If your girlfriend teaches early childhood education, you already know she’s a superhero with a full classroom and a heart the size of 30+ tiny humans. When a Reddit user asked how to create a gift basket for their girlfriend and her students (without blowing their entire savings), we couldn’t resist curating a post around it.
Whether you're celebrating her birthday, a classroom win, or just because—here's how to build a heartfelt, joy-sparking basket for a beloved teacher and her young learners, all under $150.
1. 🎁 For Her: Personalized Teacher Supplies That Spark Joy Every teacher loves cute and functional tools that brighten their desk. For under $30, you can add:
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Custom notepads ("From the Desk of Ms. [Name]")
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Personalized sticky notes or stamps
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A badge reel or keychain with a pop culture flair (Nintendo, Pokémon, etc.)
Patch & Bagel Pick: Our feminist enamel pin bundle or quirky stationery set.
2. 🎨 For the Kids: Craft Kits or Activity Starters Classroom-safe, low-cost, and high on fun. You can easily portion bulk items for 30 kids:
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Small paint-your-own rock kits (for a class caterpillar project!)
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Mini erasers or pencil toppers
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Colorful chalk, paddle balls, or jump ropes for recess
Budget idea: Buy a bulk box of 100 cute pencils with patterns and split into mini gift packs.
3. 🧶 For the Classroom Vibes: Decor or Fun Incentives Help her refresh the classroom energy with items like:
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Positive reinforcement stickers
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A "shout-out wall" board or class compliment box
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A themed calendar or poster set for her favorite topic (plants, animals, space)
Patch & Bagel Pick: Our capybara-themed magnet set or printables with empowering messages.
4. 🏆 For Her Energy: Snacks, Coffee & Self-Care Let’s not forget she’s a human. Include:
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Her favorite chocolate or snack bar stash
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Fancy instant coffee or cold brew kit
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A lavender-scented roll-on, lip balm, or mini heat pack
Budget tip: Pair it with a handwritten note saying, “Your energy is unmatched. Here’s a tiny refill.”
5. 🏷️ For Utility: The Gift Card Anchor Add a $25–$50 gift card to Amazon, Target, or a teacher-favorite store like Michaels or Staples. It helps her cover classroom costs or treat herself without guilt.
6. 🪄 Bonus Idea: Nerdy Keepsake or Inside Joke Token She’s into Nintendo, pop culture, and probably needs a laugh. Include something personal just for her:
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Pokémon socks or plush keychain
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Mini framed quote from her favorite movie
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A "Will You Marry Me?" plastic egg with a fake ring—save the real one for later 😉
A gift basket doesn’t need to be big to feel big. With $100 to $150, you can create something that makes her feel seen as a teacher and as your person. Mix in a little classroom joy, a little self-care, and a nerdy wink, and you’ve got a winner.
Explore Patch&Bagel’s curated gifts for educators, nerds, and everyday heroes like your girlfriend—because she deserves more than apples and thank-you cards.
