thankful for her family’s health! Especially in 2020.
Pretty #2 – Lisa B
Cardigan + Solid Color Top + Dark Wash Jeans + Leopard Booties
Lisa was very excited to be able to fully closet shop to style her outfit, but her favorite part of her look is the color. It just makes her feel happy and with the addition of the cardigan, she can be cozy too! Despite all the craziness that has been 2020, she is grateful that it’s helped her family become closer.
Pretty #3 – Anne
Moto Jacket + Graphic Tee + Leopard Bottom + Sneakers
Anne was able to closet shop her leopard print skirt and moto jacket then added in her graphic tee from Jane and her golden goose dupes, her black glitter, and white sneakers, from Glitter Lily. Her favorite part of her look? Her fantastic and playful graphic tee! Anne is also very thankful that her family is healthy this year.
Pretty #4 – Christina
Solid Color Dress + Neutral Cognac Boots
Christina is in love with her head to toe new look! Her cream, puff sleeve sweater dress is by A New Day, and her tall, Marlee heeled knee-high, cognac boots are by Universal Thread, both from Target. She loves her Thanksgiving Day look because it’s comfy, warm, and easy! Christina is very thankful for her health, steady employment, and her family.
Pretty #5 – Ameetha
Printed Scarf + Solid Color Sweater + Striped Button-Down + Wide Leg Faux Leather Bottoms + Black Boots
Ameetha got her Thanksgiving Day style inspiration from a combination of various winter Outfit Formulas™ over the last few years. She was able to closet shop her striped button-down shirt, mustard sweater, black boots, and printed scarf but then recently added in the brown, wide leg, faux leather pants from Lulus. Her favorite thing about her look was mixing prints and feeling totally unique! Looking on the bright side of things, Ameetha has decided to be thankful for the much-needed break that was a result of the pandemic and feels that’s been a privilege for her.
Pretty #6 – Gina
Fall Color Cardigan + Solid Color Top + Olive Bottoms + Leopard Booties
Gina also loved that she was able to closet shop when putting together her fabulous Thanksgiving Day look. She did decide to make one more addition and she can’t wait for her new Alison + Aubrey brown crystal and leather wrap bracelet to come in the mail! Gina is very thankful that her family is healthy and that she and her husband continue to be employed.
Pretty #7 – Claire
Neutral Sweater + Dark Wash Jeans + Leopard Flats
Claire gathered her inspiration for her Thanksgiving Day look from the Outfit Formulas™ Body Shape Capsule. She was excited to closet shop her dark wash jeans and leopard print flats and then finished it off with a lovely wrap sweater from Amazon. She loves that her look is able to emphasize her waist but is very comfortable. Claire is very thankful for the health of her family, specifically her grandmother who just turned 109!
A HUGE thank you to all the Pretties who shared their Thanksgiving Day looks with us! You all look amazing and your glowing smiles are contagious!
Your turn! What are you wearing for Thanksgiving this year? Are you keeping it super casual? Dressing up? Or somewhere in the middle?
Pattern and prints are everywhere this season and I love how they can easily add interest to any outfit whether you use them in an accent piece like a scarf, belt, or even your handbag or a statement piece like a sweater, a coat, or even a poncho. You all know I’m a HUGE fan of leopard but this time of year I love incorporating a variety of patterns. The best thing about these patterns is that they are timeless. While they may have their seasons where they trend more than others, they will never go out of style. I promise you can’t go wrong adding them to your closet. Below are some of the fabulous prints I’m currently loving. Yes, I know, I know I didn’t include stripes in this list and yes I am feeling alright. Stripes are a staple that I enjoy all year round so don’t worry, they will be making their appearance but for this list, I wanted to stick to some fun winter favorites but feel free to throw in your stripes as much as you want.
Black watch plaid is a particular plaid that combines dark blue, black, and a forest green color. I love this timeless plaid and although I’m not really a dress person, I found a sheath dress in this pattern last year and it became one of my go-to pieces.
Say it with me, ‘Leopard is a neutral!’ It goes with everything and although I do enjoy this print all year long, it tends to go with more things in the winter season. There’s just something warm and cozy about leopard. It’s the perfect added detail to your outfit as a belt or maybe a great pair of ankle boots but don’t be afraid to rock some leopard as a cozy cardigan. There are tons of variations with this print so if you’re still not sure about wearing it, work your way in slowly by opting for one that’s a lighter print or a smaller print to keep it from feeling overwhelming.
