‘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.

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.

🏆 Incentives & 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, 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 & 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, or hand it off in an envelope with a verbal thanks. Or, consider a gift card to their favorite coffee shop or store that they can spend as they please.

✨ 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 basic coloring supplies? Art class basics, absolute must-haves. Chalk markers, scrapbook paper, and dry erase crayons? These extra supplies help uplift creative centers and make every finished piece feel special.

💛 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.

Showing teachers appreciation for everything they do can feel like an impossible task. 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.