Gratitude & Celebration Postcards
An easy eay to send a quick handwritten note that celebrates a win.
3-5 min
Secret Staff Support Swap
A recurring, low-cost gift exchange gives staff an easy way to connect.
Alissa Christensen
A year-long gift exchange where staff members surprise a new colleague with a small themed treat each month, then find out who's been surprising them at the reveal. Staff sign up once, then rotate through secret partners all year long.
Why try it
Give every staff member a moment of surprise and delight built right into the school year. A recurring, low-cost gift exchange gives staff an easy way to connect with colleagues they might not work with directly, and the mystery element adds an extra layer of fun to something as simple as a small treat.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Instructions
1
Open sign-ups and assign secret partners
At the start of the school year, invite staff to sign up if they'd like to participate. Use the included tracker to randomly assign a new secret partner to each participant every month. Alternatively, assign one partner per person for the entire year and save the big reveal for the end of the year.
2
Share the theme and budget
Each month, share the theme and a gift budget, around $5, and remind participants to keep their identity a secret. Use the included theme guide for ideas covering the full school year.
3
Deliver and reveal
Participants deliver their gift anonymously by the last Friday of the month. At the end of the month, reveal each mystery pair and assign new partners for the next round.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Color of the month
Ask participants to find a gift in one specific color for that month.
Letter challenge
Pick a few letters and have participants find a small gift or treat that starts with one of them.
Birthday swap
Assign each participant a partner's birthday, and have them deliver their gift that week instead of on a monthly cycle.
DIY month
Make it a handmade-only round: think baked goods, crafts, or a written note.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Send a reminder
A quick reminder a week before the deadline keeps deliveries on track.
Leader Tip #2
Plan for gaps
Name a backup participant who can step in and deliver a gift if someone isn't able to.
Built by Educators, for School Leaders
This resource was created in collaboration with passionate educators and school leaders who believe in the power of intentional connection.
Alissa Christensen
Head of Customer Success
Shoutouts
A teacher recognition program that runs itself.
Give teachers an opportunity to recognize their colleagues and collect them in your dashboard automatically. Easily print and share these encouraging words with your team.
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