“Oh no! What are we going to give your teacher?” – I think every mom has found herself struggling with this phrase as the holidays approach. Whether it’s a daycare worker, babysitter/nanny/au pair, preschool teacher, or elementary school teacher; these caregivers/educators work hard to help your children grow and learn. We want to appreciate all that they do, and it’s fun for the child to give them something to show their gratitude and love. Below is a Teacher Gift Giving Guide for those special people in our lives…
This article is written by Katie Strohecker
For more on this topic, check out the full Gift Giving collection
Teacher Gift Guide
We don’t want to give them yet another trinket to sit on their desk, or something that is unusable. Typically I would say the budget for spending on a teacher gift is somewhere between $10-$25 (with the exception of a nanny/babysitter who you may love and have a deeper relationship where you would want to spend more). When I polled my teacher friends, they actually loved the homemade items that reminded them of the student.
Being a former teacher myself, let me discourage homemade food items. Although it may be fun to bake some cookies with your children to give, many teachers are wary of the ingredients and the hygiene of how it has been prepared. Just saying…
Below I have put together a comprehensive Teacher Gift Giving list of ideas and suggestions that teachers will actually love and use!
12 Teacher Gift Giving Options (an ode to the 12 Days of Christmas, if you will):
12. Classroom Supplies
Pencils, tissues, hand sanitizer, EXPO markers, sharpies, stickers, etc; teachers are always in need of more supplies! Gift in a cute mug or jar, add a cute tag, and teachers will love this! If you need a little extra inspiration, check out this free DIY Art Station for a few new ideas.
11. Themed-Gift Basket
Try making a themed-gift basket like a “Night In” box, a “Christmas Baking” kit, a “Coffee Lovers” survival kit, a “Winter Cold” survival kit, or a “Snow Day” survival kit.
10. Indoor Plant
A plant for the classroom, or your teacher’s home, is a perfect gift! Consider putting it in a hand-painted pot decorated by your child for that extra element of thoughtfulness.
9. Ornament
This could be homemade, painted at a pottery place, or store bought. You can even purchase a customized ornament with their name on it.
8. Sugar Scrub, Essential Oil Blend, Bath salts, etc.
Browse on Pinterest for tons of easy recipes, or try this simple How to Make a Self Care Kit for All 5 Senses – for no baking required!
7. Gifts Presented in a Ball/Mason Jar
Because everything looks much cuter in a mason jar 🙂
6. Keepsake Potholder
Help your child make a keepsake potholder that they decorate and customize. Maybe they could list all of their favorite characteristics about their teacher/caregiver.
5. Supply Holder
Every teacher can use an extra supply holder for their classroom, or anyone can appreciate a cute new holder on their desk at home. Or, if this person is a DIYer, check out this free Holiday Gift Guide for the DIYer for additional supply ideas.
4. Tumbler
A fun suggestion is to fill it with a few drink mixes such as lemonade, gatorade, iced tea, hot cocoa etc.
3. Travel Coffee/Tea Mug
I think it is safe to say that we could all use a new or extra travel mug!
2. Emergency Stash Kit
This would be so appreciated – and it doesn’t have to be all candy! Include some snack items too!
1. Gift Cards
Everybody loves a gift card to Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks; but don’t forget the much needed places like the local grocery store, gas stations, bookstores, the movies, etc.
No matter what you end up giving, just the thought and extra element of personalization will mean so much to the receiver! It shows them that you care and that you appreciate all that they are doing for you and your family! Happy holidays!
For more on this topic, check out the full Gift Giving collection
Featured Contributor: Katie Strohecker
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