Our Monthly Tip: Care for a Grieving Student with a Back to School Gift

Our Monthly Tip:

While January 1 is often associated with goal setting and starting new chapters, those who are involved with education as a teacher or student often regard August in the same way. For many, the end of summer marks a transition as they re-train themselves to go to bed earlier and wake up to an alarm every weekday morning. Students and teachers alike set new goals and cast a vision for the school year. Preparing to go back to school can be both exciting and anxiety-driven. Getting ready for a new semester can be made more difficult when the student or teacher is in the throes of grief.

You can help your mourning friend by helping them prepare. Creating a back to school gift will be a truly thoughtful way to come alongside them in this transition from summer to fall. You can tweak your gift depending on the age of the recipient, but we’ll give you a few tips on the musts to include.

How-To Suggestions:

You will need a few supplies to make your back to school gift. The combination of materials is completely up to you, but it should be congruent with the age of your friend.

• Pencil case (This one from Etsy has lots of room for pens)
• Writing Utensils (These pens have inspirational sayings to bump up the encouragement)
• Sticky notes (Check out these limited edition color palettes)
• Highlighters (Clear view highlighters offer your recipient something special)
• Paper Clips (There are plenty of design options other than basic silver)
• Journal (Moleskine soft covers are a classic)

Assemble your pencil case and journal as you wish. Again, be sure to tailor your item choices based on age and role. Don’t forget, teachers love school supplies just as much as students.

You can personalize this special back to school gift with some of your friend’s favorite candy or gum. Also, including a special note, letting your friend know that you’re proud of them for beginning a new semester and their lost loved one would be proud, too, is a nice way to encourage them.

Heading back to school while grappling with the loss of a loved one can be daunting. Making this sweet gift for your friend may help add a bit of joy to the transition from sunny days to schedules and deadlines. Students and teachers can always use some love to get them back into the routine.