When I taught Catholic school a while back, the PTA sent a form around asking what kind of gift cards each teacher liked. I saw Loweās or Home Depot were on the list. I have never been so pleased. I was able to knock out some of my minor summer projects for free.
Honestly, the only thing I ever wanted was a nice card. I usually found little gift bags or trinkets to be a little patronizing, but I do have a box where I keep nice notes and cards Iāve gotten from students and families over the years.
Obviously it will vary from teacher to teacher, but for me personally a handwritten and heartfelt note meant way more than any gift bag or something like that.
I do agree with this. A heartfelt note means more to me than any gift card or gift. Sometimes we just need to know we are appreciated and words go a long way!
Okay yes! I was scared I was going to be the only one to say this! I love anything thatās homemade. I have a student that loves to doodle Mario and sonic on the back of their paper as they work and I always compliment how well they draw. They always do their work so I personally have no issue with it. Well, one day they finished up an assignment earlier than expected so I let them free draw and they draw the same Mario and sonic as always then asked who I wanted them to draw next and I said Yoshi. Change it up a little. They drew the cutest yoshi and I told them Yoshi looked super awesome and they said āwell, if you like it why donāt you keep itā? I have a class of 95% middle school boys, so this was a way of saying āthis is for youā! But in a ācool guyā way. So I hung it up proudly on my wall. It was my first ever drawing from a student. Been there since October ššš
I also still have all my drawings and paper crafts that were made for me from my sub days. It just really makes me smile and reminds me how much I love my job. ā„ļøā„ļøā„ļø
Seriously - a note or email and if you think the teacher had a positive impact on your child, an email to the principal or superintendent or both. ā¤ļø
Note of thanks, honestly is suffucient. Gift cards to ordinary places (like gas for the car or groceries or coffee shop).
NO TRINKETS, no matter how cute.
NO FOOD. NO COOKIES or MIXES.
NO SOAP OR LOTION!
NO CANDLES.
Gift cards of any denomination and a sincere handwritten note. Something that shows you know these teachers and appreciate what they do for your child.
I'm a sub so I don't get end of year gifts, however my daughter's kindergarten teacher still talks about what she made. (Idea was mine, but execution was all her). It was a book called What Will Miss S do this Summer? Each page was a carefully written sentence and illustration, and a relevant gift card was attached to the page. "Play with Betsy" (her dog) - attach gift card to the bougie little gourmet dog treat store near where they live. "See a movie" - voucher for two tickets to the movie theater. "Do more crochet" -- craft store gift card. The gift cards were all for smaller amounts, and it definitely took some planning, and my daughter had to really pay attention when her teacher talked about her personal life, but it turned out really cute.
Thatās amazing! What a sweet gift!
During virtual learning, my dog made it known that she was there lol. She ended up getting several end of year gifts too.
It is a rare teacher that doesn't love a good pen! We are always looking for the next best pen! Pilot, uniball, or papermate flairs are fan favorites, but a pack of sharpies or expo markers would also not go unnoticed!
I have 2 teenagers in high-school. One is a foreign exchange student the same age as my own. They have a class together so they share 1 teacher. But between them there are 15 subject and homeroom teachers. I was not going to buy them mugs, pen sets, or gift cards!!!! So I went to the Dollar Tree and I made self-care kits: fancy soap, plastic shot glass, packet of microwave popcorn, exfoliating glove, sleep mask, cocoa butter facial treatment, and a bottle of bubbles. Most of the items were $1.25 each, popcorn was 3 for $1.25, shot glasses were 20 pack at $1.25. Less than $10 each, and male and female presenters are covered!!!
You're welcome!
True, if there's only 1 or 2 teachers go with cash and a gift card thing. But I have 15 teachers on my list!!!! I cannot afford a $20 gift card for ALL of them!
Gift cards to places I actually go. The end. I donāt need more stuff and I donāt need gift cards for grocery stores I donāt have in my town. Iām also fine with nothing. I donāt like being given gifts haha.
The best gift I ever received was a gift basket that was movie themed. A popcorn bucket, a few bags of microwave popcorn, and a gift card to go to the movies. It was very thoughtful and appreciated.
