20 Gift Ideas for Teacher for Christmas – From a TEACHER!
If you stop to think about it, M-F teachers spend just as much time with our kids as we do! I know I’m beyond grateful for the time and energy these superhumans pour into my “mini-me”s each year. That’s why you’ll find me searching, “gift ideas for teacher for christmas” every December!
The thing is, I don’t want to give just ANY gift. Being a teacher, I know how much a thoughtful gift really means. This is especially true for teacher gifts for Christmas because teachers are typically barely holding on during this crazy time of year!!
-The kids have lost their ever-loving minds.
-The grading period is ending and report cards are due.
-Home life is just as hectic with holiday activities.
So, I did some digging for both of us! I’m going to share a list of some of the BEST teacher gifts for Christmas that I’ve found, given or received. Some of these gifts are from a single family and some can be from a group of families.
DRUM ROLL PLEASE…
Gift Ideas for Teacher for Christmas:
- Handwritten Thank You Card
- Silly Classroom Supplies
- Personalized Items
- Teacher Apparel
- Plants
- Booze
- Gift Card
- Gourmet Food Basket
- Edible Fruit Bouquet
- Movie Night Basket
- Gift Card Collection (group gift)
- Spa Day Package (group gift)
- Memory Book (group gift)
- Teacher’s Favorite Things Basket (group gift)
- Cookbook with Recipes from each family (group gift)
- Subscription Box (group gift)
- Cooking Class Voucher (group gift)
- “Cozy Christmas” Basket” (group gift)
- Plan a “Night on the Town” (group gift)
- Plan a “Family Night” (group gift)
SINGLE FAMILY GIFT IDEAS FOR TEACHER FOR CHRISTMAS
HANDWRITTEN THANK YOU CARD
I’m starting with this because it’s the most important one, yet it’s so often overlooked. I can’t express how much a heartfelt thank-you card means to a teacher. I have a file folder named “happy folder” that I keep these in. When I’m having a hard day, reading a few of these can really turn things around for me!
SILLY CLASSROOM SUPPLIES:
Last year I got the most random gift from a parent. It was a tape dispenser shaped like a t-rex. Now every single time I grab a piece of tape for a student, one of us giggles a little bit. It was such an unexpected but hilarious gift!
When I do something like this, I like to also add something useful. For example, I might tape a Starbucks gift card to the top.
If you decide to go this route, you’ll have COUNTLESS options – thank you Amazon! Here are are a few ideas:
PERSONALIZED ITEMS:
Thanks to Etsy there are limitless options for personalized items out there. Last year I received a personalized lanyard with my name and cute little beads. I still wear it every day!
Other personalized & useful ideas that any teacher would love: notepads, tumblers, pens, stamps or bags. When choosing, be sure to really think about the teacher and what style she might like. If you aren’t sure, stick with simple to be safe.
Here are some of my favorites:
TEACHER APPAREL:
Again, there are so many options for this online! No need to spend hours searching at stores only to realize you bought the same thing as 3 other kids in the class!
Last year I was gifted an awesome oversized teacher hoody. I wear it all the time because it’s so comfy and perfect to go over leggings.
PLANTS:
Gift a small plant in a pot with a humorous message or a pun about growth and learning. For example, “Thanks for helping me GROW!”
Our classrooms are our homes away from home, so we’re up for any way to make the space feel warmer. Plants are a great way to do that.
BOOZE
This is a tricky one, but I’ve seen it done so well! First of all, you have to have built a pretty comfortable relationship with the teacher. Also, it’s best to arrange this OFF of school grounds and never, ever, ever send it to school with your child!
One way to make this even more funny is if you add a label with your child’s face and some funny text. You can make this yourself or buy one on Etsy like the one I linked below.
GIFT CARD
You’re going to have a hard time finding a teacher who complains about receiving a gift card. When you’re looking for gift ideas for teacher for Christmas, this one will be a hit every time. But don’t forget to pair it with that hand-written thank you card!
Gourmet Food Basket
Teachers are snackers. I don’t know if it’s the constant moving around all day that creates the appetite or if we’re just feeding our feelings. Either way, this idea is a winner.
Edible Fruit Bouquet
Yes, food again. But who doesn’t love those fruit bouquets with the strawberries dipped in chocolate?
GROUP GIFT IDEAS FOR TEACHER FOR CHRISTMAS
Subscription for a Year
There’s actually a gift that will lower the stress level of your child’s elementary teacher every day. You can purchase an annual subscription to Grace Over Grades! Our membership includes unlimited access and instant downloads to over 400 resources. When you purchase the annual membership, your child’s teacher will have access to EVERYTHING for an entire year.
If you’d like to set up this priceless gift, reach out at nikki@graceovergrades.com and I’m happy to get everything set up!
Gift Card Wreath or Tree
I’ve gotten this whole class gift many times and it’s AMAZING! My family and I have so much fun spending the gift cards over winter break. It works best when the class decides on 2-3 places and everyone buys a small gift card to those places.
You collect a small gift card from each family. Then, you hand them on a tree like ornaments or clip them on a wreath (paper clips work well). Decorate with a few small ornaments or bow and you’re ready to present this amazing gift to the teacher!
Some teacher gift card ideas are book stores, movie theaters, family fun places (think Dave & Busters), restaurants, and even big stores like Target.
How cute is this one make from the students’ handprints?!
Create a Spa Day Package:
Gift a spa day package for the teacher to relax and unwind during the holiday break. I mean do I really have to explain why a teacher might appreciate this one?
Memory Book:
Compile a memory book filled with notes, drawings, and messages from students and parents expressing gratitude and fond memories. A parent did this for me one year and actually those students just graduated from high school last year. I absolutely loved taking out the memory book, reading their notes and seeing their sweet second grade faces.
Teacher’s Favorite Things Basket:
Collect information about the teacher’s favorite snacks, beverages, and hobbies, and create a personalized gift basket.
Cookbook with Recipe Contributions:
Send one recipe card home with each student and ask the families to write their favorite recipe along with well-wishes for the holiday season. Then place the cards in a recipe box for the teacher. This one is super affordable and will be a gift that keeps on giving!
Cooking Class Voucher:
Cooking classes are so much fun! Give the gift of a cooking class voucher. Then the teacher can enjoy a culinary experience during their free time.
As you’re thinking about Christmas Gift ideas for teacher for Christmas, just keep in mind that it really is the thought that counts. I know people say that, but when it comes to teachers, it really is true. Teaching can sometimes be a thankless job. We don’t get bonuses or promotions. So a thoughtful gift from parents means a lot.
Personal touches and a sense of humor can make these gifts truly special.
Don’t forget to pin this for others!
