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homeschoolgiftideas

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”.

What’s the best gift ideas for homeschool families and their kids? You'll love this list! CLICK HERE!

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!

What’s the best gift ideas for homeschool families and their kids? You'll love this list! CLICK HERE!You’ll love these other ideas:

  • 5 Gift Ideas for the Homeschool Mom Who Needs a Cooking Reboot
  • 15 Gift Ideas for the New Homeschool Mom
  • Ten Best Tech Gifts for Teen Boys
  • Gifts For Kids Who Are Wild About History
  • Homeschool High School Gift Ideas.

Hugs and love ya,

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Gift Guides, Gift Ideas for Homeschoolers Tagged With: gift, homeschool, homeschool lifestyle, homeschool supplies, homeschoolgiftideas

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.

5 Gift Ideas for the Homeschool Mom Who Needs a Cooking Reboot @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

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.

french-bull-knives-tinas-dynamic-homeschool-plus

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,

Signature T

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.

 

2 CommentsFiled Under: Gift Guides, Gift Ideas for Homeschoolers Tagged With: gift, homeschoolgiftideas, menu planning, organized pantry

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.

Ten Best Tech Gifts for Teen Boys @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

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,

Signature T

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:

4 CommentsFiled Under: Gift Guides, Gift Ideas for Homeschoolers, Graduate a Homeschooler, Homeschool Boys Tagged With: boys, gift, homeschoolgiftideas, teens

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. Homeschool organization means finding the little pretty things that motivate me for the new homeschool year.

Hopefully they’ll get you giddy for the new year too.

Homeschool Organization Motivation - 11 Gadgets To Get You Going | Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Jonathan Adler Seasons Pouch11

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.

book light11

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.

desk monitor11

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. 

Anything Bando I love because all their supplies and organizing tools are fun and colorful.

markers11

Then, add a bit some fun things to your learning surface whether you have a table or nook.

I love anything that keeps me motivated.

sticky notes11

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.

book tabs11

Then this adorable mini easel with Carpe Diem is a bit of motivation for the day to get going and seize the day.

carpe diem11
office tools11

AndI 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 Free DIY Homeschool Planner.

pad11
USB charger11


Then I couldn’t resist a few more pretties

ampersand


Then the last last item to move your to organize are these ampersand bookends that I just flipped over. I found some that just offered black and others which offered color.

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 DIY Free 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
  • 100 BEST Ideas to Organize Your Homeschool Area – Storage, Spaces, and Learning Places
  • 3 Ways to Instantly Gain More Time in Your Homeschool Day
  • DIY Undated 12 Month Calendar | Organized Planner
  • Homeschool Organization – Why You’re Still Drowning in Clutter
  • 5 Homeschool Things to Toss By the End of Summer
  • Top 10 Tips for Maximizing Space in (Really) Tiny Homeschool Spaces

Hugs and love ya,

Signature T

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.

159 CommentsFiled Under: Gift Ideas for Homeschoolers, Giveaways, Homeschool Hotties & Faves, Homeschool Space, Organization Tagged With: home organization, homeschool clutter, homeschool room, homeschoolgiftideas, homeschoolorganization, learning, new homeschooler homeschool room, organizedhomeschool

10 Homeschool Staples You Won’t Regret Splurging On (a little)

June 18, 2016 | 10 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

10 Homeschool Staples You Won't Regret Splurging on (a little). Grab an idea or two from this awesome list over @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

During high school when I started working in a law office, I started as a ‘girl Friday’. The attorney’s office kept a storage room full of the most wonderful smelling office supplies. This was back in the time when we still used Mag Card IBM typewriters though our law office was ‘hip’ because we had already bought our first computer.

Because we made several copies of Wills and Deeds using carbon copy paper, it was important to scour for and buy premium paper, pens, paper clips and binders. I think that is where I discovered that I loved everything about organizing and buying office supplies.

Homeschool Must-Have Essentials

That same enthusiasm for supplies spilled over into my homeschool journey. There are some homeschool staples you won’t regret splurging on though some of these items may not seem essential to you now. However, as you school longer, your needs change.

If I had put as much emphasis on collecting some of these in the beginning of my journey as I did curriculum, my journey would have been less stressful.

Homeschooling is a lifestyle change and that means that some things become an absolutely must-have though they can be slightly different because of each family’s needs.

These are some sweet splurges I wished I would have purchased earlier than I did.

Canon printer

One. | Mobile Printer.

Canon Pixma Mobile Printer. I can’t say enough good things about this printer. When we went overseas, this was the printer I took. It is not only mobile, but sturdy and the print quality is excellent.

It is the same one I use for my planner. I used printers in the past that I paid more for because they did double-sided printing.

I found that this compact version was just as excellent and when you’re short on room or need to take it with you, it is an excellent printer.