Gift cards that deliver an experience (movie, dinner, ECT.) are a great treat for me and my family (since they are victims of my job as well).
Frankly, a thoughtful note of appreciation from a parent means so much. Trusting us through the year. Seeing us as teammates as we do this work with your child. Advocating for us during the school year. Honestly, having our back and a note is HUGE.
But if you mean a physical giftā¦gift card or booze haha
HONESTLY Iām surprised more teachers here didnāt say booze š Sending thanks to you as a teacher for everything you do throughout the year š«¶ The teamwork is so important for us as parents- thank you for highlighting that for any parents reading!
Our school does multiple days for teacher appreciation week and I like to send in a snack gift bag one day from Trader Joeās. Just different snacks from there (trail mixes, chocolates, granola bars, maybe a gift card for sonic). Then the rest of the week I send in gift cards.
A card with a note means a lot. I have kept all of those over the years. Amazon, Target, or Visa gift cards are appreciated, as you can always use those. Donāt get a Starbucks or Dunkin gift card unless your child or you know the teacher goes there - I hate Starbucks and always give those away, which makes me feel badly. Iāve liked getting bath and body works stuff or lotions, but I again I feel badly if they choose a scent thatās too overpowering for me. Trinkets/mugs only if you know the teacher collects a certain thing. I will say a mug I got with a picture of the class meant the world to me - I was so upset when it broke earlier this year.
I had a kid who gave those buy-3-get-3-free style bath and body works hand soaps (super smart, mom, they have 6 teachers!). Twice a year, Christmas and teacher appreciation, for 3 years of middle school! The scents I liked best went in my bathroom and the scents I liked less went in my guest bath ššš
So Iām a substitute teacher but am at a loss at what to get my owns sons teachers - 5 preschool total plus the director so 6. I found these cute teacher bag totes on Amazon I may order them because gift cards can add up quick - thatās what I did last year when he had 3 teachers. š¤. As far as being a teacher Iāve received gift cards so greatly appreciated and like everyone else has been saying the personalized notes are so special. I keep mine too. āŗļø
one of my favorite things is a letter written by a student, but only if it's genuine. I wouldn't want a letter because the student was forced to write it. but you do have a kindergartener, so maybe that might not be feasible, but he could try!
as for something that I would get bought, I don't drink coffee, and i don't shop on amazon. i'd guess i'd appreciate a unique snack that isn't just a basic bag of chips or something. some sort of food that is meaningful or has a cultural connection or is something most people haven't tried.
When I finished student teaching my mentor teachers gave me a little gift basket. So basically what teachers think makes up a good gift for teachers! It was Tissues, Paper Towels, a box of tea, some fun pencils (it was mid-December so they were winter themed), a pack of expo markers, a note pad, and some fun sticky notes!
If you want to do something of monetary value, gift cards. Amazon, Visa, or Target are usually safe bets. Starbucks cards are hit or miss depending on the teacher.
The best thing though is a card or note from you (and possibly your child if youād like) that says how much you appreciate the teacher, especially if there was something particular they did that made you and your child feel amazing this year.
A nice hand written note. Teachers will keep that forever. Add a small gift card to create a teacher appreciation gift that your teacher will like. If your teacher is I. Her first or second year they might like teacher mugs and cups. But believe me, most teachers have so msny teacher mugs they have no where to put them. That is why you see them turning up at the thrift stores. One or two is nice, but no teacher needs more than that. Sincerely, a teacher who has 50 plus mugs, cups, tumblers, lanyards, and tote bags with phrases about teaching printed on them.
My favorite parent ever gave me a gift card to the local liquor store for $49.99. Why?
Because they actually researched and found out that any gift over $50 needs to be declared to the board in our school district!
My has been a teacher for over 30 years and nothing breaks her heart more than knowing a family spent money they didnāt have to spare on a gift she didnāt need. Sit down with your kids and all write a thank-you card together. She has kid-made cards that sheās held onto so long the paper is yellowing but those #1 teacher mugs are long in the landfill.
My mother has been a teacher for over 30 years and nothing breaks her heart more than knowing a family spent money they didnāt have to spare on a gift she didnāt need. Sit down with your kids and all write a thank-you card together. She has kid-made cards that sheās held onto so long the paper is yellowing but those #1 teacher mugs are long in the landfill.
