Looking for simple teacher gift ideas that the beloved educator in your life actually wants? Read on for inspiration!
As the holidays approach, you find yourself wondering: “What gifts do teachers actually like? Can you give a teacher a gift card? What is a good teacher gift for Christmas – and beyond?”
These thoughtful questions show that you’re already on the right track! Below are 12 simple teacher gift ideas that will work with any budget put together by a veteran teacher who loves giving and receiving gifts. I know you’ll find a winner for that extra-special educator in your life!
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The first simple teacher gift idea: a note of appreciation
When I asked fellow teachers what their favorite gifts of all time have been, the answers could not have been more clear. What teachers really want is a genuine, heartfelt note of appreciation. “They must get millions of those,” you might say to yourself, “mine wont’ stand out.” False – a note from you will go so far in warming your teacher’s heart.
“What should I write in a teacher appreciation note?” Here are a few tips in writing a memorable card:
- Be specific: What does the teacher do that stands out? Is it the way they always seem to have a smile on their face at drop-off and dismissal? Is it how they communicate with parents so that they feel like they’re part of the classroom? Be as specific as you can in your appreciation card.
- Include stories: Teachers love hearing the classroom anecdotes that get shared at home! “_____ can’t stop talking about the way you ______” or “______ really loves how you _____” are great ways to share these special school stories with your child’s teacher.
- Recognize the teacher’s professionalism and expertise: Teachers are leaving in droves right now because they feel unseen as professionals. Recognize what the teacher does that shows they are clearly more than a “glorified babysitter.” Call out things you’ve learned from them or aspects of their teaching you really appreciate!
Bonus: Share your appreciate note – or just an excerpt of it – with your the school administration. Even something as simple as “I just wanted you to know how grateful we are for Ms./Mr. _____” or “(child) really loves being in _______’s class because…” can go a long way!
Beyond notes: simple teacher gifts for the classroom
Teachers spend a LOT of time in their classrooms. Out of care for their students – and honestly, sometimes themselves too – teachers invest plenty of time, energy, and money into their classroom “second homes.” Here are some simple school-related gift ideas for the teacher on your list!
- The best. chart markers. ever: I buy these for myself several times a year because WOW are they the most-used tool in my classroom. Whether it’s making anchor charts or bulletin boards these poster markers are the creme-de-la-creme!
- Rainbow organizer bags: I just added these to my classroom this year and WOW, do I feel like they upped my organizational game. I use these thick, zippered bags to organize materials for centers, to house games, and to keep track of notes & beyond for research projects. They’re colorful, durable and affordable – what’s not to like?
- Flair pens: Perfect for grading, writing notes, or just adding a little dopamine to a teacher’s day, these felt markers will be used.
- Rolling organizer cart: I’ve had to stop myself from buying this for my classroom over and over. Perfect for containing art supplies, as shown, or math manipulatives, or science materials – this cart is a big teacher flex that will certainly leave the teachers next door asking where they got such a cute and practical tool.
- Gift Cards: “Can you give teachers a gift card?” Yes. Yes, most definitely, yes. Personalize it by saying, “You do such a great job making your classroom cozy – pick out something special for the classroom!” Or something like that. But, yes on gift cards, yes.
Simple gift ideas for teachers: Non-school gifts
As much as it surprises some of our youngest learners, we teachers do occasionally leave the classroom and (gasp) live life outside of the school walls. If you’re looking for a personal gift for the educator in your life, here are some ideas to get you going!
- A fun teacher-y outfit: I personally have had my eyes on this Swiss Dot dress for months and just finally got mine in the mail! I LOVE it. It’s comfy and versatile enough to wear to parent-teacher conferences, curriculum nights – and beyond! Not sure of your teacher’s size and want to play it safe? An oversized sweater that can be kept at school for chilly days is an awesome idea!
- Ice roller: There’s a reason the hashtag #teachertired is basically perpetually trending right now. A roller to de-puff and look fresh makes a great teacher gift.
- An insulated coffee mug: Insulated because who knows where I’ll leave it in my classroom before I finally finish drinking my precious coffee? I love these because they are neutral enough to use anytime, anyplace. PS: Write “you’re the best teacher ever” on the card – NOT on the mug. Signed, a sometimes-I-want-to-fly-under-the-radar teacher.
- Gift card again? Yes. Gift cards work.
- Beautiful reusable beverage cups. Perfect for iced coffee on the first day of school or another cold beverage during the summer… these are lovely and would make a charming teacher gift.
Simple teacher gift ideas: take one and run!
You don’t need to overcomplicate things to show your love and appreciation for the educator in your life. Write a note of appreciation and, really, the rest is icing on the cake. Also, vote for people who plan to pay teachers more.
