While writing this blog post, I keep singing the Spice Girls…”So tell me whatcha want, whatcha really really want…” Like, I can’t get it out of my head!
But, that is what this post is all about! Teachers get LOTS of gifts each year, from back to school gifts to Christmas gifts to Teacher Appreciation gifts and others in between. We all love our children’s teachers and WANT to show them, but sometimes…we simply don’t know where to start. I mean, what are gifts teachers really want? What do they like that they will truly use?
Well, this was my question, and I recently asked that very thing on my personal Facebook page and got a huge response from LOTS of different teachers of all ages.
I wanted to share this information with you so that this coming school year, you are prepared to give a gift, big or small, that your teacher will truly love.
What Gifts Teachers Really Want: Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Cards
“Teachers Pay Teachers is the first and largest open marketplace where educators share, sell, and buy original teaching resources. Gift cards can be used to purchase instructional resources for all aspects of PreK-12 education.”
I had never heard of this, probably because I am not a teacher and have never been in the educational field. This gift was given as a suggestion by several different teachers, and I was so glad because I would have never thought of it. With this gift, it keeps giving back to the classroom, which is so important to many teachers. Plus, they get great things that they can truly use. Here is a link to the website where you can purchase a gift card for your teacher! Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Card
What Gifts Teachers Really Want: Non-Teachery Gifts
Doesn’t have to be something “Teachery”…anything cute and fun with initials or monogram or something they would enjoy outside of the classroom is a great idea. I don’t know about you, but I get caught up on things that have to do with the classroom or has the word teacher on it sometimes…so this was a great reminder!
What Gifts Teachers Really Want: Manicure/Pedicure Gift Cards
YES! Of course. Everyone loves pretty nails and toes!
What Gifts Teachers Really Want: Supplies for the classroom
Nice Pens and Markers (Flair pens were mentioned several times) I didn’t know what flair pens were (lol), so I looked them up and provided a link!
Flair Pens (Can purchase here)
Cute notepads for notes to parents~ Personalized ones are a huge hit. They have some on Shutterfly and other sites too!
Paper towels and other ordinary supplies that run out very quickly are nice to have, so the teacher doesn’t have to spend their own money.
What Gifts Teachers Really Want: Gift Cards
These were a BIG hit (Amazon, Hobby Lobby, Michaels or teacher’s favorite store)
Bring them food/drink!
They are usually confined to school all day and would love a nice meal from their favorite restaurant or even a home cooked meal from you for lunch.
6 pack of their favorite drink for their fridge
Favorite snacks to keep on hand
K-cups for the coffee drinker!
What Gifts Teachers Really Want: FREE gifts:
Handwritten notes from a parent or child just showing their appreciation
Volunteering in the classroom
Anything that has all of the class involved (plate with all names and thumb prints was a suggestion…or class picture in nice frame, etc…)
This list could go on. There are so many great ideas out there, but I think the main point is to get to know your child’s teacher and try to get them something, no matter the cost, that they will truly love. We all like thoughtful gifts and knowing someone truly took the time to get to know you and your likes and dislikes. Teachers are no different.
Here is a fun little questionnaire that I made so that we can get to know our child’s teacher better this year! This will make gift giving a breeze! (Just save to your computer and print- or send via email or FB messenger to the teacher!)
Oh yeah…and I almost forgot a very important thing…
If you are a teacher, is there anything you would like to add?
Last Updated on July 10, 2018
This was really helpful, thank you!
When I was a high school teacher, one of my favorite gifts was a large stash of many colors of dry erase markers. Because I used a dry erase board frequently in class and only received a few markers for the year from the school, new markers in several colors was a blessing.
I am an elementary school teacher. I enjoy receiving gift cards to Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks or a local restaurant. Actually, one of my favorite is when parents have made brownies or cookies. Those are really special because the person took the time to bake me a treat. Another time a parent brought me coffee in the morning. What an unexpected treat! I really appreciate any expression of kindness.
Brooke – you have hit the nail on the head! All of your suggestions were spot on! (First Grade teacher, mom, crafter)
When my kiddos were in elementary school I got a patio plant, repotted it in a nice pot and had my kids put their hand peints on the sides with their names and the year. She loved it
Favorite flowers…I loved getting flowers and potted to plant later, especially at the end of the school year was wonderful. As a high school teacher and kids having many, I didn’t receive many gifts. But thoughtfulness in the middle touched my heart.