We know that PTO leaders love giving teacher gifts during the holidays. But sometimes it can be challenging to figure out just the right gifts. So we asked our community to share their ideas on Facebook and we think you’ll find some great gifts for a teacher here. We’ve included links to some of our free resources, like gift tags and labels, that work well with these ideas. We’ve also added suggestions on what not to give, more simple, low-cost holiday teacher gifts, and virtual teacher appreciation gift ideas that can be adapted for the holidays.
Gift Ideas for Now
We’re bringing in a coffee truck that makes any and all coffee drinks plus hot cocoa, hot tea, and even smoothies! Volunteers aren’t allowed in the building to cover classrooms this school year so [teachers] will come during their lunch times. —Michelle J.
I always send Amazon gift cards to their emails! —Chrissy K.
We are supporting small business in our town by giving gift cards to a local restaurant for each teacher! —Sasha A.
We made 100 “thank you” bags with to hand to teachers. Each bag had a banana, an apple, trail mix bar, muffins, and a bottle of water. —You L.
Classroom Supplies
I overheard a few teachers talking about Christmas gifts at our school’s book fair a few weeks ago. They mentioned that things for their classrooms (books, games, art supplies, and gift cards) were excellent ideas. —Megan N.
I usually go to a dollar store and find a nice container, fill it with a mix of candy, teacher supplies, and a nice candle or something cute for the centerpiece in the basket. —Patricia N.
Fun pens/sharpies/dry erase markers—teacher love and need these [and] they are pricey. —Michele K.
Scissors gift tag
Pens/Pencils gift tag
Highlighter Labels
Best Gift Cards for Teachers
We do Barnes & Noble gift cards. Teachers can use it for the classroom or for personal use. —Maria M.
Our teachers like to order lunch from a local restaurant occasionally, so I usually give them a gift card to that restaurant! —Laurie Ann B.
A gift card that can be used for items from fun (sweater) to necessary (groceries). One year I used a gift card I received from my classroom to purchase much-needed tires at Sears. —Silvia J.
We are using GiftCrowd as this is an easy way to collect gifts for all our staff members and lets each one of them choose the gift card they want. —Eshed D.
Gift Card Holder
Movies
My kids have so many teachers that it really adds up. So, I went on the website for Redbox movies and bought codes for the teachers to get a free movie. I attached it to a bag of popcorn and sent it in a card. —Angie A.
Last year we did a movie theater gift card and put it in a big popcorn bucket with a free refill coupon and boxes of candy. —Anna B.
Popcorn Gift Tag
Other Gifts for a Teacher
Last year I gave homemade loaves of crusty artisan bread. We live in a small community where homemade treats are still OK. I wrapped the loaves up in pretty parchment and string with a note. —Jill C.
If you know your teachers well enough and the administration doesn't have issues with it...alcohol. I gave our teachers their favorite bottle last year and it was the most well-received gift ever! —Melissa B.
“Cheers” tag
“Happy Holidays” tag
What Not To Give
Avoid gifts for a teacher that are too personal, such as:
Home décor. Wall prints or paintings, pillows, or other items for the home are high-risk. You don’t really know a teacher’s taste.
Scented items. There are many lovely smelling lotions, candles, and soaps, but it is safer to avoid these as gifts. The teacher may like them, but her family may not (or even have allergies). Opt for unscented or mildly scented items.
Homemade projects. Kids’ art projects are very special, but think about this from a volume perspective. If the teacher receives a dozen of these as holiday gifts, where is she going to put them all? If you want to share something from the kids, have them write a note to the teacher. It will be greatly appreciated and can be easily tucked away as a keepsake.
Coffee mugs. Veteran teachers could probably open their own stores to sell the collection of mugs they have acquired over the years. So, don’t do mugs. Unless of course you fill them with wonderful chocolates or gift cards!
More Ideas for Gifts for a Teacher
Cookie swap for teachers with cookie exchange recipe cards.
Unscented lotion or bath salts in a small gift bag; tag it with a “relax over the break” gift tag.
Notes of appreciation from each student. Place the notes in a special box or jar and attach an “I Love...” tag.
“To go” soup bar. Ask volunteers to bring in pots of homemade soups and chilies; stock up on 32-oz tall plastic containers and let teachers fill with their choice of soups to bring home.
Small bags of coffee; enclose a tag that reads “thanks a latte for all you do!”
Find even more teacher holiday gifts and fun gift tags on our Teacher Appreciation page and in the Teacher Appreciation File Exchange.
Originally posted in 2015 and updated regularly. Terri Frank contributed to this article.
