Generosity manifests in various ways, but the most meaningful gifts are those given with heartfelt intention, regardless of their monetary value. When such a gift comes from a child, its purity and sincerity are unmatched.
A former educator shared a touching story about a gift she received from a student, which inspired many teachers to recount their own similar experiences. This illustrates the essence of genuine generosity.
Heather Babin Benoit posted a picture of a small white box containing a purple crayon, accompanied by this story:
“Nine years ago, one of my students, who had nothing to give, noticed other kids presenting me with gifts. He used a box from one of his presents and a purple crayon from his collection to create his gift. He approached me and said, ‘I hope you like it. It’s your favorite color.’ I still tear up whenever I open that box.
Purple is indeed my favorite color. He remembered that detail. Although he had little to offer, he gave me more than just a crayon—love, his heart, and a thoughtful gesture.
That was my final Christmas as a classroom teacher. While I have received many gifts over the years, this one remains a poignant reminder that it’s the thought that truly matters.”
The stories shared on Instagram sparked a wave of similar stories from teachers about the meaningful gifts they’ve received from their students. (Prepare for some heartfelt moments, and maybe grab a tissue.)
“One student once gave me a dryer sheet. His family was struggling and didn’t have much money, but he brought me a dryer sheet for Christmas because ‘It’s my favorite smell, and I wanted you to enjoy it too!’ I’ve kept that dryer sheet for eight years. ❤️” – @roxanneamarques
“A young boy in my Kindergarten class gifted me a nearly empty bottle of perfume, apologizing for its condition. He said, ‘It was my mom’s favorite perfume; you remind me of her.’ His mother had passed away the previous year. It was one of the most selfless and touching gifts I’ve ever received.” – @carol_j_becker
“This story reminds me of a student from my 1st-grade class who couldn’t afford store-bought valentines. He wrote personal valentines on loose-leaf paper for every student in the class. It’s amazing how children grasp the true spirit of giving.” – @heatherbee721
“A student once gave me a small piece of paper with a curved line. It was our last day together, and he told me it was a smile. I still keep that little smile in my office. 🥰” – @orangegrad
“Years ago, a Pre-K student gave me a ketchup packet for Christmas because it was all he had to offer. His mother worked at a fast-food restaurant, and he spent his afternoons and evenings there because of a lack of childcare. 😢❤️” – @awcarlsson
“One year, a first grader gave me two extra-long Slim Jims, probably intended for her snack. As a vegetarian, I didn’t eat them, but she later came to tell me she was hungry and needed to eat one of the Slim Jims. It was a charming and humorous gift that I’ll never forget.” – @lu.hagan
“My daughter taught at a school where many students had limited means. One little girl who received free breakfast saved all the marshmallows from her cereal and gave them to my daughter as a Christmas gift. It was a simple but significant gesture from her little heart.” – @stacykib
Other comments highlighted the emotional impact of these stories.
“I hope that child sees this someday and realizes how many smiles he created with his thoughtful purple crayon,” one person wrote.
“The pure innocence of a child is incomparable; their genuine energy must be cherished,” shared another.
“It’s beautiful that the student made such a heartfelt gesture and that the teacher recognized its significance. Both aspects bring tears to my eyes,” remarked another.
Indeed, giving from the heart is one thing; appreciating the actual value of such gifts is another. Let us strive to be thoughtful givers and receivers, especially with the children in our lives.