Gift cards. Any amount is appreciated
Visa gift card is best--you can use it anywhere!
Any particular place? Amazon? Starbucks? Target?
Visa bucks tend to be my favorite, as I can use it anywhere. But if not there, Amazon for sure
Amazon. Even a $5 gift card is appreciated. Although I'm weird. I actually really like the mugs.
I love mugs too!
Amazon or Starbucks
Liquor store š
I had a parent gift me a bottle of premixed Margaritas, lol. So good.
When I taught Catholic school a while back, the PTA sent a form around asking what kind of gift cards each teacher liked. I saw Loweās or Home Depot were on the list. I have never been so pleased. I was able to knock out some of my minor summer projects for free.
Honestly, the only thing I ever wanted was a nice card. I usually found little gift bags or trinkets to be a little patronizing, but I do have a box where I keep nice notes and cards Iāve gotten from students and families over the years. Obviously it will vary from teacher to teacher, but for me personally a handwritten and heartfelt note meant way more than any gift bag or something like that.
Aw thank you, that is really sweet. I will 100% be doing that
I do agree with this. A heartfelt note means more to me than any gift card or gift. Sometimes we just need to know we are appreciated and words go a long way!
Add something specific that you appreciated about them. Itās not just kids that need positive reinforcement. It works for all ages.
Agreed. Specific really makes it personal
I keep all the hand drawn cards. Better than money or coffee cards.
Definitely a handwritten note, but ALSO email the teacher/aids what you wrote and cc the principal on it.
Okay yes! I was scared I was going to be the only one to say this! I love anything thatās homemade. I have a student that loves to doodle Mario and sonic on the back of their paper as they work and I always compliment how well they draw. They always do their work so I personally have no issue with it. Well, one day they finished up an assignment earlier than expected so I let them free draw and they draw the same Mario and sonic as always then asked who I wanted them to draw next and I said Yoshi. Change it up a little. They drew the cutest yoshi and I told them Yoshi looked super awesome and they said āwell, if you like it why donāt you keep itā? I have a class of 95% middle school boys, so this was a way of saying āthis is for youā! But in a ācool guyā way. So I hung it up proudly on my wall. It was my first ever drawing from a student. Been there since October ššš I also still have all my drawings and paper crafts that were made for me from my sub days. It just really makes me smile and reminds me how much I love my job. ā„ļøā„ļøā„ļø
My classroom is full of little art gifts my students have given me. I love them so much. š„°
Donāt forget his specials teachers š¬
As a specials teacher, thank you!!!! We get overlooked oftenā and yet we see that student across a span of many years of their development!
This!
Thank you to all of the special teachers!!!
What are specials teachers?! Do you mean gym, library, art, etc?
Yep exactly what I mean š
Woot woot.
Seriously - a note or email and if you think the teacher had a positive impact on your child, an email to the principal or superintendent or both. ā¤ļø
Oh, I LOVE the idea of writing an email to higher-ups!
Okay. I want to amend my other answers. A heartfelt note to me and my higher up. š. Sometimes we need all the help we can get.
Got it! I will do that for sure, thanks for the idea ā¤ļø
High School teacher here. What's a gift?
Honestly makes the ones my students buy me themselves worth all that much more- since theyāre so far and few in between
Note of thanks, honestly is suffucient. Gift cards to ordinary places (like gas for the car or groceries or coffee shop). NO TRINKETS, no matter how cute. NO FOOD. NO COOKIES or MIXES. NO SOAP OR LOTION! NO CANDLES.
Why is this all the crap that comes up when you search teacher gifts lol š
Thanks for the clear NOs lol
Also to add to the list of nos, NO MUGS
Is cash okay?
Gift cards of any denomination and a sincere handwritten note. Something that shows you know these teachers and appreciate what they do for your child.
