10 Ways to Thank a Teacher during the Holidays

Think beyond the mug this year with these ten gifts for teachers that are sure to make them feel appreciated.

We include teacher gifts into our Christmas budget every year, but I also want my children to be part of the gift giving process, whether they craft a card, make an ornament, or write a poem. This really is a gift from them.

When choosing on a gift, your child is going to know the teacher’s interests, so be sure to include them with the decision. And most importantly no matter what gift you chose, include a handwritten message from your child AND from you, the parent, thanking the teacher for the year.

My children have been blessed every year with outstanding teachers and at Christmas time I want them to feel appreciated for their time and commitment to my kids.

10 Gifts for Teachers

Collaborate on a Class Gift

Join forces with the other families to give a gift from the class.

1. Create a Class Memory Album.

Choose a topic, such as a favorite memory from the school year so far or why their teacher ROCKS. Ask each student to make one 8 1/2 X 11 page for the album. They can tape or glue their school picture onto the page and draw and/or write on the topic.  Place all of the pages in a decorative three ring binder or folder.

2. Give a Gift Card to a Craft or Supply Store.

Many teachers use their own resources or money to cover classroom needs. Take the lead and ask parents if they would each contribute $1-$10 and purchase a gift card at a craft, educational supply, or office supply store.

3. Give a Gift Card to a Favorite Restaurant.

Who doesn’t appreciate a dinner out?  I’m sure your child’s teacher does. Take the lead and ask parents if they would each contribute $1-$10 and purchase a gift card to the teacher’s favorite restaurant.

Gifts Handmade by the student

4. A Handwritten Story or Poem

Have your child write a poem or story about their favorite school memory so far or why their teacher is AWESOME. Ask your child to use their best handwriting and also draw a picture that relates to the poem or story. Use heavy card stock for the project and find a nice frame to display your child’s gift.

5. A Handmade Craft

If you have a crafty child, a quick search on Pinterest will give you many handmade gift ideas. Here are some crafts my kids have made and given to teachers in the past:

• Nail Polish Marbled Flower Pots
• Popsicle Christmas Tree Ornaments – this is a great craft for pre-schoolers to give to teachers (and grandparents too.)

Classroom Ideas:

6. School Supplies

Parents might purchase supplies for their children at the beginning of the school year, but it doesn’t take long for things to get misplaced or left at home. Teachers often use their own funds for classroom supplies. Stuff a gift bag or box with a variety of supplies, such as dry erase markers, glue sticks, Sharpies, crayons, copy paper, tape, Clorox wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer, good #2 pencils, erasers, USB flash drive, etc. Have your student help you chose the items and include a handmade card from your child and a note from you.

7. New Books for the Classroom

This idea came to me from my daughter’s preschool teacher many years ago. She asked parents to not buy her a personal gift, but instead buy new books for the classroom library. Ask your teacher for a list of ideas that the whole class would enjoy and have your student help you chose the books from the list.

8. New Games for Indoor Recess

My kids are so bummed when it’s raining outside, because that means: INDOOR RECESS. Ask you teacher for a list of game ideas to make indoor recess enjoyable when it’s raining outside. Have your student help you chose the games from the list.

9. Volunteer to Assist with the Teacher’s Classroom Needs

Give the gift of your time. Offer to help a teacher with any of their needs, such as filing, making packets, cleaning the room, updating a bulletin board, etc.  In PA, you need to have security clearances to be in the classroom, so make sure yours are updated to meet your state’s criteria.

10. A Healthy Food Basket

Fill a basket with fresh fruit, a water bottle, nuts, and granola bars to help her get through the day. Have your student help you pick the items for the basket.

What We Do:

Like I mentioned above, I budget for teacher gifts. We almost always buy a restaurant gift card and my children always make a card or ornament.  We have also included more personalized gifts. For example, a few years ago, a second grade teacher was a big Green Bay Packers fan, so we went to Wegmans where they have M&M dispensers in every color imaginable. We filled up a cellophane bag with Packers green, gold and white M & Ms. We attached a gift card to her favorite restaurant. My daughter was so excited to give this gift to her Packer fan and the teacher absolutely loved it.

How do you thank your teacher during the holidays? Let us know in the comments

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