End of the Year Teacher Gifts
Teacher gifts can be extremely tricky. There are so many options out there for gifting, but let me tell you they are not all good choices. Some choices are poor ones and will end up getting thrown in the trash can, so let me help save you from that.
I reached out to a handful of my teacher friends. I needed to know what I was doing right, what I was doing wrong, and maybe what I never even thought of before. If your kids aren’t in school just quite yet, save this one for later. I promise it’ll be a keeper. As a mom of five, I know I needed this info myself.
What Not To Get
Teacher things
I always thought teacher gifts were fun, though I never ended up gifting them. Apparently, teachers don’t always want the reminder of the chaos outside of the school building. Who knew they actually had lives outside of school?
Coffee mugs
Coffee mugs are one of the most trashed gift. Maybe it’s because they get so many of them. Instead of a coffee mug, opt for actual coffee or a gift certificate.
Things They Love
“Thank you for teaching me for one whole year.”
Handmade cards
This was across the board everyone’s favorite gift! The thought process behind the handmade card is what reminds them why they love doing what they’re doing. This is why they became teachers in the first place, to change children’s lives. Knowing they did, even in the smallest way is the biggest and best gift.
Handmade gifts
Anything that comes from a thankful heart is a great gift. It’s the idea of knowing you want to fill their cups is what makes them the happiest.
Coffee
Every now and again, there’s that one person that doesn't like coffee. Though that is foreign to me and makes absolute no sense, there are a few out there. For the majority though, coffee is a great gift. Snag a gift card from one of the local shops there or Starbucks if nothing else is around. Worst case for the non coffee lover, there’s always food they can get or a yummy tea or smoothie.
Something to remember
There are moments throughout the year where teachers share little snippets of themselves. Whether they are a ballerina, play an instrument, have a favorite candy or color, or have favorite movie. If a child remembers any of those, lean into that and get a gift in that arena. Remembering something they said reminds a teacher that students listen to them, and that can be heart warming.
Gift cards
If you are not one with extra time to get things made, gift cards are always a good choice. Snag one from a local shop in town, maybe they have a favorite. Grab one from a good restaurant or whatever sounds good.
Gift From the Heart
Gifts are great! They are a great way to show the teachers in your kids lives, the ones that are there for them day in and day out, that they are appreciated. Many teachers go above and beyond their pay grade and their job description for our children. Whether that’s pulling them aside on a child’s bad day to see what is going on and try and put a smile on their face, or staying late to help them figure out a problem they were having on an assignment.
Teachers listen to kids silly stories, their big feelings, or their inability to understand the work. They are often very empathetic to their students feelings, willing to help in whatever way they can. Teachers meet them in their struggles and are almost always going to get them any extra help. Most importantly, they are with our children everyday trying to help us shape them into incredible human beings, humans who are kind hearted and have a great work ethic.
Teachers deserve a lot, and with that comes a gift that speaks from the heart of gratitude. Let them know your appreciation daily. They won’t ever forget the kind words you speak.