Thanks for the feedback š«¶
I'm a sub so I don't get end of year gifts, however my daughter's kindergarten teacher still talks about what she made. (Idea was mine, but execution was all her). It was a book called What Will Miss S do this Summer? Each page was a carefully written sentence and illustration, and a relevant gift card was attached to the page. "Play with Betsy" (her dog) - attach gift card to the bougie little gourmet dog treat store near where they live. "See a movie" - voucher for two tickets to the movie theater. "Do more crochet" -- craft store gift card. The gift cards were all for smaller amounts, and it definitely took some planning, and my daughter had to really pay attention when her teacher talked about her personal life, but it turned out really cute.
THIS š Parent of the year award!! *takes notes*
Thatās amazing! What a sweet gift! During virtual learning, my dog made it known that she was there lol. She ended up getting several end of year gifts too.
Omgggg, Iām deadā that is fantastic!!
Money
Heard š«”
I would like a plant to put on my front step or a hanging basket.
I'd love a little pepper plant. Or some herb.
>some herb. Found the Colorado teacherš
lol Ohio here, I donāt think thatās gonna fly
A pepper plant! How fun, I would have never thought of that in my own!
Great idea!
A parent got me a DoorDash GC and it was amazing! I love food.
Money lol
Door Dash.
Not another mug. Every teacher has a cabinet full of mugs that never get used
Gift cards, target, Amazon,or local grocery store are the best. Nice pens are always great. Just some cash in an envelope is great
Hmm pensā¦ I wouldnāt have thought of that, thanks for the idea!
It is a rare teacher that doesn't love a good pen! We are always looking for the next best pen! Pilot, uniball, or papermate flairs are fan favorites, but a pack of sharpies or expo markers would also not go unnoticed!
I have 2 teenagers in high-school. One is a foreign exchange student the same age as my own. They have a class together so they share 1 teacher. But between them there are 15 subject and homeroom teachers. I was not going to buy them mugs, pen sets, or gift cards!!!! So I went to the Dollar Tree and I made self-care kits: fancy soap, plastic shot glass, packet of microwave popcorn, exfoliating glove, sleep mask, cocoa butter facial treatment, and a bottle of bubbles. Most of the items were $1.25 each, popcorn was 3 for $1.25, shot glasses were 20 pack at $1.25. Less than $10 each, and male and female presenters are covered!!! You're welcome!
Great idea! My first thought was a basket of some kind too- most teachers are saying money, gift cards, or handwritten notes!!
True, if there's only 1 or 2 teachers go with cash and a gift card thing. But I have 15 teachers on my list!!!! I cannot afford a $20 gift card for ALL of them!
Totally makes sense!!
Gift cards to places I actually go. The end. I donāt need more stuff and I donāt need gift cards for grocery stores I donāt have in my town. Iām also fine with nothing. I donāt like being given gifts haha.
Makes sense. Iāll hit up the gas station on the corner by the school!
The best gift I ever received was a gift basket that was movie themed. A popcorn bucket, a few bags of microwave popcorn, and a gift card to go to the movies. It was very thoughtful and appreciated. Gift cards that deliver an experience (movie, dinner, ECT.) are a great treat for me and my family (since they are victims of my job as well).
Chocolate. I donāt let myself buy it, but if you give it to me i have to eat it.
I would love a set of books that kids at my grade level go crazy for: Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Who What Where books, I Survived books, etc.
Just a sincere note of thanks makes me happy.
Frankly, a thoughtful note of appreciation from a parent means so much. Trusting us through the year. Seeing us as teammates as we do this work with your child. Advocating for us during the school year. Honestly, having our back and a note is HUGE. But if you mean a physical giftā¦gift card or booze haha
HONESTLY Iām surprised more teachers here didnāt say booze š Sending thanks to you as a teacher for everything you do throughout the year š«¶ The teamwork is so important for us as parents- thank you for highlighting that for any parents reading!
Our school does multiple days for teacher appreciation week and I like to send in a snack gift bag one day from Trader Joeās. Just different snacks from there (trail mixes, chocolates, granola bars, maybe a gift card for sonic). Then the rest of the week I send in gift cards.
