Not sure what to give teachers at next week's holiday parties?
Read on for teacher gift-giving tips!
A disclaimer: I'm not a teacher. I've never been a teacher. (Well, unless you count all of those summers I played school with my sisters and insisted on suggested being the teacher because I'm the oldest. Naturally.) But I have a lot of teacher friends, and these suggestions are from them.
Keep in mind when giving your holiday gifts next week that you might want to look beyond your child's teacher. Don't forget the:
- art teacher
- gym teacher
- music teacher
- bus driver
- principal
- vice principal
- school nurse
- crossing guard
- reading teacher
- Spanish teacher
- librarian
- lunch lady
- custodian
...and others!
Of course, you're not obligated to give a gift to anyone, and certainly not everyone on this list. Just think about who has impacted your child's life this year and who deserves an extra "thanks" this time of year!
With that said, I have two words to summarize this post:
NO
APPLES!
The apple thing is only cute for so long, and I'm here to tell you that most teachers don't want one more apple pin or apple picture frame or apple notepad. You can probably stop there and get just about anything else and you'll be a step ahead of the apple-loving crowd. But here are a few more tips in case you want some guidance.
Other gifts to think twice about... Teachers never want to seem ungrateful, but many would prefer you think outside the box and stay away from the following:
- Mugs - they get a million. It doesn't matter what it says, what picture is on it, how funny or cute or clever it is. No mugs. Especially mugs with apples.
- Kitschy plaques and knick-knacks - there is only so much desktop and shelf space in the classroom for those personalized plaques and frames and chalkboard wall hangings. They get eight bazillion their first couple years of teaching and they're all the same. I didn't talk to a single teacher who REQUESTED one more of these.
- Food - this might surprise a lot of people, because it seems that homemade goodies are such a perfect, appreciated go-to gift. Just be aware of dietary restrictions, the excess of sweets they receive this time of year, and some teachers' concerns about the ingredients and cleanliness precautions when the goodies were made. I've had several teachers tell me that while appreciated, a lot of those homemade goods go uneaten and thrown out. But then again... some teachers LOVE them!
Okay, Ready? Let's move on to what those teachers will LOVE!
- A handmade card from your child. Most teachers will agree that this is by far the most meaningful, appreciated gift. Seriously.
- A note from you. They want to know that you acknowledge and appreciate all of their hard work.
- That note you wrote? Send a copy of it to the principal. What a boost to the teacher for the principal to hear your praises!
- Drawing or piece of art by your child
- Cold, hard cash. It seems impersonal, but trust me, no teacher will ever turn it down. If you want to go beyond slipping a crisp bill in a card, how about this ADORABLE idea? Bind a bunch of ones together to make a money pad for your teacher. Seriously adorable.
or you could figure out how to fold it into clever origami: 
- School supplies. Pencils, paperclips, paper... it will get used! Oftentimes, the items used in their classrooms are paid for from their own pockets. This might seem boring, but do a quick Google or Pinterest search to find some darling ways to package these items creatively. How about pencils encircling some pretty Christmas poinsettias instead of sunflowers?
- Classroom materials. Beyond school supplies, some teachers have a "wish list" of items they'd love to have for their classroom. Ask them!
- Books for the classroom
- Volunteer! Give your time in the classroom. Make a "coupon" or just put it in a note, either way they'll appreciate it!
- Book of stamps
- A stack of blank homemade cards (coupled with the aforementioned book of stamps...?)
- Journal
- Ornament. Some teachers are ornamented out and may not prefer this one. But if it's a special one that your child picked out, made, or will remind your teacher of your child, then go for it! But NO APPLES! ;)
- Unique drink mixes. You could try Mexican Hot Chocolate or Friendship Tea or...
- Magazine Subscription
- Movie Tickets
- Personalized stationary and notepads - vistaprint.com is a great place to start!
- A donation in their name to a charity of your choice, or one you know they'd appreciate
- A 6-pack of their favorite soda
- Dig in their trash! Find out what they like. What's in there? Candy bar wrapper? Used tea bags? Give that to them! (Not the trash...)
- Stylish jewelry. Not "teacher" jewelry. You know what I mean!
- Babysitting. If your teacher has children, why not give them an evening of free babysitting?
