Earn an A+ in Giving With These Holiday Gift Ideas for Teachers
By Carolyn Foy Evans, Staples® Contributing WriterWhen it comes to teacher’s holiday gifts, there’s “keeping up with the Jones’,” and then there’s being graded on how well you managed to ‘keep up with the Jones’.
“There’s this feeling that you have to do what everyone else is doing, but just do it a little bit better,” says Julie McCullum, editor for GIFTSHOP Magazine in Sparta, MI.
And then there’s the cost. "I think it has a lot to do with price point, especially when you have multiple teachers to buy for, explains McCullum. “It varies by region. Some spend $25 to $50, some spend less."
Save the anxiety for new-fangled math. Our gift ideas for teachers help you do more this holiday for your kids’ teachers.
1. Simple Splurges.Consider the gift of a small splurge that teachers would really appreciate, like a poinsettia or gourmet coffee. “I love to get soaps and candles,” says Beth Hughes, fifth grade teacher at Chapin Intermediate School in Chapin, SC. “It’s something small that I don’t regularly spend money on.”
2. Practical Presents.
"I'm seeing a huge trend toward usefulness for teachers," shares McCullum. “Office and desk supplies make great gifts, but the trick is to add a personal touch." It's all in the packaging. For example, a large stack of Post-it® Notes is useful, but add a chocolate bar and a note of appreciation on top to make it an even nicer gift. Tech wearables like fitness trackers or a new phone case are great, too. "That's the trick — meaningful and useful."
Pro Tip: Peruse Pinterest for ideas on turning everyday items like hand sanitizer into memorable teacher gifts.
3. Personal Touches.
Handwritten notes always make a teacher’s day, but why stop there? Use a class picture or the teacher’s classroom motto to create a personalized gift like a coffee mug to a tote bag, or even a large canvas for the classroom.
4. Gift Cards.
“Gift cards to restaurants and bookstores are my favorite gifts,” declares Hughes. If you’re not sure which gift card to buy, opt for one for a nearby coffee shop or bookstore. You can even ease teachers’ out-of-pocket expenses with a gift card to a local school supplies retailer.
Pro Tip: Don’t feel like you have to break the bank. Go in together with a few other parents for a larger amount. And don’t forget to include a holiday card signed by the students.
Before you hit the stores, here are two more helpful hints.
1. Ask around.“I’m so grateful for all of their hard work, and I would hate to give them something that they can’t use or don’t want,” says Baltimore mom Emily Parks. That’s why many homeroom moms have teachers complete a questionnaire on fun facts for parents to use a reference for gift-giving occasions.
2. Know the rules.
Often school districts have guidelines about presents, so make sure your teacher gift ideas don’t run afoul of the rules. Checking the facts before you shop saves time and potential embarrassment.
If you’re still stressed over coming up with gift ideas for teachers, follow this educator’s instructions carefully: “I absolutely appreciate anything the kids and parents do for me during the holidays,” says Hughes. “It doesn’t need to be anything large at all.”