Teacher Gift Ideas
Christmas day is so very close, and so is Christmas break for our little ones who are in preschool or school. I’m sure you have a list of everyone you need to buy a Christmas present for, but make sure you add those sweet teachers to your Christmas shopping list. They pour their love, knowledge, and energy into your little ones.
You are probably thinking, “Oh great, one more gift idea I need to come up with.”But I’m not just going to drop a bomb like that on you without giving you some helpful gift ideas for teachers.
Since I was a teacher and have teacher friends, I’m going to give you the inside scoop on what teachers really love getting and what they would prefer not to receive.
What gifts to get Teachers:
Teachers love practical gifts that they can use in their classroom or at home. Consumable gifts are also a great option because teachers don’t have a ton of storage space in their classrooms or homes to keep every gift they receive from students throughout their entire teaching career. Here are a few gift ideas that teachers love to receive:
1. Gift Cards are always a win because teachers can use them to enjoy a nice meal, buy school supplies, buy a nice treat, or take their family somewhere special. Amazon gift cards are a big winner because teachers can buy anything there, but grocery store or restaurant gift cards are nice too. If you want to add some cuteness to the gift card there are many free printables on Pinterest with cute sayings like this one.
2. School Supplies are always a win because teachers often pay for extra school supplies needed out of their own pocket. Things like Pencils, Dry Erase Markers, Washable Markers, Crayons, Wipes, or Glue are much appreciated. You can always gift the school supplies in a festive Christmas basket.
3. Recess Goodies are a great idea! These things get used and worn so quickly. It’s nice for a teacher to be able to pull out some fun new activities for their students to play with outside. here are some ideas: bubbles, kickball, football, air pump, hula hoops, or pop and catch game.
4. Hand Sanitizer is always a welcomed goodie in a classroom, especially during cold and flu season. Here is a super cute way to add some Christmas cheer to your gift.
5. Handwritten Notes are always the best! They are so personable and appreciated!
6. Personalized Stamps are a very useful gift for a teacher. They can use a stamp to label their books, write sweet notes on graded papers, or sign agendas.
7. Teacher Planners are a thoughtful gift for a teacher because many teachers buy these with their own money.
8. Wrapping Paper, Ribbon, Tape is a very practical gift that saves your child’s teacher from having to run to the store to purchase it herself. You can add a cute note like,
“Since November you’ve been shopping, barely sleeping, hardly stopping. Now it’s late you’re in a scrape, out of paper, out of tape. Hope this wrap helps save the day! Have a Merry Christmas!”
8. Store-Bought Treats are better than homemade treats unless you know your teacher really well and they know you really well. Teachers are cautious about eating treats made by students after they witness their daily hygiene habits. One good idea would be a gift of holiday paper plates, cups, plastic silverware, and napkins with a note that says,
“You deserve a break from doing dishes for a week. Merry Christmas!”
What Gift to NOT get Teachers:
Teachers love and appreciate that you took the time to think of them and get them a gift. However, there are a few gifts that teacher would prefer not to receive because they already have plenty of them. Here are a few items to reconsider when buying for your child’s teacher:
1. Mugs
2. Christmas Knick Knacks and Ornaments
3. Candles
4. Homemade Treats
5. Smelly Things
I hope you have found one or two helpful gift ideas for your child’s teacher this Christmas season. If you need gift ideas for your children, husband, or grandparents be sure to check out the 2023 Best Mom Ideas Holiday Gift Guide.