As many of you know, I was a teacher for a few years in my former life. And on behalf of teachers everywhere, I beg you… Please, spare your child’s teacher of another scented candle or mug adorned with an apple or a chalkboard. And ditch the sappy poetry books too.
This Christmas, think outside the box! Admittedly, there is nothing earth-shatteringly new and inventive in this list, but here are a few tried and true teacher gift ideas to consider:
Gift Cards. You simply can’t go wrong with a gift card for a bookstore, coffee shop, local restaurant, iTunes, Blockbuster, or even the grocery store. I know they seem impersonal, but you can always give a tin of homemade baked goods along with it. Which leads me to my next suggestion.
Baked Goods. Homemade goodies are ALWAYS welcome. It’s best if you know what he likes, but even if he can’t eat them for one reason or another, he can always share them with his family or serve them to guests. If you don’t bake, no worries! Buy him a can of William Sonoma’s Peppermint Bark Cookies. Or a small box of Godiva chocolates. Or a gift basket from Harry and David. (They have one of these at my local outlet mall, and I love going in there just to browse. They have a nice assortment of gift ideas at various price points.)
Books. If you know what she genre she likes, go for that. But I also highly recommend either of Philip Done’s books. They are sure to be a hit with any teacher. Trust me. I laughed and cried and nodded my head the whole way through both of them.
Coffee or Tea. If you know what she likes, treat her to a pound of gourmet coffee or a box of fancy herbal teas.
Music. Again, music tastes are personal so you would need to know a bit about the teachers likes and dislikes, but a CD of Christmas music is probably a safe bet. I know that I’m always looking for new Christmas music to freshen up my Christmas playlist.
Of course, you can always combine any of the above. I usually give a $10 Starbucks gift card along with a bag of my homemade Peanut Butter Balls to the teachers in our lives.
If you are a parent who is in the classroom a lot, pay attention to what the teacher might want or need. I once had a parent buy me a one-cup coffee maker to keep in my classroom. She noticed that I went upstairs every day to get a cup of coffee from a teacher who had a 10-cup coffee maker in her room. I thought that was so sweet that she noticed, and that she got me something so practical.
Help us out here. What is your favorite gift to give the teachers in your children’s lives? Or if you are a teacher, let us know what you prefer to get from your students. For what it’s worth, when I inquired on Twitter, the teachers who chimed in all mentioned gift cards or baked goods among their favorite gifts to receive.
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So true! My husband and I both taught school, and we had SO many mugs! I want to ditto the GIFT CARD IDEA. Those are the best. Teachers don’t get paid much, so gift cards make the tight Christmas season a little easier. I would take exception to the book recommendation. As a high school English teacher, I REALLY wouldn’t want to get anything I didn’t pick out myself, esp. not a book on teaching or the classroom. Better to give a B&N gift card. Teachers are busy and short on spare time, esp. for Christmas shopping, so don’t give them things they will need to return. Gift cards are definitely the way to go!
We give gift cards and some of my husbands home roasted coffee. Would never,ever, ever give bath products, candles, mugs, or cookie mix-in-a-jar. I’ve always thought that was the worst gift ever. I mean, if they have to add their own eggs and butter (the most expensive of the ingredients) and still bake the cookies themselves, what kind of gift is that?
Mary Kathryn, thanks for the input. Perhaps I enjoy the books so much because I am NOT teaching anymore.
Kristin, LOL! I always thought those were cute gifts, but I don’t think I ever gave one. PHEW!
Last year I caught a great sale in early Novemebr at verbradley.com so I bought two large wallets, and put $5 starbucks giftcards in them (teacher & an aide). This year it will be a $10 gift card and cookies, I think. Or maybe just $20 in cash with a thank you note?
Is it tacky to give cash?
It is my firm believe that cash is never tacky.
Who wouldn’t want cash? 
Of course, making sure the bills are crisp and new is always nice.