- Flowers or a Plant - We made these for Emma's teachers a few years ago:
- Something for their pet(s)
- Scarf
- Candles
- Useful, practical household items - one teacher even told me toilet paper!
- Purses/tote bags
- Bottle of Advil... no, seriously!
- Hand sanitizer
- A bag full of gum and mints
- Bottle of wine - you might have to know your teacher well to pull this one off
- Tickets to a sporting or theater event
- Wish book. Have your child or the entire class compile a book for the teacher about "What I'd Get You If I Had a Million Dollars." The teacher will love their sweet and funny ideas.
- Fun, teacher themed tees like this one or this one you can find at Cafe Press
- A package of thank you notes - for all the other gifts. And no matter what, let your teacher off the hook and tell them you don't want a thank you note. Why give them more work to do?
- A membership to a local museum or zoo
- Ski pass (if it's local)
- Group gift - get together with the other parents and pool your money for a large gift card or big-ticket item you know your teacher wants
- Personalized labels - so many of their classroom books and items are their own. Help them keep track of them! vistaprint.com, Mabel's Labels, and many more.
Gift cards are GREAT! (And should be higher up on this non-prioritized list. They WANT gift cards!!!) Remember, any amount is a gift. A $5 gift card, when coupled with others they'll receive, goes a long way! You could get gift cards for:
41. Restaurants
42. Starbucks
43. Amazon.com. Perfect for personal or classroom use.
44. Mall
45. iTunes - this covers music, apps, etc. An acceptable gift involving an apple!
46. Manicure/Pedicure (paired with cute gloves, socks or slippers?)
47. Massage
48. Gas
49. Car Detailing
50. Car Wash
Afraid a gift card is too boring? There are some CUTE packaging ideas out there! Look at this one from the awesome gals at eighteen25:
They have a gazillion more cute teacher ideas here.
Or what about this gift card holder for a male teacher?
This list of 50+ is just the beginning. Do an easy Google or Pinterest search for "teacher gifts" and you'll be bombarded with cute ideas. Here are a few to get you started:
http://www.skiptomylou.org/category/teacher-appreciation-gifts/
http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/05/01/teacher-appreciation-gift-ideas/
http://www.tipjunkie.com/back-to-school-2/?awt_l=CcU.F&awt_m=3bABdIC0Lv_yc4R (scroll down to the section about homemade gifts)
The bottom line: make your teacher (and other school folk!) feel loved and appreciated! No matter what you do, they'll be thankful!
I hope this list got your wheels turning. If you have other clever ideas, leave a comment! I still need to figure out what my girls' teachers will be getting!
as a teacher, I LOVE this list and would appreciate (greatly) any one of these things if a student/parent brought them in! :) Thanks for thinking of the teachers :)
ReplyDeleteDon't forget the teachers assistants if they have them, sometimes over looked.
Deletegreat post Angie! and even though I'm not a teacher this year, can someone PLEASE bring me a bottle of WINE?!?!?!
ReplyDeleteOops, nice suggestion kristen and thomas - even go one step further and maybe suggest a gourmet gift basket with wine?
Deleteangie! this list is great. may I suggest Satin Hands from Mary Kay?!?! :):)
ReplyDeletewhat great ideas, thanks angie! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the ideas! And, even though I don't have school-aged kids yet...that'll come soon enough. I'm pinning this for the reminder : )
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! We don't have much to spend, so I try to give practical things. Last year it was Mrs. Meyers dish soap wrapped up in a flour sack dish towel on which I had sewn a little red snowflake stitch border. This year all the teachers and Sunday school teachers are getting Bath & Body Works hand soap (I used some coupons to lower the cost) in festive scents.
ReplyDeleteRachel, I'm a teacher and I LOVE those ideas! I'm young and fresh out of college, so a new dish towel and some fancy soap sounds like a lovely, very practical gift. =) And hand soap is always better than bath soap. I love having bottles of nice hand soap to put out in the bathroom for guests, but body soaps usually go to waste because of sensitive skin issues.
DeleteOh my gosh - such a GREAT GIFT! These are good Mother's Day gift suggestions as well. (6 pack of soda, candy bars, Advil - top of my gift list!)
