Each Christmas, we would always give our teacher’s a Christmas Gift- they can definitely add up when you have multiple kids. Plus, you have school teachers, dance teachers, piano teachers etc…. so, I was wondering what kind of gifts do you guys give to teachers??
AllYou has a cute idea for home-made hot chocolate that I saw this morning. If you had a lot of teachers to do presents for, this would probably be an easy and cute way to get them done.
Please share your awesome ideas in the comment section. I’m sure we are all in the same boat with what to get our awesome teachers!
Holly
As a techer myself I am leary to eat anything that is homemade from my students. I would take teh $5 or $10 that you are spending to make the gift and just get the teacher a $5 giftcard. That is what I do for my children’s teacher. Best gift you can give a teacher!
Rachel
I was planning on making “gifts in a jar” today for my daughters teachers. Your comment made me think though. Are you familar and trusting of your class, or do you have a large class that you don’t know that well? (before I waste the time and money)
SB
I, too, am a teacher. Gift cards are the best gift ever. $5 to Barnes and Noble is like hitting the jackpot. I also like cute ornaments for my tree. I never eat anything home made. Not to be rude, but you just never know.
Cecelia
As a retired teacher in a small town where I had grown-up in – homemade gifts were okay if I personally had known the family all of my life and knew the gift would be safe to eat. I received so much body lotion, body spray and the like I was always glad to receive something else. A gift card was the most wonderful gift of all. I would regift these to my children if they had my name on them or if they were blank I’d regift them to someone else if I didn’t plan on using them myself. A Christmas card is also wonderful – remember it’s not the gift that counts “It’s being thought of that matters the most!”
Rachel
O.K. I was thinking small classes (like of 10) students, for my daughters dance teacher. I never thought about public schools having so many kids. I can see why you wouldn’t eat the homemade stuff!! I knew I didn’t want to get candy or “things” to sit around, yet can’t afford enough of a gift card to make it worth the teachers time to go spend it!! Now I have a new problem! (lol) I hate to just send a note of thanks……
Mary P.
We did a homemade snow globe that I saw on another blog last week. My son loved it sooo much that he wanted to bring it in for show and tell!!
Heather
This year I made a Christmas plaque from a blog I refer to. She highlights a plaque for each month. It’s called “Plaque Attack”. They are easy and cute!
Dawn G
I am also a teacher and really worry about homemade gifts. I would love a donation (book) for my classroom (anything your child deems wonderful… even if it is used!), a game for indoor recess, SCHOOL SUPPLIES (yep, they are still needed), and if you want to “make” something, go ahead and do a tin of food, but just know that I will be putting it in the lounge for everyone to share (including the custodians) in case the food/taste is not to my liking. As a teacher, we appreciate the thought. We really, truly do!
Kathy
Yep, wouldn’t eat any homemade thing from students…just better not to go there. I agree with Holly. Gift cards are great for classroom items; or you could purchase things the classroom needs. Most teachers have lists (kleenex’s, hand sanitizer, etc.).
Rachael
As a teacher myself it is hard to take and eat stuff from students. I have over 200 students and some I do know better than others so I would be a little more willing to eat the food but most times it doesn’t get used. The $5 gift card or a craft is always a safe and good way to go. Don’t get me wrong it is definitely the thought that counts and I am always grateful but it does make teachers a little weary to eat the homemade stuff.
jenn
As a teacher, I would definitely recommend a gift card. I know that this is not what a lot of people want to hear, but most teachers don’t have space for all of this “stuff.” Gift cards to Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, etc are wonderful and thoughtful.
Brigitte
We give our teachers movie tickets, there are usually so many good movies out during the holidays.
Taryn ward
I always find inexpensive socks. Like this year Rite Aid had the cozy socks on sale for .50 cents. I usually just tie a ribbon around them with a candy cane. This year though we are putting them in a clear sack with some halloween candy we got on clerance. Socks and candy, you can’t go wrong:)
Josie
We are giving a Christmas book for the classroom! Found a cute, hardback book for $3.00 at Seagull Book!
Katrina Southwick
I am giving soap from Bath and Body works to my daughters teachers. I thought that would be nice and smell good and maybe help with controlling germs!
Amanda
Fairly inexpensive idea I found online was to get a whisk, fill it with Hershey kisses, wrap in something clear to keep kisses in, tie with a ribbon and attach a note stating “We WHISK you a Merry KISSmas!”
Rachael
That is super cute!
