Christmas Gift for Teacher

As a teacher, I have to add my voice to the chorus and say a gift card is THE BEST choice for a teacher. Because I never made very much money, the absolute best gift I received was an American Express gift card. I was able to use it at the store of my choice for something I really needed. It may not be a possibility for you, but in that case, it came from a group of students so it was enough to really be helpful. Plus, I have no will power so every holiday season I ended up gaining weight from all of the candy/chocolates I received!Good luck!

Hi K. -

My mom and mother in law are both teachers and they LOVE getting gift cards! Teachers get SO many gifts they don't want, like or need every year. Writing a nice note is the thoughtful part of the gift - the gift card is the fun part! Every single teacher I know prefers gift cards. Wouldn't you? : )

Sam

Hi K.,
We gave the teacher and assistant teacher some pretty floating candles for Christmas. Gift cards to the book store are also a good idea. At the end of the year we found out that the teacher liked The Eagles and got her the new Eagles CD. If you chat with her a little you might get an idea of things she likes.

The teachers also always love to get art/school supplies for the classroom.

Here's something different. Why not get her a Finders Key Purse key chain by Alexx, Inc. Being a teacher she carries more than just her purse on her way to school and back home. No need to fuss about looking for her keys on her way to both.

Here's my website to view products.
www.4mypurse.com

*M.*

I always thought it nice to give something made. I went to Michael's craft store bought a wooden tray, bought some of the little decorations for .25 a school house, blackboard, little girl, little boy, ABC,etc. enough to put 2 or 3 on a side 2 on short side 4 on long side and your daughter can glue them on with a little help from you. put a piece of foamy her favorite color on the inside. Put the teachers name on it with those colorful decal letters you can buy at Michael's you can put the name on one of the long sides and than the year on the other side. On the bottom let your daughter sign it with the year. Put some goodies inside, such as note pads, gift card or just misc. things depending on how much you want to spend. This way the teacher can use it all year long, and your daughter helped. More personal that way. I have given this to about 12 different teachers over the years and they all love it. Even when we go back to visit those teachers at Open House they still have it on the shelf etc.

As a former teacher I loved all the gifts my students gave me. Among my favorites: pretty note cards, craft idea books, homemade goodies, and things my students make on their own. Remember it is the thought that counts. Other good ideas are things a teacher can use in the classroom. Maybe a desk container for pencils etc.

One of my girlfriends put a card tree in the class room. It nice to shop for yourself. All the parents brought in gift card..and mad a cute tree out of it. I plan on doing this as well. But I'm going to list their favorite stores.

I'm a teacher as well, and have to agree with all the previous posts- we get plenty of soaps,lotions,candles, etc..those are always nice, but always really appreciate getting giftcards.

What a thoughtful mommy you are to ask!
You get an A+ in my book!! :)

I was a teacher for six years. I just took a leave of absense to be a stay at home mom. As for a Christmas gift, a gift card to any where is just fine. If she likes reading Barnens & Noble is perfect. If she likes coffee, Starbucks will work as well. Just get her somthing she will use and appreciate, not something cheesy that she will appreciate but won't know what to do with.

I'm a teacher and I would LOVE a gift card. I get a lot of trinkets and they are nice but I would rather have something I could use. I don't feel that a gift card is unthoughtful. But that's just my opinion.

My husband's a teacher and I substitute teach also. We think that Movie gift certificates are awesome! Sometimes we just want to get away and watch a good movie. And all teachers want some time away to relax and enjoy a little entertainment. But we don't get to do it that regularly. Going to the movies has gotten pretty pricey now...and if we keep spending $20+ at a movie, it will really add up.

K.,

Having recently been a teacher, may I recommend the gift card for a book. It may seem unthoughtful, but only because it seems impersonal. I very much appreciated the opportunity to purchase the book that I wanted, rather than one that I have several copies of already. Further, smelly candles, etc. become overwhelming. Some of us are allergic to those things, or just don't use those things. My preference was always a gift card I could spend on books!

A.
Working at Home to Live a Healthy Life
http://www.WomensDreamTeam.com/Angel

I agree with SH and Jennifer. I am getting gift cards for a lot of people this year. It is not just because I don't want to take the time to shop, but because I don't want to spend a lot of money on things that people won't/can't use. I want them to be able to get something that they may want. The other good thing about gift cards is that they can add up. My husband gets gift cards from our families for Home Depot, he has been saving them and can now afford to buy a really nice set of tools that he has been wanting. I am getting Starbucks gift cards for both our son's teachers so they can get that coffee/tea fix they probably need before they start a long day (or after that long day!!). I love the idea of a Barnes and Noble gift card with the handmade bookmark! Great way to involve your daughter in "giving" of Christmas.

