As summer winds down and families prepare for a new school year, the excitement of seeing friends again and returning to routine fills the air. But behind the scenes, teachers are quietly taking on a financial burden many don’t realize purchasing classroom supplies with their own money.
Why Teacher Wishlists Matter
Did you know that most teachers are expected to stock their own classrooms with essential supplies?
According to a 2022 report from Savings.com, nearly one in four teachers planned to spend over $750 of their own money on classroom necessities during the school year. This issue is largely due to underfunded schools, especially in urban areas. When families can't afford to provide everything on the school supply list, teachers often step in to fill the gap-without reimbursement.
Meet Ms. Delaney: A First Grade Teacher Making an Impact
This fall, Lavender + Pine is proud to support Ms. Delaney, a dedicated first-grade teacher in the Bronx, NY. Her classroom focuses on early literacy and science-based small group instruction-both essential foundations for lifelong learning.
Ms. Delaney has created a wishlist of classroom tools that will directly support her students' development. These include educational manipulatives, books, hands-on science kits, and more to foster engaging, accessible learning experiences.
She’s also fundraising to purchase an iPad and Apple Pencil, which will allow her to plan digitally on the go and showcase her students’ work to families in real time-a tool that brings the classroom experience to life beyond the school walls.
Click here to donate directly to Ms. Delaney’s Wishlist.
Lavender + Pine Gives Back: Join Us Through September 30
From now through September 30, we’re donating 10% of our proceeds to help clear teacher wishlists like Ms. Delaney’s. Whether you're ordering a curated gift box for a client or working with us on a custom gifting project, your purchase will make a tangible impact in a real classroom.
Looking for a thoughtful gift that gives back?
Every order helps bring books, technology, and learning materials into classrooms that need them most.
Why We Care About Supporting Teachers
At Lavender + Pine, we believe in meaningful gifting-and that includes supporting the communities around us. Many of our clients are educators, parents, and event professionals who also understand how powerful it is to give something with purpose.
From behind-the-scenes gifting for events to curated welcome boxes, we’re always thinking about the "why" behind the gift. Supporting teachers like Ms. Delaney aligns with that mission in the most beautiful way.
Let’s Help Ms. Delaney Start the Year Strong
With your support, we can ensure Ms. Delaney’s classroom has what it needs to thrive this school year. Whether it’s a few new books or tools to bring learning to life, every contribution makes a difference.
Mark your calendar:
Campaign ends September 30.
Questions? Want to collaborate on a similar initiative? Reach out to us.