Emily
Would you eat something homemade from every student in your child’s class? It sounds harsh, but if you think about it, you probably wouldn’t. Packaged food is always a good idea or anything else your child feels is special. Teachers love their students and are happy to receive something picked out by your child or made by your child.
amy
get a cute scarf and attach the following poem: “A Christmas scarf so soft and warm to chase away the chills of a winter storm. Wrap it around your neck tonight to help keep out the frosty bite!” Have a warm and wonderful holiday!
Kris
At my son’s school, we asked all of the teacher’s for a “wish-list” of items needed for their classroom and also a few personal items they would like. We then sent a letter home with each student listing what their teacher’s wish list items would be. I think this is a great idea! It helps the parents know what to get and also helps out the teachers with receiving some much needed supplies for their classroom.
Raygan Schieving
I am doing glass etching this year on some jars/candy dishes and then filling them with store bought wrapped candy. All-in-all, it’s not going to be very expensive, but it’s something fun for me and my daughter to do for her teachers! You could easily do the All You idea above and just put candy in it instead of hot cocoa!
Lani
I made some salt scrub for your hands with a youth group and thought it would make a cute teacher gift and really inexpensive. I put it in a small jar with a bow and an explanation of what it is. The recipe that I used was 1/3cup olive oil, 1/2 cup sea salt, and about 10 drops essential oil (lemon is my favorite) and I’ve tried a couple brands of essential oils but DoTerra is the one I like best.
jen park
@Lani Thanks for the scrub recipe. I will be making some of that for me! 🙂
LJay
I must say that I’m leary of giving homemade things like this simply because they seem nice, but have you ever gotten homemade cocoa before? It’s okay, but would you really give someone a box of Swiss Miss for Christmas? I have been a teacher before and teachers don’t need cheap stuff; they need appreciation. No more coffee mugs, please, and no more apple themed gifts. Even a $5 gift card or an inexpensive Christmas ornament would be appreciated. Or if you aren’t financially able to give even that much, how about a nice letter, thanking him or her for the work they do or for something specific they have done for your child?
Mar
Sure I would give someone a box of Swiss Miss. I see nothing wrong with that.
Meredith
I am a teacher and I would love a box of Nestle Hot Chocolate.
Jessica
Teacher here too…..it’s funny how much candy you can get, too much. I like it and would eat it, but if you include all the treats you get from neighbors at home, my house is over run. Teachers really don’t need the candy or treats. I understand the need for cheap also, so in saying that….some of my favorite “gifts” are heartfelt cards and things made by the student and sincere notes of appreciation from parents. That makes me feel loved and appreciated. If you are wanting to get more…stuff for the classroom is great too. 😉
Jenna Parris
I always give the teacher a diffuser.
Lynne
Thanks for the info everyone! My oldest is still in daycare and I am wanting to send something to those who take care of him. I always do “goody bags” for neighbors and had planned on taking candy / cookies for his teachers also. Never even crossed my mind that people would not want to eat homemade stuff! Makes sense though…you never know how clean someone else is and how well they maintain their kitchen. Neighbors and friends are one thing, but after reading this I will definitely go with something store bought for the teachers.
Shannon
I always do book store gift cards. My mom and my mother-in-law are both teachers and always loves those the best, but I will have my kindergartener write a note to go with it too. Thank you TEACHERS! You are the best!
Kelly
We are making salt dough gingerbread men ornaments. I have pictures on my blog: realmofhome.blogspot.com
Bethany
I teach High School, so I very rarely get gifts (and I’m MORE than happy about that). My Husband teaches band to 6th and 7th graders and gets TONS of gifts- mostly candy. Even if it’s not homemade, sweets are just not a good plan, the holidays are already filled with so much unhealthy food! Wish list stuff or gift cards are great! Honestly, I would rather just have a card or picture with a note from my students that says “thanks.”
Tracey
I bought my sons pre k teachers a glass jar(that can be used after christmas for paperclips,tacks etc)that has hard mints in them and a small box of russell stovers choclates(4 in a box)and put them in a cute bag.Hopefully his teachers will like it.
MC
My mom was a kindergarten teacher for many years (in a private school), and she (and us!) always liked the homemade cookies, etc. Of course, she knew the families quite well, and didn’t have apprehensions about food safety.
The one thing she HATED was the Christmas ornaments and other “teacher” gifts with her name on them. Impossible to give to Goodwill, and embarrassing (she found from personal experience) to accidentally put in a garage sale box.
Truly the best things were the class gifts for something she really wanted (and an aware parent in the class knew), like an expensive Korean dogwood tree for her yard, which is still growing strong.