ReplyDeleteI too agree that gift cards should be moved up on the list. I've got a section on my website you might enjoy, devoted to teacher gift cards. One of my favorite items is to get a personalized, custom gift card. You can put a picture of your own child or one of the whole class. It costs about $5 extra and you'll have to order in advance, but it truly is a gift that is as much fun to GIVE as it is to GET.
I gave custom gift cards to my son's baseball coach this past season, he loved it so much, said he'd keep it in his wallet even after the money was redeemed.
Thanks for the list! I have to repost...
GREAT tip, Shelley! When I wrote this post, I was searching for something like this to suggest. Years ago, Walmart offered this service! I've often wished they still did it, but now I know where to go! I gave my Dad a Walmart gift card that year with a hilarious picture of himself dressed as an elf. It was a hit at our family Christmas party!
DeleteAngie...you can upload pictures to create personalized gift cards at Amazon... just a fyi :-)
DeleteAnother teacher's input- I completely agree with your NO APPLE sentiment with one HUGE exception: an actual apple. One of the best gifts I ever received from a student was an actual apple (the edible kind) with a simple jar of caramel dip gift wrapped in cellophane. It was so simple, thoughtful, and a nice break from all the sugary cookies during December!
ReplyDeleteYou know what I've always wanted to do? Try every kind of apple. Wouldn't it be fun if the students organized giving the teacher one of every type of apple available? Fun!
Delete@Shelley & Angie: Amazon.com will let you upload a photo to customize an e-gift card (one that gets emailed); not sure if they do this with regular gift cards. Either way, it's a terrific way to get a personalized gift card at no extra cost. It's also great for those of us who are a bit last-minute...I hope my dad never realizes that Amazon sends the e-cards when they are ordered, and not "first thing in the morning on the event date"...
ReplyDeleteLOL! Great idea. (And a fellow procrastinator here...)
DeleteWe are doing a Thanksgiving Plant for my kid's kindergarten teacher. I have sent out precut construction paper leaves. Each kid will write (with the help of their parent) why they are thankful for Mrs. C. Then I have purchased a large plant from a local nursery and we are hanging each thankful leave from the plant. She can use it at home or in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteDarling idea! I might have to repost this with more ideas! Thanks for your input!
DeleteAs a teacher, this list is FABULOUS!! Thank you for thinking outside the traditional! I have an abundance of mugs from the dollar store! The most AMAZING gift I ever received as a teacher was a QUILT! Each child had drawn a picture with fabric crayons and one mom sewed it all together. I was so touched! I still have it hanging in the hallway of my home on the the wall.
ReplyDeleteHow cute! I'm glad to know those homemade gifts really are meaningful.
DeleteMake sure your child's teacher is actually paying for her own supplies before gifting them to her. Our school supplies all of my materials so the last thing I want for a gift is school supplies. :)
ReplyDeleteYes! Good point. But can you really ever have too many paperclips? I mean, really. ;)
DeleteMy school would say that they provide all the supplies, however, I buy A LOT of mine myself. I am and Autism Resource Teacher, so I usually get the response that ESS pays for it. However, ESS requires that I check out a Walmart card and go buy it myself, during business hours. With all the meetings that I have to attend, this rarely happens, so if I want to do a project with my kiddos, I have to buy the supplies. All this to say, get it straight from the teacher, not from the school staff....
DeleteWith gifts that are homemade food items be sure to include the recipe! iI can't tell you how many times I've had a good food/treat and can't remake it. Also I think gift cards should be at the top and personalized notes directly below.
ReplyDeleteOH! Great idea. I wouldn't have thought to include the recipe. Thanks for the tip!
DeleteAwesome ideas!!
ReplyDeleteThese tips are priceless. As a teacher I really appreciated the thoughtfulness of the parents of my students and the kids themselves. It doesn't have to big or expensive to be appreciated. It really is the thought that counts. I would have adored a project like the thankfulness plant one post described above. Thanks for this great post.
ReplyDeleteThese tips are priceless. As a teacher I really appreciated the thoughtfulness of the parents of my students and the kids themselves. It doesn't have to big or expensive to be appreciated. It really is the thought that counts. I would have adored a project like the thankfulness plant one post described above. Thanks for this great post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading! I'm glad to hear from a teacher that it really is the thought that counts. :)
DeleteGreat list though I disagree with the "candle" one. As someone with scent allergies, those are the first gifts that are re-gifted or tossed for me. Anything with scents should be deliberated. If you know your child's teacher and know they love a particular scent, that's fine, but I must toss/re-gift at least 2 scented gifts a year (that includes soaps, lotions, etc).