To me, buffalo check screams the winter season! This pattern is characterized by its larger crisscross of two colors, originally black and red but recently white and black have also become very popular. The buffalo check first made it’s debut back in 1850 and it’s still going strong which means I don’t see it going anywhere anytime soon. Not only is this another great, cozy print, but I also think it’s very festive which is perfect for me considering I’m already in the Christmas mood and enjoying my Christmas trees.
Houndstooth is another one of those classic patterns. This pattern is primarily found in black and white, however sometimes I’ve seen it in pink and black as well as other color combinations. I love this abstract black and white pattern and it’s a crisp clean look. It also goes with everything and this pattern comes in a variety of sizes. This print would look amazing as a sweater, a scarf, or even a gorgeous peacoat.
Okay, I know what I said about the buffalo check but I’d have to say plaid is right up there too with being both a winter staple and a festive holiday print. This is an extremely versatile because it comes in so many size prints and so many color combinations. The hardest part is picking just one.
So what actually is jacquard? It’s a fabric that has a woven pattern in it and that pattern is typically raised to add some great texture. The pattern itself can take on many variations including an animal print, floral I’m seeing lots of jacquard items this season so I decided to throw this one into the mix as well. Did you know that fair isle sweaters are a type of jacquard? So if you happen to already have a fair isle sweater in your closet, now is the time to break it out!
Your turn! Do you already have some of these prints in your closet? What print is your favorite?
Earlier this week, the fam and I stopped by Walmart to grab some sets of Christmas lights because yes I AM decorating in early November, but I digress…
As we made our way to the checkout my girls and I did a little detour through the PJ section. Aubrey needed new slippers and Ava has been loading up on pajama pants lately like it’s her job. I mean I don’t blame her. I’ve been spending a lot more time in my cozies than usual too, especially since the time change.
One of the things that struck me was how soft and cozy all of the PJ’s were. I couldn’t stop touching them! I’m addicted to cozy fabrics these days. Lucky for us Walmart is starting their Black Friday Deals for Days early as in RIGHT NOW. That’s right – their first set of deals is going on now through November 8th.
You can score great deals on these cozy lounging pieces – either as a gift or for yourself (I won’t tell!). The prices are good enough that you could honestly do both. Here are a few of my online-only faves now on sale.
Do you struggle to put outfits together? Are you stuck in a yoga pants rut? Not sure if you can make the latest trends work for you? You’re in the right place!
I’m Alison, a mom of three and recovering yoga pants addict on a mission to make getting dressed and feeling pretty the easiest thing you do all day! Learn more about my story HERE.
I am so glad I was part of the Fall 2019 Style Challenge. It gave me confidence and so many great outfitt ideas. The ladies in the group were very supportive and I will defintetly be doing another challenge in the future.
Betty Weyandt December 20, 2019
I’ve been participating in the GYPO Style Challenges for three years now and I’ve loved it. I’ve always loved clothes, but I didn’t know how to put outfits together. My closet is now full of mix-and-match outfits, I have learned how to dress myself, and there is no more stress in figuring out to wear. The private FB group is full of wonderful ladies that build each other up. It’s so fun and is seriously the best group on FB.
Kirstin Rasmussen November 20, 2019
Get Your Pretty On has changed my life, seriously. I have always chased what is trendy but found from season to season, that things go out of style and I was wasting money on items that I would only end up wearing a few times. GYPO has enabled me to simplify my closet, helps me make smarter purchasing decisions, and I feel so put together and confident using the outfit formulas that are provided. This program is a GAME CHANGER. I've been following GYPO for a few years now and my only regret is not jumping on board sooner.
Michelle Kline November 20, 2019
Great community of ladies, helping each other look stylish, without breaking the bank, and using much of what you already own.
Chosen Faith November 19, 2019
GYPO challenges have been one of the best things I have done! It had taught me so much more than just creating a closet of clothes that I love but also to have confidence in myself, how to pick and choose colors that work for me instead of against, and had given a wonderful community of Pretties who are so special.
Maraline Freeman October 16, 2019
I love GYPO!!! I finally feel put together and stylish! The shopping lists and outfit combinations make shopping and getting dressed effortless.
Krista Probst October 16, 2019
SHOP THE ACCESSORY LINE
SHOP THE LOOKS
A NOTE TO READERS
Please know that Get Your Pretty On uses affiliate links in some of our posts. This means that clicking on or purchasing through a link may help me earn a small commission, which helps make this blog possible. Thank you for your support! For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
