If she is a new teacher she doesn’t have a lot of classroom stuff, nor does she have a lot of money to put into her classroom (sadly most teachers have to put in several hundred dollars into their own classes).

When I got an elementary job the preschool I was working at gave me a gift certificate to the local teacher’s store. I think it was one of the best gifts I received. It felt like Christmas when I went in there because I knew I could provide the things I wanted for my class.

There are lots of interesting books and materials at teacher supply stores. I suggest you go to one and look around. You will probably get a lot of ideas. She might love an ant farm, but only if it does not require that she use it immediately. It is possible that she will be a bit overwhelmed at first and need some time to get to an activity like that.

I am a first grade teacher and whole heartedly agree with those who said a gift certificate to a local teacher store or just plain cash explaining to the special teacher that you know teaching comes with a lot of financial costs and you want to give them money to help them out in any way she needs it. That way she could buy whatever she is still missing for her room…books, materials, etc. I would not give her the science stuff…that could be overwhelming and she needs to do that type of thing when she is ready and is prepared for it. It’s nice you are such a thoughtful person in this teacher’s life. 🙂

You know new teachers need money to buy new stuff for their classrooms.

The best gift I got at the beginning of my first full-time teaching job was a $100. I was so broke from buying everything for my classroom, and having to wait to get that first paycheck that it was a blessing.

You could always get a live habitat and then stick in some cash inside if you wanted to be unique. 🙂

I had a friend who was a 2nd grade teacher. She was always buying materials for her classroom. You know those ABC Banners that hang around, different learning posters, different lesson and activity books for that grade level. You could buy her a gift certificate at a store that sells teacher supplies, she would probably like that.

Why don’t you go and find some maths games, or science reference books for kids?

They will last longer than an ant farm and she can use them in different ways.