Nobody – well, hardly anybody – brings teacher an apple these days. That tradition vanished years ago.

That is a shame. Afterall, today’s teachers are no less important than those of a generation or two ago. Some would argue the teacher of today is of more value to society than our teachers or our teachers’ teachers were back in their day.

If you are truly interested in helping out a teacher or showing one your appreciation this school year, here are a few gift ideas offered by none other than a classroom instructor.

Tissues and hand sanitizer. Kids in school are constantly in need of Kleenex or other brands of nose wipes. Teachers who keep them handy can go through a box or more of tissues every day in a school year and a bottle of hand sanitizer every week. And, studies have shown that students in clean classrooms have fewer sick days, so you might throw in a container of Lysol wipes for the hard surfaces like door knobs as well. They definitely will be used.

Pencils. Another item that teachers are constantly asked for by students is pencils. Who wouldn’t come to class without a pencil? Kids will, and they do. It is not uncommon for teachers to go through a hundred pencils or more in a school year – paid for out-of-pocket, of course.

Colors. Depending on the age of your own student, colored pencils, markers – anything your own child would need in class – would be appreciated by his or her teacher.

Right or wrong, teachers are forever called upon to help out students with school supplies when they are lost, forgotten or simply not in a family’s budget.

On average, teachers spend $513 per year (according to Forbes) on supplies and materials. Wouldn’t it be rewarding to help a teacher meet that need?