Gifts For Teachers

As the end of the year approaches we all start to ask that particularly painful question. “What should I get my kid’s teacher for Christmas?”

It’s a hard one! Because while we adore, admire, and appreciate the people who dedicated their lives to teaching our children – we don’t always know a lot about them. So it can be hard to pick out a truly personal gift.

Not Another Mug

Chocolates, mugs, and Christmas decorations are a bit of an easy go-to gift for teachers. So be aware that a dozen other parents have had the same thought. Each. And. Every. Year.

So, unless you KNOW your child’s teacher would LOVE a humorous mug about grammar it’s a good idea to steer away from keepsakes.

Perhaps ask yourself “If other parents bought this year after year, would it still be a good gift?”

The next thing to keep in mind is it doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant. Actually be aware that high value gifts may be refused, or need approval from the school’s administrators. So if you are wanting to spend big, or buy them a gift voucher, it’s worth checking if there’s a limit to what the teacher can accept. (Ask at the office. The people at the office generally know everything about everything!)

 8 Gifts Your Kid’s Teacher Actually Wants

So have a read of this list, then think about what might suit your child’s teacher. If your kid is old enough maybe ask them to do some reconnaissance work for you and suss out what the teacher might want or need.

Booze

When I asked my friends who are teachers what they want for Christmas from students most of them said wine. If you can’t suss out their alcohol preference (Perhaps do that yourself – I’m not sure if sending little Billy to school to ask his teacher would they like a bottle of red or white is a great idea!) you can hedge your bets with a box set with one of each. Which also makes for an easy re-gift it they don’t drink at all.

Movie Tickets

The second most popular answer was movie tickets. Most people enjoy a trip to the movies! Ideally you want to get them two tickets. If you can stretch the budget go to for a Gold Class or equivalent. Also some cinemas allow you to buy vouchers with food included in the package. Given that popcorn and drinks can cost as much as the movie ticket itself, it’s a nice idea to include food if it’s an option.

Stationery

Some teachers can be a bit particular about their stationery and so a gift voucher might be a good idea (Officeworks, Typo, Kikki K). But given how many teachers spend their own money on stationery for your kids it’s nice to top them back up at the end of the year. Paper, pens, pencils, whiteboard markers, stamps, stickers – actually get stickers. Then some more stickers. Stickers are good.

Soaps, Candles, or Pamper Packs

Teaching is stressful work, especially towards the end of the year, so gifts geared towards relaxation might hit the spot. Stores like Dusk or Lush stock great products, and they’re the kind of thing people generally don’t buy for themselves, but appreciate when others buy it for them.

Vouchers or Tickets

It helps if you do know a little bit about your child’s teacher to know what kind of gift voucher they’d most appreciate. Whether they’d like something from a book store, Itunes, Bunnings, Spotlight etc. It could be experience voucher – like for a day spa, dinner, tickets to an event, wine/beer tasting etc. Otherwise try to suss out what brands the teacher already likes and get them a gift card for that store.

Class Gifts

Organising a group gift isn’t just about being able to pool money together. A collaborative gift that involves all of the children in their class might be really appreciated. For example a calendar with a photo from Snapfish and quote from each child saying what they loved most about being in that teacher’s class is a sweet parting gift. Or something from Blank Canvas Gifts where the children can create a personalised gift together for their teacher.

Donations or Charity Gifts

There are many great charity organisations that you can buy from, or make a donation, which can be a really lovely gift. Some options include Oxfam, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, and Rafiki Mwema. If you know of any other organisations I’m more than happy to add them to the list!

Plants

MANY of my friends suggested plants. Apparently teachers like plants. Maybe go for something super tough and hardy if you don’t know how green their thumb is. But the cute idea going around is to put it in a pot with the words “Thank you for helping me grow.” N’awww! Isn’t that just the sweetest?!

So I hope that helps! If you have any other suggestions of great gifts for teachers let me know!

If you’re a teacher – What was the best present you’ve received from a parent or child?