ReplyDeleteA gift card with a homemade card from a child has to be my favorite gift though!
Good point about scented things. But you can never go wrong with a gift card! What about a gift card to Yankee Candle? ;) Maybe not.
DeleteThe best gift of all is getting to know your teacher and what she likes. Although gum or coffee may seem like a good idea, many teachers don't drink coffee or chew gum. teachers appreciate the sentiment, but someone who has found out what a teacher personally likes hits the mark a whole lot harder. Try giving out a "teacher likes" poll at the beginning of the year. That makes gift buying a whole lot easier and personalized. In any case, know that your teacher appreciates anything you do to say thank you.
ReplyDeleteLove the poll idea!
DeleteAs a former teacher, #18 is my favorite! This year, we're giving to World Vision to provide education for children in impoverished areas. There's even an option to provide music and art education (music and art teachers would LOVE this...I know...I'm a music teacher) for children around the world.
ReplyDeleteWe really don't need anything new...but knowing that you're helping a child in need. That is the best gift!
What an excellent idea! I love the idea of giving to others in need. Perfect!!! (I have a post coming up about that. You will love it.)
DeleteI think this post of yours is entirely inappropriate!!! How rude of you to demand no apples and so forth and request cash, gift cards, etc. Haven't you ever heard the saying, "It's the thought that counts?" You make me sick!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm sorry you took it that way, Maddie. I'm not a teacher, I just gathered ideas from many of my teacher friends who shared with me what some of their favorite gifts have been over the years. I think any teacher would be quick to tell you that they're grateful for anything they receive, because you're right, it IS the thought that counts. These are just 50 alternatives to apples and "traditional" teacher gifts, which some may prefer. Thanks for your comment!
DeleteWow! I was thinking what a nice list of ideas with something for every budget. It is the thought that counts but sometimes it is obvious that the gifts are thoughtless (flashback 2009, the expired tea gift set with calendar from 2008....can't tell me there was any thought there outside of oh crud)
DeleteIt does get expensive to buy for everyone who comes in contact with your child so I like the idea of choosing special people who make an impact on your child. I know a lot of special needs aides who spend time 1:1 with a student who get nothing at all while the parent buys for the general ed teacher. We do small things for all the art/music/pe/library/secretarys and something bigger for the teacher my child spends the bulk of the day with.
As a teacher, honestly, the BEST present I have ever gotten is #2 on the list. I got a letter from a parent in a card their child had signed. No gift, no cash. I keep it in a file with other notes and cards that students/parents have given me. My "smile file" is the gift that keeps on giving.
Gee, Maddie. Overreact much?
DeleteMaddie,
DeleteWow is your life so bad, that you have to be so hateful? It is just some idea's. Go take a prozac.
Maddie must have given some apple mugs last year..
DeleteAs a parent that wants to give gifts that teachers can use, I appreciate a list Like this. I totally disagree with Maggie. Who wants to blindly give gifts that dont consider the likes and preferences of the receiver? To me that is rude.
DeleteAs a teacher, I totally agree with what NOT to give.
DeleteKeep it simple and inexpensive!
ReplyDeleteI think the "no apples" part was funny! I love this list and found 4 that my son and I will do throughout the year! I book marked you page (these are even great ideas for the garbage men, postal workers, etc) Thanks for the awesome list!!! (and your time to make it lol)
ReplyDeleteYes, you're right! Don't forget the postal workers, garbage men, milk men, etc.! Thanks!
DeleteI love number 1 & 2. There is simply nothing better than a sweet, honest card from a parent or student. As a teacher I often focus on what I didn't do, rather than what I did accomplish. It is so heartwarming to hear a child say they enjoy my class or me as a teacher.
ReplyDeleteI also like your suggestions for a six-pack of soda (I would be over the moon if a child brought me diet coke!) and $5 gift cards to local spots. Some districts, have conflict-of-interest policies which do not allow city employees (teachers) to take large gifts.
When in doubt, a lovely, thoughtful card is the best gift anyone will ever need, words mean so much more than a physical gift.
