Gift Ideas for Homeschoolers

The BEST Gift Ideas for Homeschool Families & Their Kids!

September 16, 2018 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

What’s the best gift ideas for homeschool families and their kids?

After a year or two at it, it’s easy to see how homeschooling can easily become a lifestyle. And while there are certain times in the year that you can predict certain needs (for example, school supplies in the fall), there’ll be many other times throughout the year when both homeschooled kids and their parents will appreciate something special.

There are lots of opportunities like Homeschool Teacher Appreciation Day (yup, there IS such a thing!) that friends and family (and a shout-out to generous grandparents) can show an extra measure of support with a thoughtful gift. But really, who needs an occasion to “gift” someone you care about, right?!

But what to give? Even the most supportive family can be a little stumped by what to buy. Especially when a homeschooling bunch enjoys a flexible style, or thrives on “unschooling”.

So I asked a bunch of homeschoolers I know to give me their dream list. Of course, asking a bunch of homeschoolers – who by their very nature like to live un-labeled – sometimes/often/always means you’re likely to get a wide range of answers!

Fortunately, I was able to distill those answers into a few categories. And I’m hoping that the following list of ideas will help you in the future as you gift shop for your favorite homeschool family.

Keep in mind that while some of these categories don’t sound like fun (i.e. supplies), homeschoolers by nature are a pretty creative lot, and many kids I know get as much fun out of a fresh pack of colored pencils or markers as any artsy adult out there! So don’t be put off by the titles below. When given with enthusiasm and a kind heart, a sincere gift is always appreciated.

One/ Gift Homeschool School Supplies

No, “homeschool” and “school” isn’t a typo here: homeschools and schools are NOT (necessarily) the same thing! Many of us work super-hard to not re-create a traditional school inside our own four walls, even though we may use some of the same materials. Such as:

Amazon gift cards – These are always welcome, ‘cause when something comes up unexpectedly, Amazon is bound to have it!
Backpack – Yes, even homeschoolers use these. Many families study at co-ops, or the library, or other locations, and at the very least have been know to take along a book or two when out and about.
Hands-on science kits and other materials – No matter what science is going on at home, anything hands-on is sure to be super-appreciated. These are the items that are often a bit beyond budget, and add an exciting element to studies.
Models – Same here, whether they are train, plane, car, or human body models – what fun!
Pens and paper – Always appreciated because we’re always running out. The “cooler” the variety, the more they are a gift..
Gift card to Hobby Lobby – or Michaels or any craft store, for that matter. We’ll take it and be oh-so-thankful!

Two/Gift Homeschool Teaching Resources – a teacher’s wish list

Ah, yes, these are the items that for the typical homeschool family might be budget-busters, but if given as single gifts by someone special can be treasured for years to come:

Telescope or microscope – Remember that comment above about hands-on science kits? Well, there are entire universes (quite literally) that open up to our kiddos by looking through either of these, and you will have the entire family’s eternal gratitude by gifting one of these puppies.
A laminator – This is like “If you Give a Mouse a Cookie…” to a homeschool mom. There are a gazillion uses for one of these, but sadly, this is not usually on the basic school supply list in the fall. Sigh.
A ukulele or set of bongo drums, musical instruments – Sure, consider gifting a piano if you have the bucks! Music is one of those gifts that keeps on giving, and studies show that music studies often have far-reaching side benefits, too.
Gymnastics class or other class the kids would like and don’t fit into the budget – If they already have an instrument, consider paying for a semester or even a year’s worth of lessons. The grandpa of a friend of mine covered the cost of piano lessons for two of her children one year, and went on to cover another year for the student who really “took” to music studies.
Metal detector – This is SO fun and educational and a great item to have when going on vacation, too.
Cover (or at least contribute to) travel expenses to somewhere super cool – OK, maybe this might be asking too much, but considering how much we spend on technology, that same amount going towards memories and the learning that takes place while traveling? Priceless!
Printer – Even mini printers are affordable these days and homeschoolers still print – a lot.

Three/ Gift Other Homeschool Resources – month-by-month

Learning goes on month-to-month, and these resources can broaden the scope of almost whatever subject is being taught! Plus, the passes also help families make the most (educationally) of potential family vacations.