Kathy
That is a funny story. I hope she finds it amusing now. Are society is so full of things it gets overwhelming. I was telling my mil to get her son some of his favorite foods that are not so common because the cost. I told her he would love to get it. She kinda scoffed at me but seriously I do not want more things gathering dust in my house and neither does he. I am letting her get toys for her grandkids I am not a complete scrooge, but I think she thinks I am.
Shauna Read
I was thinking of doing some sticky notes or a notepad with a Christmas Pencil with a tag that says:
Just a note of THANKS! Merry Christmas
Carol
I always ask the teacher what she needs for the classroom and get that. But a cute gift we also give teachers that they enjoyed is a framed thank you note. When my kids were little I had them draw a picture of their teacher or their classroom and the words Thank You, and when they were a bit older, I had them write a thank you note about their favorite things they do in class or what they like about the teacher. After the teacher receives it she can take the note out and put in her own picture.
Kae
My SIL is a first grade teacher and she doesn’t eat the homemade stuff either. To her, cards or letters of appreciation, gift cards, classroom books and supplies are the best gifts.
Rachel
I think some people are missing the point here… this is a great cheap gift idea!
Last year for Christmas we gave all our grandparents cookies in a jar-mix and it was a hit. I think for neighbors and family, people you know, this is a great idea.
Thanks for posting!
Julie
We’ve been getting Cornabys jam for the teachers the last couple of years: https://www.cornabys.com/ It’s my best friend’s company, and we want to support her business, but ALSO, the jam is low in sugar and SO GOOD. My daughter’s sewing teacher liked it so much, she ordered more online and gave them as gifts herself!
laura
I like giving either a bottle of hand-soap or hand sanitizer with a note saying, “We WASH you a Merry Christmas!” With this gift, they can either take it home or use it in the classroom.
Mar
I like that idea!
Jennifer
So cute! We have also done the saying “We SOAP you have a Merry Christmas!”. I think we’ll be doing a giant bottle of hand sanitizer with one of these cute sayings!
Nicole
I am a teacher and what I love most are things that let me know that people know me as a person. Honestly a 12 pack or 2 liter of Diet Pepsi makes me super happy and it lets me know that people pay attention to what I like or what is fun for me–One time I got a super big pink diamond ring that screams me! It probably came from the dollar store, but I thought it was so cute and it is now on display in my classroom!
Jennifer
We give our dance teachers itunes gift cards. An idea that I’m sure they have plenty of use for! 🙂
Chalen
We have given our teachers popcorn warming bags, gift cards or vouchers for voluteering to jobs that they don’t like to do/don’t have time to do themselves (I correct the math time tests for my 1st & 2nd graders classrooms). Last year, we took in dinner for each of my 3 kids teachers and they really appreciated it.
DAWN
We plan on doing this this year for the techers in my daughters class along with the nurse since my daughter spends quite a bit of time being in there because she is type 1 diabetic….
https://familyfun.go.com/crafts/colorful-crayon-letter-1015552/
Stef
Remember those Glade Christmas candles that you showed us how to get for free last year with coupons and sales? Well, I still had some left over. I went through the $1 aisle at Target and got some cute little holiday bags, put a candle in each, then added some Hershey’s Kisses around the candles. The kids took them to school today, and they each cost less than $2.
Deede
My husband is a teacher, and I know he is always grateful for appreciation in any form, but we do have ALOT of Christmas mugs! Teachers don’t teach for the impressive salary, they do it because they love kids and want to make a difference! If you live in Utah and have a teacher you are especially grateful for, send a letter to KSL describing how this teacher has made a difference in your child’s life. If your letter is chosen, your teacher will receive complimentary tickets to the Anniversary Inn, Dinner for two at The Roof, and 2 season passes to Hale Theater. Now that’s something that would REALLY show your teachers they are appreciated! (and it wouldn’t cost you a dime:) )
Debbie/Cranberryfries
Thats a great idea!
Christina
I did something really cute last year that my Kindergarten teacher loved. I made a Christmas tree out of Dr. Pepper soda cans. I got a silver platter from the dollar store for the base and had three levels, made up of a 12 pack of soda. I tied ribbon around each level and put a star on top and wrote “Just what the Doctor ordered Christmas Vacation! Merry Christmas!” She loved Dr. Pepper and I did one for someone else out of Coke and they loved it!!
jen park
I try to give useful gifts. We have ordered stationary and notecards from vistaprint with the teachers name on them(free just pay shipping). Last year we mod podged a clipboard for my daughters dance teacher. We have put together gift bags for dance teachers in past years with headbands, hair ties and lipbalm(mostly Rite Aid freebies). This year my kids mod podged 2 old wooden blocks with christmas paper and I put numbers on them to make christmas countdown blocks for their music teacher. I do make goodie plates, but usually just for dance and music teachers that I have known for years.
