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As a mom, I know how to appreciate my child’s teacher. But what do you get the teacher to show your appreciation? I have put together the perfect outline on what to gift a teacher.
I truly do enjoy spending quality time with my daughter, but I could never teach her myself. I’ll stick with the life lessons and leave the academic learning to the professionals, aka the teachers. My daughter doesn’t like when I correct her or telling her to start something over. Thus I appreciate what the teachers go thru.
My husband is also a teacher,so I have good understanding of what they like to receive. I have had some recommendations from him over the years about “improving” my teacher gifts. He has given direction with what to gift a teacher, so they love it!
The gifts are put into three different categories:
- school supplies
- Christmas/Holiday
- and the end of year
School Supplies as a Gift?
Yes! School Supplies aka wish lists come out in August. Parents should try to purchase as many items as financally possible. Your kids need their basics, but don’t forget the items that matter to the teacher.
I guarantee your child will use the tissues, paper towels and clean wipes throughout the school year. Imagine what they use in your house, so the same amount will also used in class.
Teachers get a limited budget for their supplies, so the more you give, the more creative the teacher can get with his/her teaching.
Reminder:
Two things.. don’t forget other teachers besides the homeroom teacher. Students have extra curricular activites or steam classes, and these teachers need to be supported as well. If you pick one out each year to help, everyone would have enough. I always chose to get my daughter’s ESE teacher an item. This teacher does wonders for my daughter, but doesn’t have as many students as a regular teacher. Don’t forget the extras!
Second thing… Just because your student graduated from elementary to high school and teacher wish lists don’t get sent out, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. My husband teaches high school and he rarely gets items from his students. That means for all his different class periods he has his limited budget and his own pocket to supply everything. Thats it!
What to Gift a Teacher for the Holidays?
When you start your seasonal shopping, don’t forget to add the teacher to your list of recipients. They deserve a gift for getting half way through the school year.
I always believe gifts should be useful. Gift cards are high on my list especially places such as Target, Amazon and Wal Mart. Teachers can use these gifts to restock their own classrooms or help in their own seasonal shopping.
DIY is always a good option, but make sure it is practical. Teachers don’t want a million coffee mugs or pairs of socks. Handmade soaps and sanitizers will be well utilized this year.
The latest trend that I love to give is a small business DIY. If you or a loved one has started a side business of crafts, use this opportunity to promote them. It will be beneficial to that small business to help their profit in buying a gift, as well as advertising their brand through the gift giving process.
I love to give DIY with a cute tag. Pinterest has so many wonderful cute taglines for gifts. When my daughter was in day care we gifted scented soaps with tags that said “Hands down, the best teacher around.” Something cute, simple but useful!
What to Gift a Teacher at the End of the Year?
The end of the year is nearing and you finally realize that you will be spending all summer with your children. Your kids have learned and grown so much in the last year and you should acknowledge what the teachers have done. I usually give gifts when the teachers throw the “end of the year party,” which has happened in every grade so far.
What to gift a teacher that is going on summer break? I usually keep the gift seasonal. It is summer break, so they will probably use the summer for vacations or outings of their own. Gift cards are always still a good option.
Try something unique like a summer basket of sunscreen and snacks to enjoy through the upcoming months. I would rather get items that they will use (would have already spent money on), rather than another “cup” or “tervis” that could be collecting in their cupboard. Get creative and really think, “what would I like?” and “what would I use?”
Never over think the gifts! Just remember to be generous. Teachers do so much for us and should be appreciated all year long.
Also keep in mind, teachers are both male and female, so remember sometimes the guys do prefer the gift cards over the hand soaps. One time my husband came home with tea, and handed it to me. Something he would never have used himself, but luckily for him he is married, and I could use it!
Remember your teachers and good luck this school year!
