How to Spot a Homeschooler by Our Favorite Gifts
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Homeschooling, priorities, and favorite gifts!
A few months ago, I was at a children’s play when I realized that a little boy I know from our homeschool group was sitting in front of me. I said, “Hi!” and he wheeled around excitedly to greet me. The first words out of his mouth? “Guess what, Ms. Katie? I bought night vision goggles with money I made from my goat!” Then he turned back around in his seat, leaving me to reflect that perhaps there was never such a “homeschooler-y” greeting in all the world.
It also got me thinking about homeschool priorities when it comes to what we treasure; the items we value and the gifts we desire most are often a little bit different from what you might call “the norm.” And this comes out in full swing during the holidays!
During the Christmas season, as our family has given and received many gifts from those in our homeschool fellowship, I have realized that homeschoolers have some unique perspectives on gifts! Of course, kids are always kids, with more commonalities than differences. However, especially this time of year, I see ways that the homeschooled kids in my life stand out in some (honestly, I think) pretty cool ways. So, in case you haven’t guessed it yet, today we’re going to be talking about “How to Spot a Homeschooler by Our Favorite Gifts.”
Other Articles in Our “How to Spot a Homeschooler” Series
If you’ve read other posts in this series, you know that the goal is to observe and discuss some of the fun and funny ways that homeschoolers sometimes stand out—for both good fun and more “eccentric” reasons. The point isn’t to stereotype but instead to give you a wink across the internet about this weird, wonderful, diverse tribe of which we are all a part. For any given topic, I always love to read your comments on ways you can spot one of your own homeschoolers, so please leave a comment!
So far in my How to Spot a Homeschooler series, we’ve talked about topics like:
- How to Spot Homeschoolers by Things You Find in Our Houses
- How to Spot a Homeschooler by How We Dress
- How to Spot a Homeschooler by Our Halloween Costumes
And here are a few more in the series:
And more! Today, we’re diving into “How to Spot a Homeschooler by Our Favorite Gifts.” This goes for any time of year, but especially during the holiday season, when gift-giving is in full swing.
1. Our Favorite Gifts Let Us Nerd Out Bigtime
Most homeschoolers are constantly learning (even those who don’t necessarily recognize it in those terms.) Learning is part of our play and home, as much as it is part of school. It’s an essential part of life. And most of all, we love the time that we get to spend learning more about what we love. In other words, we love a chance to really “nerd out” about our interests, and we definitely love gifts that support that!
Gifts that let us dive deeper into a skill or passion we’ve taught ourselves are always a hit. A sewing machine, an archery set, blacksmithing tools, or yarn for a growing business of hand-knit stuffies or crochet crafts? However niche it is, if it’s our niche, the answer is, “Yes, please!” And yes, I know I am FULLY into stereotype territory here, but it’s absolutely, joyfully true. A homeschooler’s list of “wants” might look simple, or maybe even usual, compared to the average kids’, but these sorts of gifts are deeply personal in that offer a chance to grow in a passion project.
For example, my daughter’s favorite gifts are tools that let her create independently, like an embroidery kit, or her own set of art supplies. For your animal-loving homeschooler, maybe it’s night vision goggles to learn more about what animals come out at night. (Maybe it’s a goat that funds entrepreneurial endeavors so he or she can afford to buy night vision goggles.) Maybe your child wants baking supplies to practice creating the perfect cookie, or a “build it yourself” first-aid kit to explore more about medicine.
Essentially, homeschooled kids love gifts that allow them to keep exploring that they love to learn about. I love that so many homeschooled kids have a defined sense of self and a love for lifelong learning, and I think it’s a pretty cool way to stand out in a crowd.
2. Experiences and Consumable Items Are Favorites (For the Whole Family)
Sometimes, the best gifts for homeschoolers are the ones that don’t fill up the house with more stuff (and all the homeschool moms said, “amen!”) Often, our houses are full of plenty of interesting things already. Yes, kids are kids, and homeschooled kids love toys and video games and all that stuff as much as any other children! However, homeschooled kids also love experiences and consumable items.
We love really good food (and, like Hobbits, are always game to eat.) Opportunities to get out and do fun things, AKA the chance to take more “field trips,” are always a hit, too. These kinds of things really do make great presents for the homeschooling family, which is why they’re in this list of favorite gifts.
Why? As homeschool parents, I think we just naturally cultivate an appreciation for these things in our homes. Kids know and value the thoughtfulness of a box of homemade candy (maybe because they help make this in their own homes for others). They value a good outing in the middle of a weekday, or a family trip, while their public-schooled friends are in the classroom. These make some of our favorite gifts, the ones that create traditions and memories that continue to build onto each other, year after year. Things like:
- A giant box of homemade cookies (never met one we didn’t love) or a favorite dinner delivery.
- A gingerbread house kit to put together during the holiday season.
- Passes to the zoo, science museum, or trampoline park.
- Coupons for movie tickets, family hikes, or ice cream dates.
- A family trip somewhere cool!
And one more time for the homeschooling parents in the back: we honestly light up when someone gives our family an experience or something yummy to eat instead of another toy. These are some of our favorite gifts because they’re practical, thoughtful, and let us create memories together—which, let’s be honest, is the best part of gift-giving anyway.
3. Our Favorite Gifts Include Those We Give to Others
One of my favorite things about homeschooled kids? They get genuinely excited about gift-giving, and especially about making gifts for others. My kids and I call the month of December, “Elf School,” and a favorite part of December for all. Maybe you do this too if your homeschooling family spends time:
- Baking cookies and delivering them to neighbors together.
- Hand-painting cards for friends.
- Making ornaments to hang and give to others.
- Packaging gifts from your family business (which they helped with!)
Whatever it looks like, homeschoolers are often naturally involved in the process of giving, creating, and sharing joy. In today’s busy world—where many parents carry the burden of holiday prep alone—I think that’s a pretty special gift to everyone.
In my family, we discuss giving at Christmas as a way to think about the gift that God gave us. It’s an important lesson, and I love that homeschooling allows us to teach it in such a hands-on, intentional way. The kids see it, they experience it, and (best of all) they enjoy it! I know that this is something I’m passing on to them, and it’s a lesson that makes my heart glad.
This joy of giving is something I see reflected in many of the homeschooled kids I know. It’s one of the ways I think we collectively shine. Honestly, that’s one of the best and one of my favorite gifts of all!
What about you? What are the gifts that scream “homeschooler” in your family? (General or specific?) I’d love to hear your stories—and I bet other readers would, too! Leave a comment and tell me how you’d spot a homeschooler by their favorite gifts.
Happy gifting, my homeschool friends!
Katie Gustafson has been a member of the world of “weird, unsocialized homeschoolers” for a long time–first as an alumnus and now as a homeschooling mom to a fiercely fun little girl! She’s very into anything creative, especially writing, dancing, and painting. She’s also particularly passionate about literature and owns more books than she will probably ever be able to read. However, she reassures herself with the belief that, in the event of a digital apocalypse, she’s cultivating a much-needed physical library for future generations. Katie is happy to contribute articles to Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers, Hip Homeschool Moms and Sparketh. She also has a personal blog on writewhereuare.com.