Teachers - What Do You Want for Gifts?

Honestly, stuff I can use in my classroom. Expo markers (fun colors, not the boring ones that dry out too fast), fun pens, things we use all the time that I pay for to provide: markers, colored pencils, glue, construction paper, etc.

Or, on more of a "for me" note: Gift cards: target, office Max, Starbucks, etc. When I get things like smelly lotions they make me break out so I give them to my mom. Coffee mugs too since I don't drink coffee, except for the occasional Starbucks indulgence.

More than anything though a nice note or card. The wall behind my desk is covered with notes from former students that make me smile on a daily basis. They mean more than anything, and have long outlasted everything else.

I am so glad you posted this. I wanted to post something about gift giving to teachers and my experience and shock about teacher gifts.

I was a PTA President and helped with the first "Teachers Day Care Garage Sale" at that campus. I had to force the teachers to bring out all of the "gifts" they had never used, would not use and did not want.

They were afraid people would recognize them but I promised as long as it did not have a tag on it I would make sure it was not noticeable.

I set up 6 ft tables to organize these items. We had 3- 6ft tables filled with scented candles, bath items, lotions, soaps etc.. That is 18 feet of this stuff. ALL of it was in its original packaging.

We had 2 6ft tables double stacked of mugs. Just mugs.. It was amazing. Some of it still had the "treats" inside of the cellophane wrap.. coffees, candies, biscotti..

Then we had 3 6ft tables of "Teacher" themed items.. #1 teacher mugs, plaques, photo albums, scrapbooks, tshirts.. etc..

"Apple" Themed stuff.. soooo much..

"School" themed stuff, pillows, throws.. Christmas ornaments. etc..

There was also a lot of jewelry that had also been given as gifts.. all still beautifully stored in their original gift boxes.

I asked them "what do you really like instead of all of this stuff.".
All of them said a note from the children or the parents. They said they kept everyone of these letters and notes.

I told them this was great, but some people really want to give them a treat or a gift. They said they appreciated classroom supplies and small gift cards to book stores, teacher supply stores, Starbucks, movies, local food places, the mall..

I will never forget that garage sale. We made good money for their daycare. It was also a great eye opener to all of us parents on that campus. too.

Great question! This is such a touchy issue. When I was working as a school psychologist in a public elementary school a group of us started talking about how we really didn't like getting gifts at the holiday times b/c there were many children who simply couldn't afford it and how many scented candles and hand lotions can you really use!

So, we ran an idea by the PTA and it took off! Instead of sending holiday and end-of-the-year gifts to teachers, the PTA sent out a letter to the parents (forget the wording, but it was cute) that essentially said, in lieu of gifts, consider making a donation to the school assembly fund in your teacher's name.

Every single child whose parent made a donation got their name on a star, along with their teacher's name. Some families sent in huge checks, some $5 but everyone got the same "star" that read "In honor of Mrs. Smith's dedication. From, the Samantha Jones". The stars were ironed onto a canvas and displayed at every school event that the fund helped sponsor.

I was shocked by how many families participated and it meant that our kids got to see and do some really cool things. Of course, some people still sent in gifts, but there was much less pressure on the parents and their gifts really benefited the school and their children.

Now, if someone wants to send in a "gift"... gift cards or books for the class library are great!

I was a teacher (SAHM now) and have lots of teacher friends/family members. Gift Certificates! They come in every denomination. Even if you wanted to limit it to $10 or $15--you can go to Hallmark, Starbucks, Bath and Body Works, Barnes and Noble, etc.!

I only taught for a few years, but my mom and MIL have taught for 30+. They are truly appreciative of everything, but really don't need another glass #1 teacher apple or "teacher" item. I remember my mom got a scarf one year. It was beautiful, but my mom has never in her life worn a scarf.

Coffee!!! Gift cards for Coffee!!! :)

My neices are both teachers - they would much prefer gift cards - even those to bookstores which they can use for their classrooms. Although gift cards to movies, restaurants, coffee shops are nice too. As said here by others, they already have more than enough mugs, crystal apples, etc.

There have been a few teachers that my son has had that have been amazing and I've written notes telling them how wonderful they have been in my son's learning career - and what a difference they made in his life. Those teachers, after they got my note have found me to tell me how much they appreciated the note and that's why they teach - if they can impact one little life each year it makes a difference.

i agree, gifts are NEVER expected.

gift certificates are great if you do want to give a gift. target or home depot are good choices.

children's books are wonderful as well, and those can benefit the whole class if the teacher is in an elementary school.

one grandma once gave me a box of greeting cards (blank inside) made with photos she had taken herself. they have come in very handy. i still have a couple left, and i think of that student every time i reach for one.

When I was teaching gift cards were great. One time all the parents went together and gave me a gift card for a manicure and pedi. I loved receiving books with a note written inside. I like to work in my flower garden, so one parent put garden gloves, flowers, a little shovel, seeds, etc in a basket. Another parent gave me a small rose bush and it is still blooming like crazy 12 years later. One gift that I still have was a letter that a parent wrote. He described what he saw in me as a teacher, how much his daughter had learned, etc. It was very special. It didn't cost anything, but it meant the world to me!

I do not want any more....
ornaments
#1 teacher magnets
anything with an apple on it
picture frames

I love when I get...
gift cards
a box of thank you cards

Thanks for posting this question - I am always wondering what to do for my kids' teachers. I haven't read the responses yet but am hoping to find some useful ideas!

Great Question!!

Gift certificates are always nice. :) Honestly though, I have some very talented students (high school), and occassionally they give me things they have created. I love that! I have a wooden stool that I now keep by my bed. I'm short and my bed is tall. I love that stool! I also have a small statue of a flamenco dancer, and several paintings that students have made. They are beautiful! Oh, and a very nicely carved "Welcome" sign that hangs on my porch. Those are things that I really love because I will always remember the students that made them whenever I look at the artwork.

I am a SAHM now, but when I taught I loved student written notes/cards, giftcards, bracelets and pins (homemade and store bought), and school supplies (markers, pens, post its).
I did not like candles or candy (because I'd eat it all!).

The point of the gift is to thank the teacher. I think the best way to say thank you is to give them something they would actually want, rather than guessing and buying a candle, lotion, #1 teacher, things they may not care for at all.

Gift cards! They are the best way to allow the teacher to treat themselves. And don't worry about what store or restaurant the gift card is for, it will still be a treat!

I would love to hear some teacher opinions!! I've got a son finishing up Pre K and my daughter is in 5th grade giving me 6 teachers to get ideas for!! I'd like them to be inexpensive yet meaningful too.

Thanks for putting this out there!

S.