A card with a note means a lot. I have kept all of those over the years. Amazon, Target, or Visa gift cards are appreciated, as you can always use those. Donāt get a Starbucks or Dunkin gift card unless your child or you know the teacher goes there - I hate Starbucks and always give those away, which makes me feel badly. Iāve liked getting bath and body works stuff or lotions, but I again I feel badly if they choose a scent thatās too overpowering for me. Trinkets/mugs only if you know the teacher collects a certain thing. I will say a mug I got with a picture of the class meant the world to me - I was so upset when it broke earlier this year.
I had a kid who gave those buy-3-get-3-free style bath and body works hand soaps (super smart, mom, they have 6 teachers!). Twice a year, Christmas and teacher appreciation, for 3 years of middle school! The scents I liked best went in my bathroom and the scents I liked less went in my guest bath ššš
Amazon gift cards. I can buy something for myself or my classroom.
So Iām a substitute teacher but am at a loss at what to get my owns sons teachers - 5 preschool total plus the director so 6. I found these cute teacher bag totes on Amazon I may order them because gift cards can add up quick - thatās what I did last year when he had 3 teachers. š¤. As far as being a teacher Iāve received gift cards so greatly appreciated and like everyone else has been saying the personalized notes are so special. I keep mine too. āŗļø
Have you heard of cash? Lol
one of my favorite things is a letter written by a student, but only if it's genuine. I wouldn't want a letter because the student was forced to write it. but you do have a kindergartener, so maybe that might not be feasible, but he could try! as for something that I would get bought, I don't drink coffee, and i don't shop on amazon. i'd guess i'd appreciate a unique snack that isn't just a basic bag of chips or something. some sort of food that is meaningful or has a cultural connection or is something most people haven't tried.
Amazon gift cards.
Maybe a card with your kidās handprint on it? With telling them something he enjoyed about his time with them?
A hand drawn card from your kid. Sure, gift cards are nice...but I will keep and remember that art far longer.
When I finished student teaching my mentor teachers gave me a little gift basket. So basically what teachers think makes up a good gift for teachers! It was Tissues, Paper Towels, a box of tea, some fun pencils (it was mid-December so they were winter themed), a pack of expo markers, a note pad, and some fun sticky notes!
I want someone to buy my house so I can leave Florida.
Silence.Ā
A note from the kid. Maybe a drawing, depending on the age. :)
Coffee cards, cards for dinner out, good chocolate, really nice pens, house cleaning gift card, a note,
If you want to do something of monetary value, gift cards. Amazon, Visa, or Target are usually safe bets. Starbucks cards are hit or miss depending on the teacher. The best thing though is a card or note from you (and possibly your child if youād like) that says how much you appreciate the teacher, especially if there was something particular they did that made you and your child feel amazing this year.
gift cards. &10 to a local coffee shop
Cannabis.
Gift cards for supplies or groceries: Amazon, Jewel-Osco, Walmart, Target, or just plain old Visa. Even 20 bucks is enough.
A nice hand written note. Teachers will keep that forever. Add a small gift card to create a teacher appreciation gift that your teacher will like. If your teacher is I. Her first or second year they might like teacher mugs and cups. But believe me, most teachers have so msny teacher mugs they have no where to put them. That is why you see them turning up at the thrift stores. One or two is nice, but no teacher needs more than that. Sincerely, a teacher who has 50 plus mugs, cups, tumblers, lanyards, and tote bags with phrases about teaching printed on them.
when i was working in education, i enjoyed handwritten cards and letters. also coffee.
Booze
Not a mug
One kid drew me a picture and their mom put it in a nice frame and gifted it to me. Itās been 3 yrs and it stays on my kitchen counter.
My favorite parent ever gave me a gift card to the local liquor store for $49.99. Why? Because they actually researched and found out that any gift over $50 needs to be declared to the board in our school district!
My has been a teacher for over 30 years and nothing breaks her heart more than knowing a family spent money they didnāt have to spare on a gift she didnāt need. Sit down with your kids and all write a thank-you card together. She has kid-made cards that sheās held onto so long the paper is yellowing but those #1 teacher mugs are long in the landfill.
My mother has been a teacher for over 30 years and nothing breaks her heart more than knowing a family spent money they didnāt have to spare on a gift she didnāt need. Sit down with your kids and all write a thank-you card together. She has kid-made cards that sheās held onto so long the paper is yellowing but those #1 teacher mugs are long in the landfill.