What great suggestions! I am totally making your peanut butter balls this weekend! What a fun gift for a teacher; a homemade treat and maybe a travel mug with a Starbucks g/c.
Our BIL sends us Harry and David’s every year–I would nix that one in the bud. The fruit is awful–the most blandest, ucky tasting stuff they can find. As a college professor, I can’t accept gifts from students although one bunch got me a gift certificate to a spa once.
Unfortunately for me, my hubby is adamantly against all gift cards, so those are out. I usually try to make some baked goods and give them with an ornament. I figure a person can never have too many Christmas ornaments.
I also try to make sure that the student helps with the making of the baked goods or the ornament (if we make that). Great ideas though! It’s good to know what other people are giving.
Cathryn, I was thinking more of the caramel popcorn and candy type of gifts. But I am surprised their fruit isn’t good. I thought it would be.
Love the Christmas ornament idea.
Last year I gave the sling shot monkeys with a Panera Bread gc. They were fun. This year, I am giving a Bath and Body Works antibacterial soap in the winter candy apple scent and a Panera GC.
I was a 1st grade teacher until this past fall when I decided to take a year off to have our 3rd baby & stay home with our other 2 kiddos. That said… Gifts from Bath & Body Works are always appreciated. YANKEE candles are always good too… please forget the cheap grocery store “yankee-like” candles. Ha! I would have to say the best gift ever given to me was a gift card to a local spa for a mani/pedi. There is nothing a 1st grade teacher would appreciate more than a good pedi after standing on her feet ALL day long, every day!
Oh, movie tickets are also good too!
My plan is a gift card and blank stationery in a cute basket. I sometimes bake, but I’m just not feeling it this year. I have never given a teacher anything with an apple or chalkboard or the word ‘teacher’ on it. Last year my daughter mentioned that the teacher’s white board markers weren’t working anymore, so I gave her a pack of dry erase markers along with baked goods. I liked knowing I was giving something useful.
I always give an assortment of Thank you cards. The teachers really appreciate it because they never have enough and can always use them.
Loving the stationery and thank you card ideas.
Huh, baked goods were always my LEAST favorite gift. Do you know how hard it is to eat it all when you come home with 50 different batches of baked goods, all of which will go stale if you don’t eat them within a week or two? I have a very low tolerance for sugar (that is to say my body does! unfortunately my tastebuds don’t!) so that makes it worse. If only someone would give me popcorn, trail mix, Chex mix, ANYTHING else! (That having been said — if it’s NOT Christmas, I love getting a random apple or cookie from a student. That’s sweet. But you don’t want to give the teacher the same thing they just got 20 of, especially if it’s something that has to be eaten or it will go stale.)
Gift cards are a very nice gift, always. If you know something about the teacher’s interests, it’s a great way to personalize — for instance, all the teachers at work go to Panera whenever they can afford it because it is right down the road, so a Panera gift card would be golden. The same goes for other gifts — work off of (non-teaching) interests. (My kids’ moms all know I’m expecting, so I’ve gotten a baby knitting set and a bagful of maternity hand-downs. VERY appreciated.)
As far as the other suggestions go, hmmm. I like the Christmas ornament idea. I do not like the Christmas music idea … I don’t like having a ton of Christmas music, and I’m picky about what I like. Candles and bath stuff sound fine to me. A parent gave me scented handsoap, and that was very appreciated, considering how many times a day I should wash my hands with all these kids around!
But, the main thing is knowing you got remembered for Christmas. And as far as that goes, so long as the parents give a card or a little gift, I feel pretty happy. I got a bouquet of flowers once, and was thrilled about that one! It’s just the thought that makes the difference.
I also was a teacher in my former life and I completely agree with your suggestions!!! Even a simple card with a handwritten note would be just as appreciated!
What great gift ideas.