Magazine subscriptions, homeschool and learning magazines for kids.
Any kind of zoo pass, National Park pass, nature/science/museum/center pass…
Documentary movies – Netflix, Amazon Streaming, etc

Four/ Fun Stuff that Homeschooled Kids and Families Appreciate

Pj’s – From a well-meaning family member, pj’s can be a great inside joke. You know how some people think we “do school” in our pj’s all day.(OK, maybe some of us do, but that’s another story)
Games – Board games for inside and outdoor games for when the weather’s fine are always welcome. If you can gift NON-tech games and/or games without batteries and mom-annoying noises, these will be especially appreciated by the grown-ups.
Art baskets – Head over to a craft store or big-box craft department and put together a cute little box or basket with fuzzy pom poms, pipe cleaners, clothespins, craft sticks, googly eyes, little erasers shaped like animals. Go crazy! Or send them a fun package to their house.
Minecraft skins – If you know a homeschooler who’s “into Minecraft” (and believe me there are ways to use Minecraft in a homeschool) pick up a pre-paid gift card for them so they can make in-game purchases. Of course, always check with mom and dad beforehand.

Five/ Homeschool Mom Gifts

Last, but certainly not least, at the end of the day, I can’t think of a homeschool mom on the planet that wouldn’t appreciate a special gift for herself once in a while.

Monthly massage – This needs no explanation.
Babysitting – Having time to prep or clean or just have some “me-time” is oh-so-important, and often neglected.
Housekeepers – And you get extra points if you can arrange for an hour or two before a special family occasion coming up!
A mani-pedi gift card – Even more fun, go out with her and make it a fun friends-date.
Words of encouragement – Who gets “real” mail these days? Sending a store-bought, or even handmade card is sure to touch her heart.
The day off! – Come take over for the day while she goes out and does whatever. You don’t even have to volunteer to oversee school ‘cause even the kids could use a break now and then. But she’ll be sure to remember this day fondly for some time to come.
Pre-made meals – Don’t wait until there’s an illness or tragedy. Surprise the family with a meal and, if you brought enough, stay and visit for a while.
Pay a library fine – Oh my, this will speak volumes to a busy mom who may or may not have forgotten to bring a book or two back in time. And I may or may not have personal experience with this one. I’m not saying.

There you have it! But see what I mean? The “perfect gift” for a homeschool family comes in as many shapes and sizes as homeschool families themselves.

Give any of these ideas or anything else you can come up with… from your heart and you’re sure to touch their hearts!

You’ll love these other ideas:

Hugs and love ya,

4 Shortcuts to Teach Hands-on American History in Half the Time

May 8, 2017 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

For review purposes, I was given these products for free and I was paid for my time. However, paid for my time does not mean paid off. All opinions are my own and I will always tell you what is on my mind. Not every product gets a positive review. But because I carefully sort through numerous offers for reviews, it usually means that I’m giddy about the product when I do accept it. Read my full disclosure here.

For years I’ve fought my tendency to just stick a worksheet in front of my sons and call it American history. Knowing that learning by doing is effective, but creating uncomplicated hands-on projects are two different things for me.

I tend to complicate and over-analyze the details of a history activity. Next thing you know, and much to my kids’ disappointment, I’ve completely deleted any kind of fun learning activities from our day. Can you relate?

So when I found out about the chance to use 8 family-friendly hands-on American history activity books from Dover Publications, I was tickled to check them out.

Key Benefits of Uncomplicated Hands-on American History

Having activities that an older and younger sibling can work on together is one sanity-saving tip. When all of my children are engaged in learning together, they are more motivated while we do simple and fuss free hands-on American history activities.

The second tip I’ve learned is that sometimes I need activities that have little to no teacher prep time. This doesn’t mean that I always want activities for my kids that take little time.

I want to maximize learning time while minimizing my time. In addition, when needed, I want my kids to be able to self-teach, self-check or learn independently.

It seems like a lot to ask for, but I’ve had to widen my scope of what is a hands-on activity. Adopting a view that hands-on American history crafts have to always be over the top is extreme. Besides, my kids’ are always delighted when I’m not stressed out when we do simple activities.

Look at these 4 simple shortcuts for learning American history with no fuss, no stress, and literally no preparation.

ONE/ Learn American history through using museum-quality coloring books.

When I started homeschooling, my house was full of useless coloring books. As I attended more field trips, I found educational quality coloring books in museums. Shortly thereafter, when I taught American history I used Dover Publications coloring books because of their educational value of events, people or objects.

