I have seen a lot of discussion about this on several blogs the past few days. I feel like I have some knowledge to share on the subject so here it goes…
First of all, let me say that gifts are appreciated but not necessary for teachers. Handwritten notes and cards are just as touching. There are even some areas that limit teacher gifts.
My favorite gifts from students have been homemade or decorated Christmas ornaments. Some have been made just for me!
Gifts Most Teachers Don’t Need (but we still appreciate):
- Candy
- Holiday Mugs
- Homemade snacks and goodies (Unless I know the family really well, I always am unsure about eating these.)
- Little doodads
Gifts Teachers Need:
- Gift cards to Office Supply Stores
- Office Supplies (like Post-its, etc.)
- Personalized Labels…..(I stole this idea from Couponing to Disney. You can get free labels, just pay shipping by using my link! Just use the teacher’s name and no address or the school address! Order soon for shipping before Christmas.)
- Anything for the classroom
Gifts Teachers Want:
- Small gift cards to grocery stores or restaurants ($5 to Starbucks is great!)
- Ornaments (This one is good for me, because I love decorating my tiny tree at home with ornaments from students.)
- Books or book gift cards
- Notes from parents or students (We can use these during evaluations.)
I know this may seem forward, and it was not intended to be. It was intended to help those of you out there still searching for teacher gifts….
Remember, a nice card or note is wonderful. Don’t go over budget to show your appreciation!
What about all you teachers out there? What gift have you received that means the most?
I disclose : There may be affiliate links in this post.
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Totally agree!
I wrote my teacher gift post yesterday. While I did always appreciate any gesture, there were some that were more useful than others.
I always liked to give a $5 gift card, but do you know Walgreens and CVS and even some grocery stores won’t do anything lower than a $10 gift card? Anyone else have this problem?
Thanks so much for this post! I found it very helpful as I am considering what to give my daughters’ teachers this year!
You mean teachers are sick of ” #1 Teacher” gifts, and coffee mugs?!?! lol!
last year as room mom I emailed and sent home letters ( sealed in envelopes of course to keep it a secret) to all the parents. I told them if the WANTED they could send $5.00 in an envelope with my name on it, and I bought a gift card with it to Target. Not every parent participated, but most did becuae $5 is cheap, but all those $5 added up and I was able to get a $100 gift card for the teacher, and wrote all the kids names on the card. She was THRILLED!
I taught for 11 years and you are RIGHT on! Now, I am a room mom and just talked to today to a friend about collecting money instead of the teacher get tons of $5 gifts she doesn’t need.
I was also a teacher and agree, the list is right on! And very helpful. I think that, for the most part, people want to know these things! When we give a gift, we want it to be something that the other person will be able to use!
A unique gift I got one year from a student was a picture that he had painted. He was very talented. I framed it and it’s hanging in my bathroom!
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