Thanks for the post, these are truly great suggestions!
Thanks for commenting! I know I'd never turn down a 6-pack of Dr. Pepper! ;)
DeleteA few years ago I had all the students in my son's class write down a couple words describing their teacher (loving, caring, etc). I made it into a wordle print and framed it. She loved it!
ReplyDeletePersonal gifts really mean so much! Thanks for the idea!
DeleteI think your "what not to give" list is spot on. Please remove from your "yes" list and add to the "no" list the bottle of advil (!) and 6 pack of soda. Really, now, a six pack of soda as a Christmas gift to the teacher of your child, who spends about a thousand hours with your child/children during the year? I don't think so. Same with all the school supplies. These are things, frankly, that would be donated throughout the year to the classroom, not as a personal gift and thank you for Christmas. While every teacher would appreciate purell or pencils for the room, again, this is not a personal gift, is it? It's similar to receiving a paper towel holder from your spouse on Christmas morning. ("But, honey, you said you needed one!") See what I mean?
ReplyDeleteJust think about what you would give someone who is truly meaningful in your life, and that will likely be a heartfelt gift that your teacher will really appreciate.
I think this is where you need to know the teacher. The best gift my husband ever received was soda. He is addicted to diet cherry Coke. One year, a parent in his room coordinated each kid bring in one two liter of diet cherry Coke (she brought extras in case one child didn't so they wouldn't feel left out.) He opened each one of them, one by one - the kids loved it, he loved it. He had a supply that lasted him months without having to go to run to the Coke machine during planning. And he said the kids got really tickled each time he removed a bottle from his stash!
DeleteThinkerbell, the six pack of soda idea was straight from a teacher, but maybe not everyone's preference. Also, I know teachers who spend quite a bit out-of-pocket for school supplies and are grateful for the chance not to do so. I get what you mean though, it would probably be more special to receive something that might not be so job-related. Maybe just feel out the teacher and see what he/she would most appreciate.
Deletendquiz - I can imagine those students giggling! How fun!
I am a first year teacher for the second year in a row, just moved to a new area, and the main source of income in my house. My way of saying, finances are very tight. So to receive my favorite soda, or the bottle of Excedrin I can keep at school, would be a great gift. I am finding that I want to have two of everything, one for my school home, and one for my real home. Gets expensive, but otherwise I have to lug a huge bag every day of "just in case" items.
DeleteResponse to thinkerbell: If your child attends a school where the school or parents voluntarily provide supplies, you're blessed. I have yet to work in such a school. Maybe giving school supplies isn't great for your school, but I LOVE IT! Supplies I love: Kleenex, zipper bags of varying sizes (store brands are fine), and index cards. Basically, consumables. Also, when I get extra of something, I share the wealth with other teachers in the school, so they're the gifts that keep on giving.
DeleteOne of the best gifts I received was a card from a student and their parent thanking me for my hard work that year. It had been a hellish year and I didn't even realize I had made that much of an impact on their student. In fact, I almost missed the note from the parent on the back of the card. It was truly touching. I don't even remember the present that accompanied the card - but the card I still have tucked away in a special spot! And I totally agree...give a copy of the letter praising the teacher to the principal! What an awesome gift!
ReplyDeleteI'm not even a teacher and save those special notes from friends. The written word is powerful! Thanks for commenting, Brittany!
DeleteLOVE these ideas!!! I think the "Do Not Give" list is great. Teachers get SO many apple gifts that it is insane!
ReplyDeleteSo I've heard! ;) Thanks, Amy!
DeleteOne year another Mom and I asked the other 1 st grade teacher if she could help us out during a class party and get the teacher out of the room for 10 minutes. We used the time to have all the kids sign a card and take a picture of them all we also tucked notes in their backpacks for the parents asking if they'd be willing to pitch in on a gift card to the teachers favorite restaurant.. We put the picture in a small cute frame with the class year and added the gift card to the card signed by the kids. We were the home room parents so we presented it to her at the Christmas party in a cute reusable shopping bag tote. She loved it and cried when she realized what work went into doing it all without her knowledge. The gift card donations totaled $20 so the other mom and I added $20 each so it was enough for her to go on a date with her husband.
ReplyDeleteThat's a ton of work and clearly meant a lot to that teacher. THAT'S the kind of thing that shows our thanks. Great work!