Museum quality coloring books are books that make learning about events in American history come alive.

While studying the details of an accurately portrayed person or event, a child is engaged. His imagination is stirred to think about a time period back in history.For example, while coloring the pictures of each president, we researched about time period clothing and objects.

Reading the short captions about the presidents while looking at events on each page from a president’s term easily cements important American history events in my son’s mind.

Museum quality coloring books are a fascinating way to rekindle a child’s love for learning about history. And the best part is that there is no teacher prep.

Too, if you have a kid who prefers to color his way through learning the states rather than drawing them in a notebook or creating a lapbook, he’ll love completing a United States Coloring Book.

A younger kid can grab an atlas and locate each state as he reads information about the state motto, the state tree, and the date each state entered the Union. Facts about the past then become something that is relevant today.

As your child researches about the plants and trees of each state, coloring to match the details of the flora and fauna of each state becomes a valuable teaching tool.

Paying attention to details when coloring and fostering the child’s natural desire for creativity leaves a lasting impression of what is learned.

TWO/ Build a paper model of the White House.

This next project, the whole family got in on because it was just plain fun. Admittedly, my kids have spent way more time on digital devices than I have wanted them to. It’s been a struggle to find projects that are educational much less finding one that focuses on American history.

How to Easily Turn an American History Research Topic into a Hands-on Learning Project

We were delighted to build the paper model of the White House.Looking at pictures of the White House and noticing details he hadn’t paid attention to prior to constructing the paper model of the White House was a relaxed way to learn about the nation’s capital.

Not only did Tiny have to read directions carefully in putting together all the small paper pieces, but it took patience to glue them.

An unexpected benefit of building the paper model was learning the fundamentals of engineering.

THREE/ Use activity books to teach about American history.

For an older child there is no more engaging way to review the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution than to do a fun decoding activity in the U.S.A. Constitution Activity Book.

I wished I had introduced the Preamble in this way to my sons when they were younger instead of having them memorize it or fill out a worksheet.

Fun activities like crossword puzzles, mazes, finding hidden objects in a picture and comparing two pictures to see what is missing are relaxed and informal ways to teach facts about the nation’s capital.

If you have a younger child who needs help in fine motor skills, he’ll love being able to do mazes instead of having to color.

When the boys were real little, we did mazes a lot because I read about the benefits of learning how to problem solve. Looking ahead in a maze and seeing what will work and not work is a fun way to learn problem solving skills.

The beauty of having a variety of activity books is that each child can choose what he loves to do the most. The best part of activity books are that most of the solutions or answers are found in the back of the book. Again, no teacher needed.

FOUR/ Create historical figures – the easy way. Use paper figures.

Unlike the White House paper model, which requires patience and wit to methodically put together, the historical paper models are easily punched out and glued. It’s a great project for a younger kid who wants to be involved while you teach older kids.

One of the reasons teaching American history can be boring is that we wait until high school to teach it and then we do it through a dry textbook.

Raising a budding history lover begins with introducing him to historical figures of the past and present through imaginative play.

In addition, while reading about George Washington, the American Civil War, or any other historical person or significant time period, a younger child will have a way to act out events which your older kids are learning.

Until a child is old enough to understand how American history affects us today, he needs concrete learning tools. Stand Up Presidents gives him a chance to hold and touch history.

You’re already aware of the benefits of using puppets for a young child to discover the joy of a story.

History is just one continuous story. And paper puppets draw in a young child and lets him be part of telling the story of our history.

Too, activity books are great for other reasons:

they can revive a child’s love of learning,
they can be used to take a break from formal learning,
they can be used on sick days,
they can be used for family bonding time,
they can help you to teach a subject like American history, which your child may not like,
they normally require just a few supplies to complete like pens, map coloring pencils, and glue,
and the best part is that all of your kids, regardless of age can learn together because of the wide range of activities offered in activity books.

For years I've fought my tendency to stick just a worksheet in front of my sons and call it American history. Knowing that learning by doing works but keeping hands-on ideas uncomplicated are two different things for me. I tend to complicate and over-analyze the details of a history activity. Next thing you know and much to my kids' disappointment, I've completely deleted any kind of fun learning activities from our day. Can you relate? Click here to read 4 shortcuts to teaching hands-on American history activities that are no fuss, no stress, and literally no preparation!

