Ever looked at the list of people you need to buy gifts for and just wanted to throw up your hands in despair? You have no idea WHAT to get but you know you’ve got to get SOMETHING. Teachers can be particularly hard to buy for because you probably don’t know them personally. But have no fear….I’ve got some gift ideas for teachers that they’ll love. These are the gifts I enjoyed….and the ones I wanted….when I was in the classroom.
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If your child’s teacher has been teaching any length of time she’s probably already got enough coffee mugs, Christmas tree ornaments, and cute classroom decorations with her name on them. And while some teachers love to get homemade goodies (I was one of those!), some teachers prefer not to because they’re watching their diet, their kids have allergies, etc.
So what DO you get your child’s teacher to show her how much you appreciate all she’s done for your child? The following gift ideas for teachers, while not sexy or glamorous, will be appreciated!
Gifts for the classroom library
1. Read – that’s what we want all kids to do and this set of bookends that says “Read” encourages kids to do jut that.
2. This wooden bookend set keeps books together whether there is a shelf available or not.
3. These cute animal bookends would be great in one of the lower elementary classrooms.
4. This simple “Book” bookend won’t take up much space – critical in crowded classrooms.
Consumable classroom supplies
Even though kids took these to school at the beginning of the year, they go quickly when school is in session. Learning and creative endeavors take supplies and most schools aren’t furnishing anywhere near what is needed.
1. The days of chalkboards are pretty much a thing of the past. White boards are in most classrooms and teachers ( and students ) go through a lot of dry erase markers and erasers in a year’s time.
2. You’d be surprised how much tempera paint and water color paints one classroom can go through in a year!
3. Construction paper and manila paper are staples that run out quickly in art classrooms and elementary classrooms.
4. Those glue sticks you sent at the beginning of the year…they’re empty and the classroom needs some more.
- Both kids and teachers use binder clips to keep supplies together.
- Scissors have a way of getting lost and there’s nothing worse than starting an art project and not having a pair of scissors for every student
- To make the classroom inviting requires some decorating. Bulletin board border is used not only around bulletin boards, but around doors, windows, learning centers…you’d bu surprised at how versatile they are. But they don’t last forever and do get worn.
- An organized classroom is one that functions better and makes learning easier. Letter trays help everyone in the classroom know where things belong.
Gift to make a teacher’s job more pleasant
Insulated drinking cup with a lid. Things can get hectic in classrooms and insulated cups with lids prevent messy spills and also keep drinks cold till it’s break time when she can grab a quick sip.
A Collapsible umbrella to keep at school for those outside duties when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Teachers are on their feet…a lot. This means feet that get tired and sore. These folding flat shoes may can be kept in a desk drawer and pulled out whenever those tired feet need a break.
Edible gift ideas for teachers
- Jar of peanuts or cashews (unless you are worried about nut allergies).
- A 6-pack of her favorite soda to keep at school.
- Microwave popcorn.
- Individually wrapped peppermints or other hard candy.
- Hershey’s kisses (or other bite-sized chocolate treats).
- Single servings of flavored teas to add to water bottles.
- Water bottles.
- Pretzels.
- Pre-packaged hot chocolate mix or apple cider.
Personal gifts teachers love
Coins/money for the school vending machines. Add a cute saying to make it more personal.Movie tickets to a local theater.
A plant for the classroom or home.
Fresh flowers for her desk.
Gift cards to the restaurant or fast food places. Whether it’s for the morning coffee stop or for a quick dinner between school and an evening school event, teachers are busy.
A gift to the local office supply store.
A gift card to the local teacher store. There’s not a teacher alive (who’s worth her salt) who isn’t spending way too much of her own money on classroom supplies. In fact, the average teacher will spend nearly $500 each on supplies each year. She’s in the best position to know what she needs and trust me, she’s going to be spending some time – and money – in these stores anyway. She will definitely love and appreciate having some “free” money to spend.
Gifts for a healthy classroom
Keeping everyone healthy in the classroom is always a concern. And unfortunately, teachers frequently are spending their own money to keep their classrooms as clean and sanitary as possible. Here are some items that will definitely be used…and appreciated.
There are lots of hard surfaces that need to be wiped down to prevent the spread of Covid, flu, and the plain old common cold. Antibacterial wipes are worth their weight in gold when it comes to keeping germs at bay.
And it’s important to keep hands clean as well as surfaces.
You’d be stunned to know how many boxes of tissue you can go through in a classroom!
Some things need to be sprayed rather than wiped down. We had a horrible time around here finding Lysol spray and teachers were begging and desperate.
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this is a great list. We usually give a gift card for the local movie theater but classroom supplies are something that I honestly never thought of for some reason #overthemmoon
I’m sure those teachers are loving those movie gift cards! I know I would have since we’re movie fans at my house. And I seriously don’t know any teachers who aren’t appreciate of any thoughtfulness that comes their way in whatever form it takes.