Kim
We do movie passes usually but last year, my son’s teacher was new so when she sent home the Scholastic Book Order each month I had her circle one book she would love to have for her classroom. So she got a book each month Aug-Dec. That was her gift and a small amount each month was easy to handle rather than feel like I had to buy something more expensive at holiday time.
I, too, am a teacher and do not eat homemade gifts. Our school even had a policy that no homemade treats could be brought for parties….store-bought only for this same reason.
Kim
P.S. A card really telling the teacher that you appreciate her….and adding some details of things you like about her or how she teaches is priceless. I ALWAYS saved these and would read a few after receiving the more popular nasty notes/emails you can sometimes get from parents. I had one parent (on drugs) who emailed me to complain EVERY day. The other parents went out of their way to send me little “thinking of you” cards and gifts to help cancel out some of the negativity. So if you like your kids teacher…..let her really know it!!
Dottianne Pitzer
The kids at the high school where I teach are 82% free and reduced lunch…whether card, candy cane, home made chex mix….to get a gift or note from any of them …truly it is the thought that counts! 🙂
Ruth Dejam
I always gave a gift card with a little something like a book I either knew they wanted or I thought they would enjoy, a purse-size handy sewing kit, chocolate, etc. Amazon is good especially if you’re doing this at the last minute.
Kathy
I have 2 special needs boys and another son. So we have over 17 staff to do gifts for. I really like a bunch of these ideas from your comments. I never thought they would not want a home baked treat, but have never done that for the teachers in the past anyways. 2 of My boys can’t write, but I may trace or fingerpaint their handprint for the note to attach to whatever I decide to get them. I am definitely going to start asking questions to get a clue to what they like. I think I am going to do the Dr. Pepper tree for my husband….I never buy pop so that will be a treat for him. I am just going to use a plate from home and foil wrap it.
Anjanette Mcneely
I am a teacher and we always love books and other classroom donations over treats and lotions and such. Gift cards to books stores and teacher stores are wonderful.
Angie
I love doing fun gifts for my girls’ teachers, as well as the preschool aides, who help with drop-off each morning. For the drop-off ladies, one year, I did a mug full of prepared hot beverage packets (hot cocoa, starbucks coffee, tea bags, peppermint, etc.). I attached a little poem to the mug, thanking them for standing in the cold each day, and hoping the drinks help them stay warm.
For teachers, I try to find out what they are into and get personal gifts…. a pottery book for one, a Penn State margarita glass for another. It’s amazing what you can find out with a little small talk.
The best I’ve come up with so far, took some planning. I asked the other parents to help. Each asked their child what he or she liked best about their teacher. Then I typed up their answers (along with some of their parents’ answers) and made up a little scrapbook… including the answers and a picture of each child next to his or her comments. I wanted to do something special, because this teacher was so amazing with the kids.
Kristen
I am so glad I read this because I would have never thought that a teacher wouldn’t want to eat homemade treats. I was going to make homemade treats this year to give out but now I think I have some even better ideas from all of you guys. I am excited to get started and let the teachers know how much we appreciate them!
Jill
In our school, the room mothers help put together a list of things the teacher needs in her classroom and that is the christmas wish list. Sometimes its made cute with ornaments on a little paper tree, but its really nice to get the teacher’s something they really need and want. They do this for teacher appreciation week as well.
Kristin
We’re doing a box of Kleenex (knock off brand for $1 ea at Walmart, Shopko, Dollar Store), with a note that reads, “We Tissue a Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year”. For teachers and special needs therapists.
Lisa
I’ll admit I gifted a tray of homemade truffles, and it will be a shame if she doesn’t eat them, because the chocolate sea salted are the best I’ve ever had (and I have a Godiva chocolate rewards card). I am known for my cooking, and was asked to contribute to the teacher appreciation luncheon, so I’m hoping I’m vetted lol. However, if nothing else, I’m sure she appreciated the $25 Amazon.com gift card I stuck in there with them…hope she opened it.
I understand the concern, I can get a little skeeved out by kid-made food, but having worked in the food industry for a couple of decades, I can tell you you’re better off eating the treats made by the kid. You don’t want to know what happens in a commercial bakery …..
I can’t believe how little people give to the folks that look after your children all day. Especially the little ones, they hug, console, and teach them what they need to know to be productive adults. I realize times are tough, but this is one case where you shouldn’t skimp…let the mailman and your hairdresser get it from someone else…..reward your child’s teacher for the hard work they do.