DeleteI am also a teacher and I want to thank you for including art teachers in the list of teachers not to forget! Also, don't stop giving gifts AFTER elementary... I teach high school and while gifts are few and far between, the ones I do get are much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteGood call, Lindsey! My kids aren't there yet, but I'll have to remember that! Thanks!
DeleteA note from a parent, absolutely! A handmade card or picture from the child...not so much...seriously. At least as a kindergarten teacher, I can say, I got 4 or 5 little gems a day. Only so many places to put those. Thought that counts, sure, but a little extra thought is nice. I once had a student come dressed in a tuxedo and present me with a box of chocolate and ask me to be his valentine. He outshone my husband that year!!
ReplyDeleteHow cute is that?! I love it! I imagine that teachers get a ton of little drawings. I know I have one daughter who makes them all the time. I wouldn't blame her teacher for tossing them (who can expect them to keep them all?!), but I think the "process" is important for the kids and makes them feel good. Poor teachers... how can they keep it all? :)
DeleteI currently teach 7th and 8th graders and you wouldn't believe the number of drawings and sheets with my name in different letters they make for me! It's also special when they make these for Christmas! Many of mine can't buy anything, so their time spent on me is actually pretty special. :)
DeleteOne of the most awesome presents I received from a family was the mom sent in a menu from a local restaurant and we got to order lunch. She told us what day she was delivering it and we all got to eat lunch together. It was awesome since we could never go out to lunch!
ReplyDeletePerfect!
DeleteI LOVE this idea!
DeleteThis one HAS to go on the list. Going out to lunch is one of the few things I miss from having a 9to5 job.
DeleteReferring to Maddie's comment, this post is merely an aide to parents who struggle in knowing what to give a teacher. This post is directed at parents who Already Want to give a teacher a gift but don't know what to choose. In no way are they demanding a child gives a teacher a gift! This is very helpful to me who already planned on a gift but get very confused when trying to decide what to choose!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rabbit girl! Glad it helped. :)
DeleteGreat list! Be careful giving cash though. Some schools have rules that teachers cannot accept cash or gifts over a certain amount. It can put a teacher in an awkward situation. Ask at the admin office first. ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is a great point. I'll have to check and see what our school allows! :)
DeleteJust wanted to point out that cash is against the law in some states. Might need to make a side note of that!
ReplyDeleteI bet it's different for many areas. I'll have to check and see what's allowed here. Thanks!
DeleteAs a teacher I like your gift of a flower in a pot best! It is so meaningful.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I think it's cute too. :)
DeleteI honestly would NOT recommend a bottle of wine. While, many teachers probably drink it or are willing to taste it, it is illegal to have alcohol on campus, and that would be awful for a teacher or parent to get in trouble for bringing alcohol on campus.
ReplyDeleteOn this one, I'd say you'd have to know the teacher really well. And maybe know where they live. ;)
DeleteAs a teacher myself... I prefer not to get the "C"'s : coffee mugs, candles and calories (everyone gets enough junk food around the holidays, enough already!)
ReplyDeleteI do love getting: gift cards for pretty much anywhere, diet coke (I have been given 12 pks, love it, if you know your teacher's favorite soda, it is awesome), or other things that show you know the teacher (I once got a sweatshirt from my alma mater).
I also love when I get the photo cards of my students' families with notes...
I would rather get nothing than baked goods which go to waste.
Thanks for your comment! I do think it's wise to think twice about baked goods. You just never know...
DeleteI love the sweatshirt from your college idea! Great idea!
Great list! I would love to get pretty much anything from it. Unfortunatly, in the Netherlands this is not very common to get gifts. Especially not at a college teacher as I am now.
ReplyDeleteI think the tip about 'cleanliness' is very important though! I am not crazy about homemade treats, because as a teacher you know the kids. I know that most of the time their standard of clean is not my standerd.
You're not alone, Berniek! Thanks for your comment!
