Gift Ideas For Teachers!

Gift ideas for teachers is something that has perplexed me in the past. After all, these everyday heroes are shaping the minds of our children, working to insure the success of their futures. Not an easy job, right? I always want to show my appreciation, but tend to overthink it. If you are like me and need some help with gift ideas for teachers, you are going to love the ideas we are sharing below. You might also be interested in this great list of gift ideas for bus drivers, the school secretary and so on. 

Gift Ideas For Teachers

Create An Online Wish List 

Did you know that, much like a wedding or baby registry, teachers can create their own wish list online? Isn’t that genius?! Many, heck most teachers do not have the budget to get all of the supplies they need for their classrooms. Truth be told, they shouldn’t have to pay for these items, but they do. For our children. And most teachers are not looking to be showered with expensive gifts from parents. But a little help never hurt, right? So, why not suggest to your teacher that they create a wish list on Amazon?!

An Amazon wish list is free to make and you don’t have to walk all around a huge store, scanning numbers. An Amazon wish list opens up a ton of great ideas to you and takes the guesswork out of finding that special something. It also allows your teacher to ask for things they truly need, without being put on the spot. Providing items that your teacher can use in the classroom will show how much you want to help. And why not get the other parents to join in? If you aren’t comfortable suggesting an Amazon wish list, here are some ideas for supplies that any classroom could use: 

• art supplies
• maps
• music
• lab supplies
• educational games
• books
• organizational materials 
• sporting goods
• teaching tools

Individual Teacher Gift Ideas

Since your child probably knows their teacher best, it might be a good idea to ask them what they think their teacher would like. Perhaps the teacher has talked about their hobbies or what they drink every morning to get them up and out the door. Has the teacher mentioned they have a favourite tv show or movie they watch? Do they talk about traveling or have a specific food they like? Children are quite observant and might suggest some fun jewelry or a hat. The personality and interests of the teacher are crucial factors to know when you are choosing a more personal gift.

As a general rule, try to avoid utilitarian gifts for your favourite teacher, as this gift is for their pure enjoyment. The same can be said for any “cute” trinkets.

Shopping  On A Small Budget

Gifts do not have to cost a lot of money and there is no teacher who wants their students’ parents to spend more than they can afford. Have your child make a sweet card, drawing a picture or writing a nice note. If you like to do crafts at home, why not make something your teacher will use, like a bookmark or an ornament.  Home baked goodies are always a hit with teachers. Just make sure there are no allergies to be aware of and insure the teacher is comfortable accepting food.

More Than One Teacher

Often time your children may have more than one teacher during the year and while it would be nice to buy a gift for each one, it is not always feasible. This next idea is great for this very situation. After clearing it with the school first, organize a pot luck lunch! This gift will probably require several parents to participate, but it will make many tummies happy. 🙂 Again insuring that allergies are covered, create a menu of buffet friendly items to make, deliver and serve to the teachers. Be sure to provide dishes, cutlery and drinks. Make the day festive by having any volunteer parents dress up, put up some decorations and put on some music. If organizing a large pot luck lunch is not possible, why not order up coffee, tea and donuts from your local bakery and have them delivered mid-morning, to be enjoyed all day long.

When it comes to gift ideas for teachers, remember that it is the thought that counts. Your child’s teacher does not expect you to buy them something, but they appreciate it when you do. Supplies to help make the classroom environment more comfortable, personal touches like a homemade card and even a meal will all do the trick. And your child will be proud that their mom and dad understand how important the teacher is to them.♥

Do you buy gifts for your children’s teachers each year during the holidays? Some parents give a gift at the end of the school year instead. Please share any fun and thoughtful ideas you have in the comments. 🙂

FT&PD

Suz

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