Remember hands-on American history activities shouldn’t stress you out, cost a lot, or make a big mess for your child to retain the information. Grab one or two activity books and relax.

You’ll love the activity books from Dover Publications.

How to purchase them!

►Product descriptions: U.S.A. Constitution Activity Book: Mazes, secret codes, crosswords, and other puzzles offer an entertaining way to learn about the Constitution, the foundation of the supreme law of the United States. Alexander Hamilton Coloring Book: Kids can color as they learn about the legendary Alexander Hamilton, whose fascinating life has spawned numerous books, articles, and a Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical. Discovering Washington, D.C. Activity Book: Take a whirlwind tour of Washington, D.C., with this fun-filled book of puzzles! Discover interesting facts about Capitol Hill, the National Mall, the White House, and other famous landmarks of Washington, D.C., including museums, parks, and monuments as well as neighborhoods around the city. American Presidents Coloring Book: From George Washington to Donald J. Trump, this fact-filled coloring book chronicles the history of all 45 US Presidents. Each Chief Executive is depicted in an image drawn from real life, and most portraits feature backgrounds that reflect significant events from the president’s administration. Presidents Facts and Fun Activity Book: More than 30 mazes, search-and-find puzzles, and spot-the-differences activities feature playful illustrations and intriguing tidbits about our nation’s leaders, from their nicknames and birthdays to their hobbies and pets. United States Coloring Book: An exciting coloring book spotlighting each of the 50 states. Information accompanying each ready-to-color illustration identifies the state’s motto, flower, bird, tree, capital, and principal rivers and mountains. Standups! Presidents: 8 Easy-to-Make Models!: Every day is Presidents’ Day with these charming 5-inch-high figures of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and six other Chief Executives. White House Cut & Assemble: Follow these complete, simple instructions and clear diagrams to create an expertly designed, beautifully crafted, authentically detailed model of the White House.
►Suitable for grades: K to Gray.
►Format: Physical products shipped to you.
►Cost: Prices vary, but most books are under $9.99.

You’ll also love these other resources:

Hugs and love ya,

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.

Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

5 Gift Ideas for the Homeschool Mom Who Needs a Cooking Reboot

November 10, 2016 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

When we moved overseas, I got rid of everything in my kitchen except some things I had when I first got married. It was kind of sad on one hand but on the other, restocking my kitchen with items that I now love to use has been one of the best things after moving back.

So today, I rounded up 5 gift ideas for the homeschool mom who needs a cooking reboot.

Also, I’m a firm believer that if I can have something that is not only useful but swoon worthy, it’s just that much better.

I don’t believe you have to throw all of your kitchen stuff out for a fresh start, but I think you’ll love one or two items in this list.

One// I have swooned over anything by French Bull. And if I need knives, they can sure be pretty too. This is one of the pretties knife sets I have ever owned.

It is a French Bull 5 Piece Universal Knife Block Set and Stainless Steel Knife and I’m just in love with it. Beautiful and practical.

Two// Then I love any type of lazy susan and use them all over my house. Right now I have my new one just sitting on the counter because I love the design so much that I’ve just been swooning over it.

I think you’ll love this French Bull – Lazy Susan Turntable – Melamine Lazy Susan – for Table and Countertop.

I bought it for my dining room table, but may change my mind because it is so gorgeous.

THREE// Next on my list is a mandoline slicer.

As much as I have cooked through the years, I have never pulled the triggered and purchased one. But with all the freezer cooking I do, I know it will save preparation time.

FOUR// This hand blender is another one on my list to purchase and well I love the fact that you can get it in key lime pie color.

FIVE// Then since moving back from South America, one thing we have missed terribly is the homemade ice cream at every corner in Cuenca, Ecuador.

We have started making easy homemade no churn ice cream and next on our list to purchase are some glide-a-scoop ice cream tubs .

Look at this recipe for a no churn ice cream that we have been making. So easy and delicious and the perfect recipe for busy homeschooling moms.

These are just a few of the things I have on my list to collect to help me with my cooking reboot .

Also, since I have been more determined to share how I organize my cooking and menu planning with you, be sure to grab 31 dinner ideas for each month this year.

We have one more month to go, which is December and then you’ll have a year’s worth of dinner ideas.

Grab the different months here:

January dinner ideas along with an editable menu planner
February dinner ideas
March dinner ideas
April dinner ideas
May dinner ideas
June dinner ideas
July dinner ideas
August dinner ideas
September dinner ideas
October dinner ideas
November dinner ideas

Hugs and love ya,

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.

Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

Ten Best Tech Gifts for Teen Boys

October 26, 2016 | 4 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today I rounded up ten best tech gifts for teen boys.

I love to buy gifts for my boys. But when it comes to techie things, I sometimes have them meet me halfway money wise.

I’ve learned when they put a few bucks in of their own money, tech things get taken care of better. But then other times I prefer to jump out there and gift them with something really special.

So here is the list of things my boys love, some they have and others are still on their wish list.

ONE/ ASTRO Gaming A50 Wireless Dolby Gaming Headset

My boys have these earbuds and like this brand. They seem to hold up better than others.

TWO/ Skullcandy Method In-Ear Sweat Resistant Sports Earbud

Unique Teen Boy Gifts

This is the microphone that Mr. Awesome uses for gaming. For the money, it’s a great value and he has really liked it.

THREE/ Blue Microphones Snowball

FOUR/ Holy Stone HS170 Predator Mini Helicopter Drone

These bluetooth speakers we took with us to South America and really like the quality and the small size.

FIVE/ Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

SIX/ Apple Watch Series 1 38mm Smartwatch

This is one of the laptop backpacks the boys used when we traveling because it can fit a larger laptop.

SEVEN/ Swiss Gear Swissgear 17″ inch Laptop Notebook Outdoor Backpack

EIGHT/ 7 Button LED Gaming Mouse

This photo printer is something I wish they wanted more so it would give me a chance to use it too.

NINE/ Wireless Color Photo Printer

This is the tablet that Mr. Senior 2013 has and has used for a few years. He really likes the simplicity of it.

TEN/ Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8-Inch Tablet

Let’s just face it, tech gifts can be expensive especially when you have several teens. And tech items sometimes can’t keep up with fast moving technology, but a lot of these gifts last several years.

I hope they give you some ideas for your list.

Also, look at these ideas. Gifts For Kids Who Are Wild About History.

Hugs and love ya,

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for more AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.

Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

Linking up @ these awesome places:

Homeschool Organization Motivation – 11 Gadgets To Get You Going

August 15, 2016 | 159 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Homeschool Organization Motivation

Today, I am sharing a few pretty things that I love and have used. It’s the little pretty things that motivate me for the new homeschool year and hopefully they’ll get you giddy for the new year too.

I love anything Jonathan Adler and I have a smokin’ hot accessory pouch for you.

Then I have the lightweight light I use at night for reading when the Mr. is ready for bed, but I’m still reading my latest book.

I got this when we were on the road to South America and just love the fact that it’s light and not bulky. Besides, a lot of my homeschool reading how-to I do at night.

This next item is a screen shelf which I also found when we traveled because it added a bit of extra storage when I was limited on space. Then I just flip over color and the Bando highlighters in neon color I think you’ll luv.

Then, I’m a sticky note junkie because they can, well – stick anywhere and I’m loving these sticky notes with the days of the weeks and then these Pride and Prejudice page flags are a recent find and so adorable.

Then this adorable mini easel with Carpe Diem is a bit of motivation for the day to get going and seize the day. Then I just love my little micro office tool box because it is SO cute. Okay, okay, it has so much packed into a small container like scissors, tape and the most adorable mini stapler, which is great to have by your 7 Step Homeschool Planner.

Then I couldn’t resist a few more pretties like the plain (okay plain but pretty) mini notes and then this gold charger cable is to die for with style.

Then the last last item to move your to organize are these ampersand bookends that I just flipped over.

Stuff like this gets my going for the new homeschool year. Why shouldn’t we homeschool with a bit of style?

Over the Top Homeschool Organization Tools!

Don’t forget the other things I have to help you get this homeschool year off to a great start.

If you’re new to homeschool, you’ll love my book.

It is UNIQUE in that it’s not another book written by a homeschool mom, but a program based on my years ACTUALLY helping new homeschoolers.

Also, besides all the free and paid pages to upgrade your free 7 Step Homeschool Planner, don’t forget I have the Ultimate Glam it Up Planner and and the fabulous Unit Study Planner. (click on the links to see more pictures).

Glam It Up Package 300 Tina Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Hugs and love ya,

This blog hop is organized by iHomeschool Network, a collaboration of outstanding homeschool bloggers who connect with each other and with family-friendly companies in mutual beneficial projects.