How to Make or Buy Teacher Gifts
Thoughtful Present and Gift Basket Ideas for Your Child's Teacher
Throughout the school year, opportunities arise for gifts for teachers. Holidays, birthdays, Teacher Appreciation Day and others events are easy with a little know-how.
It can be a challenge to find a suitable and economical present for teachers. Many ideas, while well-intended, can become a burden to the recipient. After all, a person can only have so many coffee mugs or tree ornaments. Over time, teachers accumulate quite a few knick knacks and items that clutter their classroom and home.
But it doesn't have to be difficult. Gifts that will be appreciated can be simple, inexpensive and easy to find.
Gifts to Make
Fun to get the kids involved, homemade gifts are always a hit.
- A "Movie Night" box, decorated and filled with bags of microwave popcorn, box of candy and a free movie rental coupon
- A first aid kit can be purchased, but also made by putting together simple items, such as adhesive bandages, antibacterial ointment, tweezers, and cotton balls in a decorated box
- If the teacher is also a parent, a coupon book for a free night or weekend afternoon of babysitting is invaluable
- Scrapbooks filled with messages and pictures of the students is always a favorite year-end or holiday gift.
- A thank-you note or card, detailed and personalized, from the student and/or the parents is appreciated.
- A theme basket filled with related items:
- cold care (lozenges, tissues, chicken soup)
- pampering (bath salts, lotions, candles)
- music, dvds, or books
- car items (ice scraper, handi wipes, car wash coupon, emergency light and blanket)
- small sewing kit (scissors, thread, needle, safety pins)
- Pens ,Pencils, Markers, especially Dry Erase and "Sharpie" Poster Board, Construction Paper, notecards, tape, stickers
- Books, books, books
Gifts to Buy
School supplies are always appreciated. Many teachers use their own money to stock their classrooms with items throughout the year. Almost all teachers are thankful for supplemental classroom material.
- Organizing items such as crates, containers with drawers to store small items, photo boxes
- First Aid Kits
- Computer storage devices (cds, etc)
- Photo albums
- Hand Sanitizer and tissues
- Food gifts in the form that would be appreciated (is the teacher a tea or coffee drinker? Can they eat sweets?)
- Gift Card for an office supply store, music or bookstore
- Charitable donations in the teacher's name, especially to school scholarship or enrichment funds
- Personal items can be tricky, but many teachers say they appreciate gift cards to restaurants or for services at salons or even gas cards.
Additional Ideas
For the Art Teacher:
- A doctor's smock, perhaps with the teacher's name or initials embroidered. Great for keeping clothes clean and pockets to keep their art supplies handy
For the Music Teacher:
- Blank music paper, music software, organizers, books
Teachers in higher grades appreciate gifts too. Be creative. The Spanish teacher might like a CD of Spanish music, the Math teacher might enjoy a computer game or extra protractors or inexpensive calculators.
Don't forget other people involved in your students' education. The principals, administrative assistants, secretaries, librarians, bus drivers, gym teachers and even the custodians can all be remembered and celebrated.
