Teacher Christmas Gifts
Teachers don’t expect gifts. Not every teacher celebrates Christmas, and the number of gifts a teacher receives is no reflection of the job they are doing in the classroom. I also know that voting for representatives who are teacher friendly is worth more to me than anything I can ever receive. I work in a state where schools are open, but the legislature is closed. I will not be silent about the safety of my classroom. I’m tired of being appreciated by people who don’t vote to help me and students. I’m writing this for my friends and other people who want to give presents, but I want to thank everyone who cares enough about education to vote.
2020 has been a hard year for everyone. If you can’t afford to get a gift for the teacher in your life, please send an email or note. In August I was totally drowning in the number of things I needed to do for a hybrid schedule and the only saving my sanity one day was an email from a parent. This parent acknowledged that this school year was hard for everyone, and she knew that teachers were doing their best. This simple gesture was appreciated. Most teachers keep a drawer full of their cards and letters from students. These notes keep us in the classroom after rough days. They are more appreciated than mugs and will be used for years! Free gifts are always appreciated and don’t feel the need to give the teacher in your life more than that.
What do teachers want other than cards? I did a Facebook and Instagram survey to see what the most wanted items were. I know it does not matter the income level of students a teacher has because school supplies are always needed. This is a great time to buy pencils. Yes, everyone raves about Ticonderoga pencils, but in January I appreciate any type of pencils. Pens, markers, and glue sticks are relatively cheap items that are used up by December and appreciated by any teacher. With or without COVID, teachers need Clorox wipe and Lysol. If their school district bans these items, may I suggest looking at other products? (You can see if the EPA approves a product to kill COVID here .) It is cold and flu season and tissue boxes are needed always. I know my classroom has gone through several boxes just with allergy season. Use the school supply list or ask for a teacher’s amazon wish list to know what they want or need.
What about the smelly stuff? Hand cream and bath and body travel sized items were some of the popular items. However, smells can be appreciated or hated, so I don’t suggest buying any smell in large qualities. Before 2020 I didn’t buy hand sanitizer because I knew hand washing was best. I was able to use a hand sanitizer a student had purchased for me when the stores ran out, and I’m forever grateful for that purchase. I personally love Weleda skin food for dry hands, but this year I really suggest buying small. Yes, your friend with a MLM is annoying but their spouse may have lost their job this year. ETSY is a great place to buy unique items, but look in your neighborhood for candles, lotions, and perfumes also. Many boutiques may not be your style but have great gift options. One of the best items I picked up traveling was a goat milk hand cream. When it doubt, ask yourself how often will this item be used. If the answer is often, go ahead and make a teacher’s day.
Gift cards are the best right? Gift cards are an easy way to ensure a teacher gets the items they are looking for. Amazon, Target, and Starbucks are easy. However, if you are looking for guaranteed usefulness may I suggest a gift card to a local grocery store? Not everyone likes shopping, but everyone must eat. The restaurant industry has a had a horrible year and this is a great year to buy gift cards from restaurants who have curbside options. I still treasure when one of my students bought me a Whataburger gift card. I felt like the student took the time to get a card I would absolutely love. One teacher mentioned a gift card for a manicure, and I absolutely loved the idea! (If you follow me on Instagram, you know I have been going to the same nail tech for four years so manicures are a part of my life). One teacher received a Total Wine gift certificate, and I was jealous! Even if the teacher doesn’t drink alcohol, gifts and snacks can be purchased at many liquor stores. A unique gift card would be for TeacherPayTeachers. This would be extremely helpful to a new teacher. Gift cards are always a solid choice in gift giving.
What should I do if I want the teacher to display the item I bought? Display items were extremely popular with the teachers who responded to my survey. Many teachers have classroom themes, and wall signage that coordinates is an easy gift. One teacher said they received a hand painted art sign with quotes from the books they read in class. Cute Christmas decorations were a favorite of one teacher (please remember some teachers teach at Christian schools, and it is perfect acceptable for them to display religious items.) Personalized teacher shirts will be worn year- round and are a great way to support a teacher business. Earrings, headbands, and masks are some of the items you could buy from a teacher owned business. The dollar store and thrift store are great places to start for crafts. Display items with the teacher’s name is a guaranteed hit.
What are some items I should avoid? Homemade food might be best, but it will be most likely thrown out this year. Not everyone is a fan of glitter so be careful if you buy an item with it. Don’t assume everyone likes an item. I absolutely hate the smell of vanilla and many people don’t like chocolate. It is completely ok to ask the teacher their preference for an item. I know I ask for book donations when I’m asked. Never give if you feel pressured to. I teach in middle school, and I don’t take offense if the teacher next door gets a gift from a student and I don’t. Don’t give an expensive gift if the teacher in your life isn’t a relative. Many school districts have policies about reporting gifts over $50. Check the bag before it goes in your child’s backpack! There are too many horror stories of small children giving inappropriate gifts to teachers because they didn’t know better. Don’t overthink your gift. All gifts are appreciated.
Happy shopping friends! Buy small if you can and spread some cheer to the teachers in your life.
*I’m not affiliated with any companies mentioned in this blog.
