One of the simplest gifts you can offer a teacher on her first day is a sweet card. She can save this card on her desk or in her supplies as a reminder to reflect on her position during rough points over the course of the school year. You can include a sweet personalized message, or even just an inspirational quote that she can take to heart. For example, Henry Adams once said, "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."
Schools often have to stick to strict budgets, which means many items needed over the course of school year are in short supply. Kindergarten teachers sometimes have to pay out of pocket for supplies they need in the classroom. A great first day gift can be some supplies that are always needed, such as pencils, chalk, markers, crayons, construction paper, safety scissors, rulers and glue.
Gift certificates are options that are easy to purchase and will not clutter a teacher's desk. You can give teachers a gift certificate to a place that sells teaching supplies. You could even get teachers a certificate to a place like a spa or restaurant that will give them some personal time to look forward to outside of the responsibilities in the classroom.
For a sweet, colorful gift that will look lovely on their desk on the first day of school, flowers are always a treasured gift. It does not have to be a very ornate bouquet. Instead, a small arrangement can be just the gesture a teacher might need on the first day. Instead of a flower arrangement, you can also give a potted plant that can be maintained over the course of the school year.
A general rule for any charming gift for teachers is to make it personal. Something as simple as a name tag with his name on it, an apple-shaped ornament featuring initials or a tote bag for carrying papers and craft supplies with an embroidered monogram can be the ultimate thoughtful gift to give a teacher on the first day. Homemade gifts, like candies and baked goods, are always appreciated as well.