Gifts for Teachers: What They REALLY Want

I searched for ideas on Pinterest, but I felt bad about myself almost immediately and gave up. The printables, the hand-made crafts, the candy, the highlighters – what do teachers REALLY want?

Luckily, I have several friends who ARE teachers. They gave me the low-down, and will remain ANONYMOUS because I asked them to be brutally honest. Their answers will surprise you!

First, ALL of the teachers said they don’t expect a gift at the end of the year. Remember – they were speaking anonymously, so I actually do believe them.

If you’re going to be awesome and get something anyway, here are some tips.

• Candy: “Every year, one of our teachers collects all the unwanted chocolate and takes it down to the drop-in centre to donate to the homeless.”
• Mugs: “Our staffroom kitchen is overflowing with coffee mugs.”
• Candles and other trinkets: no one needs more of that.
• Perfume, bath stuff, and anything smelly: I have done this. I have given smelly stuff to teachers. I should have asked sooner!

One teacher said, “It’s the notes from parents and kids I treasure. I keep some every year to pull out and read when I’m having a bad day.” Be specific and sincere:

• Talk about a time when the teacher did something exceptional or special for your child.
• Try: “I’ll always remember the time you…”
• Or: “It meant so much to us when you…”

Gift Cards

• Parents are apparently hesitant to give wine, but let’s face it – your kids’ teachers probably need a drink.
• Don’t worry – they won’t crack it open until the kids are gone.

Hand-made Cards

• Home-made cards from the kids are treasured for years.
• One teacher said, “I have a pick-me-up file filled with cards and notes.”

One of the teachers I spoke to had this to say: “Ending the year is actually hard for most teachers emotionally. We’ve come to know and love our students really well and we will never share their lives in the same way again. Seeing them move on is somewhat bittersweet: you’re happy for them to grow up and move on to bigger & better things, but you’ll miss them, too.”

SNIFF. Now I want to buy teachers ALL the presents. They are awesome. Any other great ideas?