I just print out my 7 Step Homeschool Planner only like once or twice a year, so it is a great choice for homeschool printing in between printing your planner. I print a lot of copies on it too.

I love it because it doesn’t have to have a permanent ‘home’ and I can move it around the house.

Rolling Cart

Two. | Rolling Drawer Storage. 

10-Drawer Organizer Cart.  I talk about organizing my drawers for my organizing cart and using drawers in my post, My School Area.

The best reason a tower of drawers are splurge worthy is to free up precious bookshelf space.

Another reason that is equally important is that each child can have a tower with their books organized. If your children are young, they may all be able to share one tower of drawers. For the littlest homeschool learner, labeling their drawers with their name sneaks a bit of learning into the day too.

boardThree. | Dry Erase & Magnetic Board.

Dry Erase Magnetic Board – I would have swooned to have this when the kids were little. Some homeschoolers told me I would not use a board like this, but I did.

I learned since then that each homeschool teacher has her own teaching style and learning style. Not only did a dry erase board allow me to put things like word lists on it when I several budding readers, but it was also a place that encouraged my new writers.

There is something about writing on it or the wall that made learning to write a lot more engaging.

Choosing the Right Item for the Task

school table and chairsFour. | Activity table in the early years.

Activity Table Set instead of individual desks. There are some things I did right and one I did was to buy a table and chairs for us to spread out our books on instead of individual desks.

Homeschool Room for Younger Children @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Though I bought a kidney shaped table because I was worried about my toddler pulling up on a corner of a table, the activity table was so much better when the boys were little.

It allowed all of us to sit down together and most importantly, it was height appropriate.

There was no way I was going to teach them writing on our dining room table, it was just too big. Some may consider this a non-essential, but because I homeschool from the beginning, it made all the difference in teaching my sons how to write.

Five. | Bigger desks in the elementary years.

If I had it to do over, I would certainly pick this chalkboard desk and chair like the one below because as your kids get older, they do want their own learning space. It gives them a space to not only organize their belongings, but to keep them separate from their siblings.

Mr. Senior 2013 was more clutter conscience that my other two kids and he wanted a separate learning area sooner than my other boys.

I could see these desks working for older elementary kids to help teach them organization before I moved everybody to the dining room table.

chalkdesk and chair

Six. | Safe removable storage.

Safe removable storage. I guess I could have covered cereal boxes with pretty fabric when the kids were little, but they probably wouldn’t have lasted long as they sat on them and pulled on them.

Buying a 3 tier storage unit when the kids were little and I had many different kinds of manipulatives was a sanity-saver. It kept them at the kids height and the baskets could be taken to the floor, but had a place to be returned.

3 tier storageChic & Functional Options

Seven. | Sturdy art easel.

An art easel is something I wished I have purchased sooner. No, you know I am not the artsy person, but I knew it was valuable to stir my boys’ imagination and instill a love for beautiful things.

At the time, an art easel seemed unimportant compared to a math program, but then again, I failed to see that when starting homeschool from the beginning, I would get several years of fun and learning through one purchase.

art easelEight. | Education for YOU.

Because I wish that there was a program to help new or struggling homeschoolers when I first started, Kelley and I created the New Bee Homeschooler program.

Educating yourself first before you begin to help your kids will fast forward you with several years worth of experience. You won’t ever regret spending money on your homeschool education.

Free 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers (on my blog) and resources when you don't know where to begin - let us help you @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Nine. | Kid Owned Storage.

Homeschooling little ones flashes quickly by and you are left with kids who want their own storage that is not babyish.

Shelves do just fine, but I fell in love with these relatively inexpensive mini lockers. Not only are they fun, but they come in a variety of hot colors, which I love.

Did I mention, they are so adorable the kids will want them in their own rooms? What a great way to free up storage in the rest of the house.

MinilockerTen. | Table or Desk Top Organizer.

Like I mentioned before, I wish I hadn’t fixated just on the needs of my children, but purchased one or two things that made my job easier too.

This desk top organizer is one of them. I  would have purchased a table top organizer for my supplies earlier than I did.

table top desk

I love that  I continue my obsession with supplies as I homeschool. What are some things you don’t regret splurging spending one dime on?

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Hugs and love ya,

Signature T

Grab some tips from these other articles.

Get Organized – Rev Up for the New Homeschool Year
Homeschool Organization – Preschool/Kindergarten Free Morning Routine Flip Cards
5 Ingredients Every Well-Organized Homeschool Space Needs

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.

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10 CommentsFiled Under: Begin Homeschooling, Organization Tagged With: homeschool, homeschool lifestyle, homeschool supplies, homeschoolgiftideas, homeschoolrooms, homeschoolstorage, organizedhomeschool, schoolsupplies

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