While I am not a teacher, my best friend of many years is one and she always says that gift cards are the best gift to receive. Like others have indicated, they tend to get more "teacher" items than they know what to do with! It's not that they aren't appreciated, but they run out of room for them. Another idea is to give them something personal if you know them very well - like a silver bracelet or something that fits their personal style. That way it isn't "teacher" specific but they'll think of your child and your thoughtfulness each time they wear it. I think the best idea of all is the gift card though! You can't really go wrong there! If you think a book store is too impersonal, then if you can get a sense of where she likes to eat perhaps get one for that restaurant or eaterie so that she can enjoy a meal out without having to spend money. So many teachers are paid so little that they appreciate those little tokens where they can go out and not have to spend any money.

Best of luck to you!

Gift Cards are great! Have your child make a homemade card with things she loves about school and her teacher and put the Gift Card in it!

As a former teacher I always liked gift cards. Yes, I got way too many for the bath stores, but in all those cards were my favorite gifts. Once in a while a kid made something, and that was sweet, but years later I still have way too many mugs, and cutsie teacher pictures. I am very grateful that they thought of me- don't get me wrong, but if you know one of the teacher's interests, a gift card in my opinion is a great gift.

Gifts certificates for a resturant is really nice, especially if you get it for 2 then the teacher can take her husband. J. L.

I usually give gift cards, but, depending on how well I know the teacher-wine. Teachers do drink.

I LOVE it when I get gift cards to Barnes & Noble or Amazon. I get a lot of candles and hand lotions and chocolates each year, often more than I can reasonably use. :) Have your daughter draw the card that holds it! That would be sweet. I don't know how well funded your daughter's school is, but I know that I buy a lot of my school supplies (especially art supplies) out of pocket, so if you wanted to get a tangible "thing," you might see what school supplies your daughter's teacher needs. A few of my students gave me Staples gift cards last year--very helpful!

Gift cards are a great gift for teachers! That is VERY thoughtful! I am a teacher and I never expect anything from my students, but I always appreciate any gift. I especially love something handmade (like a card).

Here's an idea I haven't seen yet (I didn't read all the advice though). My kids made "Cans of Stickers" for their teachers. First, you get a pop top can, like Libby's diced fruit, any thing will work as long as you have a pop top on one end and a regular end on the bottom. You open the can from the bottom using a smooth edge can opener. You can usually find them in kitchen stores or my favorite, Pampered Chef sells them. (I can hook you up there if you're interested.)

Empty out the contents of the can and wash and dry the can. Remove the label (you will replace it with something colorful and hand made by the kids) Cut a piece of construction paper or cardstock to the same size as the label on the can. Have the kids decorate it however they choose. Glue your new label on the can and fill with stickers. We went to Office Max and bought a book of "Great Job!" stickers and cut them into individual squares.

When the can is full, use tacky craft glue and glue the bottom of the can back on. Let it dry at least over night with some sort of weight placed on top. We lined the cans up and put the phonebook on top of them. The teachers will love a selection of stickers they can use for grading papers and you and the kids will have lots of fun making the cans.

You can use taller cans and fill them with crayons, markers, anything you can think of. I've made them for birthday party favors, stocking stuffers, gifts for my neighbors and new mothers. They can be used for anything and they are super easy!

I am a teacher as well and I must say the best gift that I ever got was school supplies like copy paper, crayons, etc. With teachers budgets getting cut we find it hard to buy these things with our school money, if we get any money at all. If you do not know what supplies she needs get her a gift card to a teacher store like lakeshore or CM school supplies. That way you gift is for the whole class to benefit from instead of just for her.
Just a thought! Good luck

I think gift cards are great! If you know something of the teacher, than yes, you should get something besides the gift card. But if not, gift cards are fine. I think teachers prefer them to actual gifts. Who wants to get stuck with another coffee mug?

Actually, for gift cards, I like to go even more generic and just get American Express or Visa gift cards. I've had so many teachers tell me, gosh I wish people would stop giving me Starbucks, I don't drink coffee, or I wish people wouldn't give me bath stuff, I'm allergic to strong smells. You really just never know what personal preferences are, so I prefer to give them something they can use!

Gift certificates anywhere are thoughtful! I was a teacher and got a ton of candy and stuffed animals (more low income area) and I don't even eat candy. Gift certificates to coffee, restaurants, book stores, etc. all great gifts!!!! A teacher is never dissapointed! Also, have your daughter make a card and that will give it a nice personal touch. Good luck.