DeleteThanks for your post. Although as a teacher, I was always grateful for any gift (especially not being a homeroom teacher- it was always nice to be remembered!), I can say I agree with most of this list, but not all. Gift cards are definitely my favorite! Five dollars to Starbucks made my day! But some things that are less useful (at least for me) are candles and ornaments. I can only have so many "#1 teacher" ornaments on my tree, and I have plenty of candles in my house. And most schools don't allow you to burn candles in your classroom.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I completely disagree with the night of babysitting. That would put me in a very awkward position. If I don't want to eat food that comes from your house (which for me is less of an issue), why would I want to let you supervise my children? And then I feel obligated to use it or have a very awkward conversation with a parent. Free movie tickets is a better option, then I can afford the babysitter. I'm pretty picky about who babysits my children.
Remember, these ideas aren't great for EVERYONE. I think you'd have to know the teacher well for the babysitting option. But if you have a great relationship with her, and know her kids, it might be just what she wants. Otherwise, maybe it's a wise one to steer away from. Thanks for your input, Lauren! :)
DeleteLove the list. I'll add a to do and a not to do. I got my girls' teachers very cute crafty signs for the door, desk or wall with their name on it (artsy, no apples) and a not to do is Christmas decor. I just had to goodwill ALL my snowmen and santa clauses that I didn't want to depart with because they were from students but I couldn't take the clutter anymore. :(
ReplyDeleteYes! I was just at Goodwill the other day. It's like the jackpot for cliche teacher gifts. ;)
DeleteAs a high school teacher I don't always get a lot of gifts from the students, however I do get a lot of cards. When the student gives me a card with a personal note in it I cherish it. I also have had some of my students make me ornaments and I LOVE that. Every season I bring out the ornaments they have made me over the years and I decorate my office with all of the treasures and it makes me smile as I think about the wonderful people these students have become!
ReplyDeleteOnce a student gave me a $5.00 gift card to sub way and wrote a cute little card to go with it and it said "There is no SUB-stitute for good health. Happy Holidays Coach" I loved that one!
I live in the community that I teach in and have had students give me wonderful coupons for babysitting and what I really liked was "mothers helper". The coupon entitled me to a day of her playing with my children while I tackled any household projects that were challenging to do with my children around. I got this twice from the same student and it was invaluable- she got a ride to my house and one year my husband I got our back deck stained and another year we got our garden planted.
Great ideas! Thanks, Jade! I love hearing from teachers!
DeleteMany schools now have very strict policies about contact with students outside of school. While a teacher may love to have this kind of help, she or he could lose their job for accepting such a gift.
DeleteLove these! How helpful. Our school actually sent out a list of 'favorite things' that the teacher likes. It also mentioned allergies and sensitivities (to soaps etc). The list was a standard form from the school with categories. Soda drinks were on there too:) It may seem a bit pushy, but I would rather they enjoy what I gave them, then throw it out because they can't use it. So now with her list of favorite things and your list of ideas, I think that I can come up with something she will love. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThat "favorite things" list is an invaluable tool! Thanks, Tricia!
DeleteLast year we did a movie night basket for each teacher. These included Redbox coupon ($5.00 worth of movies), popcorn (unpopped), box of candy, bottle of soda, wrapped pickle, pack of hot cocoa, and a few other small things. All inside a popcorn box from dollar tree wrapped in a basket bag. All 3 teachers loved them.
ReplyDeleteCute idea! Who doesn't love movie night?!
DeleteLast year we did a movie night basket for each teacher. These included Redbox coupon ($5.00 worth of movies), popcorn (unpopped), box of candy, bottle of soda, wrapped pickle, pack of hot cocoa, and a few other small things. All inside a popcorn box from dollar tree wrapped in a basket bag. All 3 teachers loved them.
ReplyDeleteI worked as an instructional assistant for 3 plus years. I was astonished at the horrible gifts (or none at all) from the children I worked with the most, and the awesome gifts I received from children that I barely knew. The best gift I received, though, was a letter from a 4th grader during Teacher Appreciation week. She poured her heart out to me, thanked me for everything I did...it brought me to tears. I'll never forget it. I think this list you did is great, though I would avoid cash and alcohol!
ReplyDeleteI'll say it again - words win! I love hearing how her note affected you. Thanks for sharing, Kristin!
DeleteI have a company called Doodles and Drawings, I will take your kid's doodles, drawings, pictures, and special memories and make it into an original book. These books make GREAT teacher gifts, especially each child in the class contributes a piece. Visit my website, www.DoodlesAndDrawings.com or on facebook, www.facebook.com/DoodlesAndDrawings
ReplyDeleteThese books are PERFECT end of the year gifts, too.