I have given baking in the past, and used to wonder if there is a huge stash of baking in the teacher’s lunch room that all the teachers snack on during the christmas season
I’m not so sure about the cash idea. I was a Speech Pathologist in my former life and I know I would have felt VERY awkward accepting cash (we also have fairly strict ethical implications re: conflict of interest and cash gifts etc – not that $10 or so is probably a big deal.
I agree with NO bath products. I haven’t worked for 2 Christmases now, and am still going through generic creams. My old boss could never use these either as she had sensitive skin. I also just put on weight over Christmas eating baked goods and chocolates by the truckload.
My favourite presents were paintings or crafts made by the kids, with a handwritten card. As a non-hoarder, these often made their way to the bin by about Easter, but it was lovely to think that the children had put effort into the gifts.
I have also vowed never to give a teacher a card with my children’s photo on it. I didn’t particulary want to keep a whole stack of photos of children I worked with 5 years ago, but I always felt guilty throwing photos away!
We have a local bookstore that is the best place on earth. The owner always has an author in doing book signings. Last year the kids were in kindergarten and had teachers that were literacy specialists so to coincide with our extraordinary winter weather I got them each a classroom book titled snow day, hardcover, signed by the author and illustrator with a special message for the teachers. The teachers loved it.
AWESOME ideas! I’m firmly tucking these ideas into my brain file cabinet under ‘when Bubbalu goes to school’.
I usually stick with gift cards for a coffee shop that’s close to the school. I figure that even if they don’t drink coffee, they can get juice or a muffin.
I usually have my son write a few words in the card about his teacher, and I add my 2 cents in there… It’s always nice to hear how much you’re appreciated!
My grandma used to make the peanut butter balls every year, but called them buckeye balls and left part of the peanut butter center showing to look like an eye. I really miss eating them. Maybe I will have to try this year. Thanks for linking back to the recipe.
I had a thought after the last post. Have you tried using dark chocolate chips? I bet that would be good.
I love receiving coffee gift cards with that little personalized note from parent and child. Other fun gifts have been gift cards from Kohl’s or department stores, from Penzey’s spices, or even a bottle of wine.
That reminds me! I was going to suggest a bottle of eggnog that’s already got the alcohol in it. I got one of those and it is GOOD. And it’s a pretty bottle too. I meant to add that to my post and forgot.
We do gift cards to the coffee shop right by school and warm fuzzy socks. The teachers love the socks (or at least they say they do lol)and the coffee shop runs specials for local teachers all the time.
We make Buckeyes, which are FABULOUS but use peanut butter chips and vanilla frosting. So good, so rich and so worth it!
Since I sell Mary Kay I usually give one of the gifts with purchase like the travel satin hands set plus baked goods. I hope they don’t get tired of those but I try to go for broad appeal and not too specific.
I am reading “Close Ecounters of a Third Grade Kind” now. I was sent it for as a blog review and really enjoy it. I am going to pass it onto my aunt who is a 1st grade teacher when I am done.
O.K., this makes me very sad because for the first time in my life (or at least in the last 13 years) I don’t have to buy teacher gifts. My kids are now all in jr. high and high school, and I don’t do gifts for all those teachers. Sorry, I just don’t.
But, a couple of years ago I stumbled upon a great teacher gift idea. Go to Williams-Sonoma and buy a package of Christmas towels. They usually come in packages of three or four. When you’re there, also buy some of their wonderful Winter Forest dish soap. Mmmmmm. Smells good! Wrap the dish soap in one of the dish towels, tie it with a pretty ribbon and there you go! A beautiful, inexpensive teacher gift. And, believe me, everyone loves this gift. I’ve given it many times to many friends over the years and they are always delighted to have that luxurious dish soap.
Shelly, THAT is a fabulous idea!
I had a parent monogram a blanket for my coming baby girl my last year teaching, and I still love it (She’s 2 1/2!)
Wow, lots of great comments. Thanks to all the teachers for being honest. It’s very hard for me to know what they are really thinking.
