‘Tis the season of holiday recitals, travel logistics, school breaks, turkey brining, photo taking, candle lighting, gift planning, and tree decorating… along with the task of somehow making it all seem effortlessly magical.
Oh, and don’t forget teacher gifts!
Not only because they really, really, really deserve it, but the little things that make the day smoother, spark moments of joy or connectedness or wonder with students—those things make every school day better for teachers and students alike.
Gifts Teachers Really Want
These items won’t always be on teacher wishlists (too impractical), or Santa wishlists (too work-focused), but these just-for-fun classroom additions will brighten every day for any teacher and their students.
Classroom Prizes
Fun fact: bribery works in many classrooms. Help teachers reward the students who put in effort by keeping their treasure boxes well stocked with prizes. Pencil charms, desk pets, bookmarks, and fidgets are just a few of our most popular prizes that quietly motivate students to do their best in class. Throw in some stickers—trendy, seasonal, smelly, sparkly, mini—and teachers will never run out of ways to recognize student effort.
Cash & Gift Cards
Most teachers wouldn’t outright ask for money, but all would appreciate it. Tuck some cash into a card with a thoughtful thank you note to show your gratitude. Or, fill an envelope with a money gift, then hand it off with a verbal, heartfelt thanks during drop-off, pickup, or delivered to a teacher cubby.
Or, consider a gift card to a local coffee shop or store that they can spend as they please. Many schools have “teacher favorites” files on their educators, while room parents have a direct line of communication to teachers, so there are different ways to research the best places to purchase gift cards.
Decor Shortcuts
Every teacher wants a beautiful classroom. Many teachers do not want the heavy lifting of finding, buying, printing, and cutting paper decor to hang, only for it to be out-of-season one month later. Streamline the work and skip teachers straight to the fun part (decorating!) with pre-cut, coated, and themed Create & Decorate Quick Kits for upcoming holidays and events. Add in seasonal nature, such as pine cones, flowers, and other plants, for a fresh, interactive element to any classroom display.
Fun Art Supplies
Paper, pencils, glue sticks, and colored pencils? The basics, absolute must-haves for every classroom. Parents should be working together to make sure the classroom is stocked with these throughout the year.
Chalk markers, scrapbook paper, dry-erase crayons, glitter, and more? These popular supplies elevate art centers, making projects and every finished piece feel even more special to students. Provide teachers with the tools, and watch how they turn art supplies into meaningful memories for every student.
Classroom Essentials
If just-for-fun items feel out of reach this season, just focus on the essentials. Baby wipes, glue sticks, tissues, snacks; There are certain items that every teacher needs to keep the classroom functioning, and those essentials look different for every educator. Talk to your teacher about their needs, then gather together donations from class parents to stock up on supplies before the new year.
Moving forward, set up a system with other parents to replenish these on an ongoing basis. This not only helps teachers avoid running out of their classroom’s unique essentials, but it allows teachers to completely avoid the mental load of planning, purchasing, and asking for donations.
Meaningful Notes
Saying thank you doesn’t have to mean spending beyond your budget, or any money at all.
Teachers love receiving handwritten notes from their students and families. Did a teacher help your child fall in love with learning about history, or provide the math strategy that finally helped division make sense? Let them know! Include specifics to help teachers understand the impact they have on their students and their lives outside of school. Bonus points if you include a drawing by your little artist, or a similar touch from your child to turn the note of gratitude into a meaningful keepsake.
Gratitude That Matters
Showing teachers appreciation for everything they do can feel like an impossible task. These are the co-creators of your child’s world, teaching them essential academic, social, and life skills every day at school. These gift ideas remind teachers of the impact of their work, show your thanks, and strengthen the home-school relationship so that students thrive.
Regardless of your budget, thoughtful consideration of the kinds of items your teacher would love for their class and beyond is essential for properly thanking these partners in your child’s education.