Sounds super cute! I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the lead!
DeleteI haven't read through all your comments, but we teachers would probably LOVE a gift certificate to www.teacherspayteachers.com (we generally spend our money and time there prepping for lessons!).
ReplyDeleteI second this an am so glad www.teacherspayteachers.com offers coupons!
DeleteI've not heard of that! I'll have to check it out. I hope your tip blesses a teacher this year! :)
DeleteAs usual special educator was left off list........
ReplyDeleteOh dear! It was certainly not intentional. The list of gift recipients was just the beginning, and meant to trigger parents to start thinking about who enriches their kids' lives. Special education teachers absolutely deserve to feel appreciated at Christmas time and all year! :)
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ReplyDeleteThese crayon monograms are super cute! I made one for both of my boy's teachers this year and they loved them.
This is a great list! I would like to add to please not forget your child's special education teacher if they receive services. I am a resource room special educator and while I don't say this because I want gifts, I am almost always forgotten about when it comes to things like kleenex, and other school supplies (pencils, markers, crayons, even paper). I have to supply all of this out of my pocket and because I am not the general education teacher I do not receive those types of things that parents frequently send to school.
ReplyDeleteFor the end of the year gift, I have started giving my kids' teachers a rose bush that they can plant. It's been five years since I started with my son's kindergarten teacher, and she comments on it every year when she sees me giving that year's teacher their rose bush.
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher, I love these ideas. My all time favorite gift was a money tree. The room mom collected the money that would have gone towards a mug or a desk plaque and tied all the bills to a spray painted tree branch.
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ReplyDeleteThis year, my class adopted me a flamingo at the zoo. The money helps pay for the flamingo's food!! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!
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Nice Blogging! May be you expect Male Teacher in Primary School.But they are not Interested to do Primary School Job.Because of Low Salary. May be you are agree with me.
ReplyDeleteSuch cute ideas!!! Thanks for featuring mine…oh wait…I haven’t done anything for back to school! I’ve got big plans to do something fun this weekend–BIG, I tell ya!
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This article is so helpful! I am often gifting my children's teachers, but I would never want to give something they don't want! They do so much to help us shape our little ones, and I always want them to know how much we appreciate them. Your list helps us know what to give (and what to avoid), so they will enjoy...
ReplyDeleteTo use baseball terms, Angie, you are putting the ball on the T for us, and thanks to your generous sharing of your research & creativity, we can hit it outta the park! I am leading the charge on Teacher Appreciation Week (coming soon in May!), and your post has helped shape the path our class will take.
Much appreciation for being a positive ray of sunshine in this world!
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ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite "teacher gifts" last year was a dish towel angel, made with red and green striped dish towels. I can use it all year long, and it was an adorable presentation.
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ReplyDeletemany many thanks for sharing this comprehensive list, it really is a great idea.
What I don't get is why people think it is such a good idea to give apple themed gifts to teachers? Can someone enlighten me please, I really have no idea (grown up in a different pop culture, I guess)...
Thanks in advance!!
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ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of great ideas on here, things that I, as a teacher myself, would love to get. But just as there are dietary restrictions, there are also medical restrictions. I used to love taking Advil until I found Aleve. Then I loved Aleve, until I donated my kidney. Anyone with one kidney or compromised kidneys cannot take NSAIDS. 😞 So maybe an alternative would be Airborne or Vitamin C tablets to prevent getting sick from germy kids. 😁
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Thanks! I couldn't find a greeting card. A nice greeting card (hand made/printed) will also be a good addition to this list......!
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ReplyDeleteI am a teacher. I am also a realist. The holidays have become exorbitantly pricey for many families. I don't expect any gifts but that said, would appreciate anything these families can afford to give. It is up to me to throw it away or not. It would be best to encourage open cards and letters complimenting the teacher with a copy sent to their administrator. Save the money wasted on yet another hot cocoa mug and send a bold but positive letter to the school.
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I liked when students brought me something that I would remember them for (keep those in my office for difficult days). LOVED flowers, plants, or things to take care of myself with a note from them and PARENTS. Teachers get cards from kids almost daily but when we hear from parents that they see our effort it makes the gift so much more special.
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