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FAQs
Perhaps it's an air purifier, Amazon card, single serve coffee brewer or aromatherapy set. Personalized gifts for the classroom are also great, and items below like the personalized stamp or note pad would fit the bill.
What is an appropriate amount for a teacher holiday gift? ›
Don't spend too much
"A good rule of thumb is to spend around $20-$30," Lauren Grace, a high school math teacher by day and crafter at night wrote on her company blog, a business that sells accessories for teachers.
What gifts do you think your teacher wants for Christmas and why? ›
Versatile gift cards.
Teachers really appreciate gift cards (along with handwritten notes). No surprise here. Think Amazon, Costco, Target or Staples. These allow teachers to buy what they want for their classroom or for personal use.
What is the best thing to give a teacher on teachers Day? ›
Custom coffee mugs are great gift ideas for your teachers. Whether they use them as desk accessories to hold pens and pencils or sip from it every morning to get their day going — mugs make great teacher keepsakes they will cherish for years to come. Teacher mugs can be customized to suit their style and personality.
What do teachers want most? ›
Save the apples for your own lunch and surprise your teacher with one of these thoughtful gifts instead.
- The pencil sharpener that all the teachers are talking about. ...
- Everyone loves a good book. ...
- Personalized pencils. ...
- Gift cards. ...
- Their go-to grading tool, but better. ...
- A bottle of nice wine. ...
- A new lanyard. ...
- School supplies.
Be sure to check with your school's handbook to find out the school policy on gifting. Some schools don't allow any financial gifts to faculty and staff. No family feels pressure to contribute (nor should they contribute any amount over $5).
How much is too much for a teacher gift card? ›
Legally, most public school teachers are not allowed to accept gifts worth more than $50, but even if a family gives me a $5 gift, I think about the time and labor that went into it… and frankly, feel uncomfortable.
Do teachers like cash gifts? ›
And more than any physical gift, teachers appreciate your support. Whew. OK. That being said, if you're insistent about giving gifts to the teachers you care about this holiday season, there is one gift I can guarantee every teacher is happy to receive and will definitely put to good use: cash.
Should teachers get Christmas gifts yes or no? ›
Giving your kid's teacher a holiday gift is a wonderful way to show them appreciation for all that they do, but buying something isn't always necessary. There are many other ways to give, that are just as thoughtful, such as a homemade gift or a card with heartfelt words.
Do teachers like gift cards for Christmas? ›
Gift cards
This was overwhelmingly the gift of choice. (And, don't forget other school workers.) “I am always thankful for classroom supplies and gift cards to places that I can purchase those things — Amazon, Target, Walmart.” “Gift cards are honestly the best thing!
It's no secret that many teachers run on caffeine. If you have a Starbucks near you, a Starbucks gift card is a good go-to gift for teachers. Or if there's another local coffee shop nearby, that's a great option too.
What is the greatest gift to a teacher? ›
Most Appreciated Teacher Gift: Thank-You Notes
“The heartfelt words written by students convey deep appreciation and warmth, which makes me feel truly valued and encouraged.” In fact, most teachers we surveyed say they appreciate a handwritten thank-you note over just about anything else.
How much to spend on a teacher Christmas gift? ›
I have rarely had students give gifts to individual teachers because there's just too many of them like you said. Some parents also bring in a box of chocolates or a fruit platter, coffee for the staff lounge. That said, for my own kids I spend about $15-20 per teacher.
Do you buy teacher Christmas presents? ›
Thankfully, teacher gifts at secondary schools are not a 'thing' due to the sheer numbers of staff involved, and the lack of any real contact means you have no idea who most of them are, even your child can be quite uncertain in a really big school.
Do we gift teachers for Christmas? ›
Key Takeaways. A holiday gift is great way to show your childs' teacher you appreciate them. It truly is the thought that counts, a homemade gift or a heartfelt card is just as good as something store bought. The decision is up to you and your family, there are many ways to show appreciation outside of a holiday gift.
Is $100 too much for a teacher gift? ›
It really depends on each individual family's circ*mstances, too. For some, $100 is right on the mark, while for others it's overly generous. It certainly seems that no one finds it stingy, however.
Do you give Thanksgiving gifts to teachers? ›
While Thanksgiving gifts for teachers are not expected, you may want to show a teacher friend or your child's teacher how thankful you are for them with a gift. Whether you're a room parent, parent, or fellow teacher looking for ideas, here are 36 ways to say thank you this season.
How much money to give a preschool teacher Christmas? ›
There is no set amount you should spend on a teacher gift—it really depends on your budget. A good rule of thumb is to spend around $20-$30, but if you have a larger budget, you could go up to $50.