Hi K.,

I sell wonderful, cozy shawls that feel like cashemere, but are acrylic - machine washable, tons of great colors, they can go "black tie" or they can go "blue jeans". The price is $35 each of 4/$100. If you can think of three other Xmas gifts that you might need, the purchase of 4 is an awesome deal - $25 is about the price of most things these days. I have literally sold thousands of these shawls and they are absolutely the best thing - a thoughtful gift, one that she will really use. My website is www.bigcityhandbagsonline.com Unfortunately, the shawls aren't on there yet, but you can email through here or through there if you'd like me to take a photo of one of them and email it to you.

S. D.
Palos Verdes

A gift card is a great gift. Believe me, teachers get all kinds of stuff---candles, coffee mugs, ornaments, gift baskets, and how many of those do you really need? A gift certificate is a wonderful gift and if you really feel it's too impersonal, spend a little time w/your daughter in the kitchen baking cookies or muffins or making some candy, and you can wrap that up along w/the gift card.

Let me start by saying that you should not ever feel obligated to give your child's teacher a gift. We are often overwhelmed by the generosity our parents show at the holidays and throughout the year.

If you do choose to give something to your daughter's teacher, consider a group gift from the class to use in the classroom. One year, our room mom coordinated the purchase of an electric stapler for the classroom. Parents who chose to participate contributed $5 or less and we use the stapler almost daily, remembering the kids who gave it to us each time. Good luck!

S.
www.yourhousewines.com

Teachers love gift cards! It's actually a very thoughtful gift.

K.,

I think gift cards are awesome. All the teachers I know have more than enough ornaments with apples on them. I tend to give either movie theater gift cards or starbucks. Both are always very happily received! I'm sure a bookstore card or a learning store (Learning is Fun or Lakeshore) would also be much appreciated. Teachers don't get a large budget for classroom supplies and many of them end up spending quite a bit out of their own pocket to stock their classrooms. If you want it more personal, have your daughter color a card to go with it. In my experience, most folks have more than enough "stuff" so gift cards are great.

I know quite a few teachers personally and I've asked them what they like to get and each of them has said they are always thrilled with gift cards. They are always nice about all of the apple ornaments, scented soaps and stuff but a lot of that type of thing makes its way into the trash can. Just being honest here.... Cookies and that type of thing are nice but too many folks are watching their weight and that type of thing so I usually don't do that unless I know it would be welcome.

Someone asked what to get a teacher who deals with their child who has ADHD and is difficult - I'd still go with the gift card. My son is in kindergarten this year and has been in the autism program for 2 years already (this is his 3rd year in the program). He can be quite difficult (as can all children, really) and that is just part of the deal. Good communication with your teacher and a willingness to help and follow his/her suggestions goes a long ways towards developing a good relationship with a teacher when you've got a difficult child. And I'd still give gift cards. I also always leave the gift cards blank. I figure the worst case scenario is that if I give a Starbucks card and they don't like Starbucks, it is an easy thing to "re-gift." At least I know it won't go to waste...

T.

i dont think that a gift card is soo bad. you can always make her a small but descent size gift basket with some candy the gift card a bottle of sparkling cider and whatever else you want. im sure youll find what you want to give her :) good luck!

How about Starbucks or Bath&BodyWorks? I personally think she'd love Barnes and Noble as well, you could always put "FOR YOU!" on it.

How about nothing....
That would take the worry about it..
And you just save a ton of money...
Merry christmas to you.

Hi K.,

As a teacher, I can tell you that teachers LOVE gift cards and consider them to be very thoughtful. Of course, we're equally as happy with a hand-written note of thanks, too. <g>

Good luck!

Once again I have to agree with everyone else here. The gift card is a fantastic idea! As a teacher I have been given some really great gifts, most of them are usually cutesy teacher stuff or things to use in the classroom. While I appreciate both I also LOVE the times I get a gift card that I can spend on me! The idea of spending an afternoon browsing Barnes and Noble fills me with excitement, so I say go for it. I am sure the teacher will LOVE it. She will love it even more if it comes in a homemade card from your daughter.

Personally, I think her teacher would LOVE a gift card to Barnes and Noble. Another thought is a gift card to a school supply store since teachers buy so much with their own money. Although a card to B&N would maybe force her to get something for herself. I'd maybe do a B&N card along with a Starbucks card in a pretty mug? You don't have to go overboard here - it's the thought that counts.

For Teachers, personally speaking... they are always having to shop for their class kids and class supplies. So, for me, I give them gifts that would benefit THEM, and something that is useful and won't just accumulate on a shelf and collect dust.

Usually, I give certificates for restaurants, for a salon/nail salon/massage, clothing store, or a mall certificate, or a "gas" gift certificate from a local gas station. That way, they can get something special for themselves... which on a Teacher's salary, they don't always get to do. And then, I usually include a photo of my child or of our family...