We are still in daycare and I know they are never paid enough. I have done gift cards, but this Christmas, I’m giving cash. I did a brief stint as an at-home babysitter and the family gave me a cash gift at Christmas. I remember thinking that was so nice.
I also got a nice, large bar of Lindt chocolate to attach to the card.
When my kids went to a drop-in preschool regularly, there were so many teachers that it was hard to not spend way too much but still recognize that there were 4-5 adults who really mattered to their days! I used to have the kids color home made book marks and cut some fringe on the ends and then put those in an envelope with a book of holiday stamps. It wasn’t much but it was something.
Last year one teacher was a single mom with a 3 yr old..she got a Target gift card. This year both teachers are single, with no kids at home…they’ll get Trader Joes gift cards. It’s groceries but a little more “special” and kind of a fun place to shop for holiday treats.
Instead of Christmas gifts we do Thanksgiving gifts which is usually a baked good with a handmade “I’m thankful for good teachers” card.
What a great post! I’ve been teaching for 17 years and have gotten all kinds of gifts over the years. Your ideas are wonderful!
My kids’ teachers are getting self-nking monogram stamps and a box of homemade notecards this year. My daughter and I purchased the stamp together, and made the notecards. The total cost of this special gift (monogram stamp, card materials, and envelopes) was $24!
This is my 8th year teaching, but my first year teaching elementary. I actually got gifts when I taught middle school. I can tell you that I don’t need another coffee mug (I don’t even drink coffee at home or work!), a scented candle, or a bottle of something I am allergic to from B&BW. Gift cards are always appreciated! The two best gifts I ever got were a pot holder that one of my students that was a foster child crocheted for me; and a little turquoise bottle and bowl from Avon (my granny has the same one, it’s pretty old) and a very “loved” stuffed animal from a student that probably never said three words in class and came from a very large and needy family. Those are tough to beat!
Excellent suggestions. Especially the gift card idea. As you said, you simply can’t go wrong with that idea. Even if it’s $5 to Starbucks. $5 beats a corny mug or apple magnet any day…
My daughters made some bracelets for their teachers this year. They also made them for the girls in their ballet class. I like to use the stretchy cord elastic to make them and my girls can do everything on them except tie the knots. I’ll include a card or something too.
I love themes. One year I gave If You Give a Mouse a Cookie book, along with some yummy cookies. Another year it was a refillable movie cup with a movie gift card and box of candy inside.
I love these ideas! My oldest son is in Kindergarten, so this is my first year of gifts for teachers. I am thinking of making homemade Biscotti with a tin of Hot Chocolate along with a $10 Borders gift card. I also make felt play food & noticed that the classroom has a kitchen set but no play food. That might be a nice addition. Thanks for all the brilliant ideas!
I love the ideas – thanks for sharing. Some things that I have done that seem to be well received are: a Barnes and nobles gift card along with a note from my child, a book light and a beaded bookmark that my child made – use waxed twine with beads on each end and a pretty charm (I think they turned out cute). I also have given them the story of the “Christmas Orange” (google the story)with a basket of the small oranges called cuties – a few teachers commented on this they shared the story and the oranges with their class.
Great comments, I used to clean houses and did alot of teacher’s homes. They would tell me how they hated getting all the stuff like mugs, bath kits, and things that take up space or you have to dust lol. I think gift cards are really nice as they can use it to supplement their own gift budget. One teacher I know got over $100 in different gift cards and used those to buy for people on her list. One last thing, this year I sent a popcorn tin (my daughter’s insistance) and a card that told him how wonderful we think he is and that 4 toys had been picked out and donated in his honor to the local toys for tots. When we got a thank you note today he said that was the donated toys were the coolest thing he’d “recieved” in his 17 yrs of teaching. So, thought I’d add that here. You can show your appriciation and help the needy at the same time.
A useful gift for the classroom with a teacher appreciation sentiment is great. Mouse pads, desk clocks and pen holders make great teacher gifts.