Teacher shares a heartfelt gift she received from a student 9 years ago that still makes her tear up

Gifts don't need to be expensive or extravagant; it's the love and heartfelt thoughts behind them that truly matter. A teacher named Heather Babin Benoit shared on Facebook a sweet incident when she received a unique and memorable gift that still makes her emotional. Back in 2022, on Christmas Eve, Benoit posted a picture of a single piece of purple crayon in a white styrofoam box.

She explained the backstory of the crayon in the caption. "9 years ago, it was my last Christmas as a classroom teacher," Benoit started the post. "I received many gifts in this lifetime, but this present will always be a gentle reminder that it is always the thought that counts. As I sit here at my desk and reflect on this holiday season, I can't help but smile at all the blessings that I have in my life." Then she spoke about the particular present that she still keeps in her office to remind herself that "it doesn't cost a thing to make someone's day."

"9 years ago, a student of mine saw other kids giving me presents and he had nothing to give. He took a box from a present he was given and his purple crayon from his pouch and wrapped it. He walked up to me and said, 'I hope you love it. It is your favorite color.' I still get tears in my eyes when I open this box," Benoit continued in her post. "Purple is my favorite color. He knew that. He paid attention to what I said. He didn't have much to give in his eyes, but he gave me so much more than a purple crayon. He gave me love. He gave me his heart. He gave me a kind gesture."

She concluded her post by reminding everyone that if anyone out there feels they don't have much to give anyone this holiday season, then they should remember that "love is free, giving your heart is free and being kind is free." The people on the platform who came across her post left wholesome comments for Benoit and the student who gave her a humble and thoughtful gift, even if it was just a piece of crayon.

Ashley Weber Tero recalled a similar situation and wrote, "I have an old and tattered box of paper clips for this exact same reason! " Annette Cortez commented, "Oh, now I'm crying. This has to be the sweetest, most thoughtful gift you've ever received." Mandy Mahler quipped, "My first year teaching a student gave me a plant fertilizer stick - package was all crumpled - told him that is exactly what I needed for my plants - couldn’t wipe the smile off his face." Another teacher, Caroline Herbert, added, "Heather, my first year teaching. I received a well-used Tupperware container with a dollar bill in it. I don’t remember the little girl's name but have never forgotten the gift."

Benoit did not specify if she wanted her student to get her any particular type of gift or not, but here is a teacher named Kayla—who goes by @kaylabreana1 on TikTok—who created a pyramid on student's whiteboard that could help parents get the perfect gift for their child's teachers to showcase their gratitude. There are three levels to this pyramid. The lowest is filled with gifts that are simply no-go this festive season. The first name to be revealed was Candy. Candy is a common gift during Christmas, but in reality, it is not suitable for everyone. Some people don’t have a sweet tooth, and such gifts have no sustainable use.

The top tier on the pyramid is occupied by a gift that doesn't cost a penny and that is the parent's involvement. Teachers are committed to the well-being of their students. To help students in the best way possible, teachers and parents must work in tandem with healthy communication. Unfortunately, many parents do not invest that much because of various issues. "An involved parent means things like checking binders/folders, making sure their child's homework/projects are done and communicating with the teacher if their child will be out during a non-break. In addition, being open-minded to suggestions that teachers give for a child’s academic, emotional and mental success. I know this is feasible for all parents," Kayla added in an interview with Buzzfeed.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on January 5, 2024. It has since been updated.