Sometimes what is also cute, in addition to the certificate... is going to www.kodakgallery.com and they have "photo ornaments" that you could put a photo on, which is a cute souvenir for them.

I"ve noticed, that Teacher's already have tons of books, and tote bags, and coffee mugs, and photo frames, and trinkets and what not. And I know, especially given our economy... people seem to like getting good gift certificates, which they can use.

So that's what I usually give.
Hope this helps... good luck,
Susan

Nothing wrong with the gift card! B&N also gives teacher discounts, so the gift actually goes farther.

If you have the means or want to include others in a group gift, a massage is a wonderful gift for a teacher.

Whatever you decide to give, the thought is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for asking,
18 year veteran of grades 3-12

I am a teacher. If you know she likes to read, then go for the gift card and have your daughter create a homade bookmark to make it a bit more personnel. We teachers love gifts we can use. I've gotten so many candles, bath soaps, and teacher/apple items to last a lifetime. Movie tickets, restaraunt gift cards are great too.

I've never met a teacher who doesn't love Starbuck's! You could put together a mug and chocolate kisses or candy canes w/ a gift card. But I also think a Barnes and Noble gift card is not unthoughtful at all! Then she can get exactly what she wants!! Bottom line, any gift is thoughtful. I always hand write how much I appreciate them or something special my child said about them. Teachers often times feel UNappreciated!

My sister is a teacher & she LOVES gift cards!!! The aren't unthoughtful, because the teacher can choose something just for him/herself.

An extra special touch is to either have your child make the card or also give with the gift card a cute little ornament or magnet...for some of my girls favorite teachers we have done all 3 things, a gift card, a cute little ornament w/the girl's picture in it & a homemade bead art magnet in the teacher's favorite shape...ie fish, butterfly..the bead art is a fun touch...they spend a lot of time doing them & they are truly an unique gift. Good Luck...

I am a teacher as well (a lot of teachers here)! I think your idea of a Barnes and Noble gift card is wonderful. I would be thrilled. Also, the suggestions from SH below made me melt. I would be thrilled with any of those. I teach middle school, and we don't seem do get as many gifts as the elementary teachers, but I do go home with a lot of candles and lotions (and even stuffed animals) that I just don't use. I also get a lot of candy which makes me fat! The gifts I have loved the most in the past are the gift cards, because those are the ones I can really use. Above and beyond that, homemade ornaments and poems written by students are the ones I keep close to my heart.

Let me tell you, the best thing you can do for a teacher is to let the teacher know that you appreciate him/her. We don't get enough of that. Anything you do to show appreciation is wonderful. You are a gem for even thinking this much about it!

Oh, and P.S., I think a lot of us teachers are Starbucks junkies too!

I think if she likes to read maybe get her some books that she could read to the kids in class.C.

K. M,
I think all the ideas that have been put forth to you are excellent ideas. Your idea of a gift card is outstanding! It feels personal because you cared enough to think about what the teacher would appreciate. Also, having your daughter make the card and decorate it, is a one of a kind card. This also gives your daughter and you a wonderful memory. Those little memories of time spent with mom are what we remember when we grow up. Have a wonderful Christmas!

E.:)

i like the idea about a gift card but i have a question what about if like my child who has ADHD and hasnt been such a saint in class and has given her a hard time at times. Sometimes i think the teacher is not so thrilled about him would you suggest the same thing or what should i do/

While you have gotten a lot of great ideas one of my favorites as a teacher was a wonderful letter telling me the things her son has learned while in my class. Also she included ways he has grown and changed and what she liked best about my teaching style. I was very touched at the heart felt nature. No money was spent just her time. I saved that and after many years still read it on occaion to remind me that I mattered to that one family and they appreciated me.

As a teacher, I love gift cards. What would be especially nice if if you could help your daughter hand-make a card. Also since elementary teachers often spend $$$$ buying supplies for their classroom, they also like gift cards to a Teacher Supply Store -- depending on your city. There is a good one on Orangethorpe in Fullerton.

Dear K.,
You are a real gem for giving this so much thought, bless you! I agree with most of the responses that gift cards are the most practical and thoughtful gifts because they are the most useful. My favorites are movie and restaurant ones, but Starbucks and Books stores are also high on my list. Besides gift cards, another favorite gift is a Christmas ornament, either handmade or personalized. Every year, when I hang my ornaments, I have fond memories of so many students from years and years ago that I still hang on my tree. It is a gift that keeps giving because each year those students are remembered and it makes me feel good to know that they appreciated me enough to make or personalize their gift to me and I truly use them.
Maybe a gift card and an ornament.....:) What a lucky teacher!
Tracey