Thankful for Teachers: A Gift Guide for Teachers by Teachers
The more you speak with a teacher and listen to her talk about her job and the students she teachers, the more you realize just how special she is. During this season of thanksgiving, we pause to give thanks especially for educators—for all the men and women who have answered a life calling to go above and beyond to teach, coach, inspire, and encourage our children.
To help you think through some gift ideas, whether for Christmas or just a special “thank you” gift before the end of the semester, we asked several teachers to share some of their favorite gifts they’ve received over the years. We hope this nifty gift guide will help you think of the perfect way to say “thank you” to your child’s favorite teacher this year.
10 Teacher Gift Ideas from Teachers
- Something the student picked out. I have gotten several gifts where the parents send a text the night before saying, “My son really wanted to get you this, and he picked it out all by himself.” These are the BEST. I’ve also received several cactus-related gifts (my room is cactus-themed). I’ve also been gifted a huge jar of pickles because the kids thought it was hilarious that I like them! Kids are quick to remember funny things that happen throughout the year, and it is so fun when they see something in the store that makes them think of me! Gifts where the students were clearly involved are the best kind to get.
- Cute books for the classroom. For primary and elementary teachers, it can be so fun to pull out a brand new, never-read book to read to the kids.
- A handwritten note. One of my favorite gifts I’ve ever received is a really nice note about the year.
- An everyday item. I love things I can use on a regular basis because it makes me think of the student.
- Gift card to Teachers Pay Teachers. This is a website that has a lot of amazing resources for teachers. Teachers spend a lot of their own money, so it’s nice to have some extra money for fun resources in the classroom. Other great teacher stores are Target and Dollar Tree.
- One gift from the entire classroom. It’s always nice when the parents go in on one gift card to my favorite restaurant or shop. Not every school does this, but at our school, at the beginning of the school year, every teacher fills out a sheet of paper that asks for their favorites—whether it’s a restaurant, shop, color, etc. And then the sheets are collected and put into a binder that sits in the teacher’s lounge or school office. So when a parent or room parent wants to gift a teacher with something special, all our favorite things are right there in the binder!
- Spa or salon gift card. A bit of pampering is always appreciated, whether it’s a trip to the nail salon or to a spa for a massage.
- A personalized item. A personalized canvas bag (teacher size) is a great gift. Or, a personalized hand sanitizer bottle!
- Gift card to absolutely nothing teacher related. Sometimes it is really nice to get a gift card to the movies or a restaurant—somewhere the whole family can go for a special treat.
- Subject specific gift. A wooden plaque with a Thomas Jefferson book quote (history and literacy—two of my favorite things).
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