I have been on both sides of teacher gifts. As both the giver and the receiver of teacher gifts, I have made some observations on what is best! And I, like all of the teachers I have spoken with on this subject, was appreciative of ANY token of love and appreciation! In fact, every teacher I talked to expressed gratitude on simply being thought of.
That being said, here are the top five gifts teachers would love to have this holiday season!
1. Gift Cards
Hands down, this was the first gift that every teacher I polled answered! These can be given in any increment, are easy to transport home from the classroom, and give the teacher a choice in what he or she picks out. Some teacher favorites are Starbucks, Sonic, and cards to nearby eating establishments. In fact, the Edmond Louie’s and Upper Crust both offer teacher’s discounts at lunch, which makes the cards go even further!
2. Something Personal
Many PTO’s and homeroom moms send home a list of “Favorite Things.” Selecting something from a list like this is sure to bring a smile to your favorite teacher’s face! Does he or she collect anything? Are they a huge Thunder fan? When you take the time to get to know the person that is caring for your child all day, it truly means the world to them. Just putting some thought into it (does the teacher that has three children of her own, a dog, and a husband really want a poinsettia to care for as well?!) shows how much you care!
3. Consumable Items
Remember how I said teachers appreciate your thoughtfulness? Teachers blaze through thank-you and blank cards expressing their gratitude. T.J. Maxx and Marshalls both have a great selection of cards that you can pick to reflect your special teacher’s personality. Colorful pens for grading, Sharpies, or Post-It notes are always loved. Another thing that teachers use are scent warmers or diffusers for both their classroom and home. (Be sure to check if anyone in the class or your teacher’s family is allergic to fragrances before you go this route.)
4. Holiday Cheer
Think of things you like to do with your family this time of year. Chances are your child’s teacher would enjoy some of those things as well. Maybe he or she has mentioned to the class that they enjoy going to look at Christmas lights. Perhaps a gift certificate to Alfredo’s to enjoy after seeing the beautiful lights in Yukon? Or a new holiday DVD to watch with family! I once received a beautiful basket of cookie mixes and decorations. My student knew that I enjoy baking and that gift provided a morning of fun with my own kids! The possibilities are endless.
5. Do something for them!
Sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones that can’t be packaged. Families with multiple kids and/or ones that are single income can’t always shell out for the items mentioned above. Teachers get that!! And again, they don’t expect anything. But a gesture of kindness means a lot to them. Offering to help clean up the classroom after the holiday party or bringing the teacher his or her favorite Route 44 drink at the end of a long day can be the best gift ever! Take the time to sit down with your child and write a few heartfelt lines and holiday wishes. Showing kindness is what the holidays are really all about!
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Natalie has lived in six different zip codes- all within the OKC area! After graduating from Oklahoma Christian University she taught middle school and married her college sweetheart. She traded in teaching writing to middle school students to stay at home with her sons but later went back to teach elementary school when her youngest was five. Natalie enjoys reading and passing on her love of reading to kids. She sometimes is bad with names but has her library card memorized. Natalie also loves baking, watching her boys play sports and anything on Bravo (not always in that particular order.)
