Any Gift Ideas for Teachers?

Spring is such a wonderful time of year to give a potted plant of flowers. You can even give a little basket with 3 of those little $.99 flowers nested in some tissue. It is very pretty, lasts longer than cut flowers, and the teacher can plant them in her flower garden if she wants...or just enjoy in the basket for as long as they live.

As a former teacher, I loved getting notes of appreciation. It felt really nice to hear from the parents how much you were actually appreciated.

This is from a teacher! I love gift cards! A great little gift I received was my favorite bag of kettle corn popcorn and a $5.00 gift certificate to sonic (I love Diet cokes with vanilla). I've done this for my children's teachers also; so, it doesn't have to be expensive, but it still gives the teacher something they can use.

This year, I got travel coffee mugs for my boys teachers. I hot-glued a bow onto them and attached a note that said "Thanks a Latte" Then I added a $10 Starbucks gift card. They both LOVED them. I must confess that this was not originally my idea. I got it from this website, http://www.skiptomylou.org/teacher-appreciation-ideas/. This is one of my favorite craft websites, and she has a whole section dedicated to Teacher Appreciation. You're sure to find at least one idea there.

For anyone looking for unique teacher gifts... try to think of a very specific event and make a basket/bag for that event. For example: A "first morning to sleep in" bag, with a mug, coffee (sample size), muffin mix, a jazz CD, and some slipper socks; A "day at the pool" bag, with snacks, a sun visor, sun screen, and flip flops; A "traveling/vacation" bag, with cross-words, ear plugs, a travel mug, a change purse, and a fun book or CD. None of these bags has to be expensive - ROSS is a great place to find almost everything, and Half-Price-Books is awesome too.

If you are still looking for ideas, try www.uncommongoods.com - they have really interesting and fun gifts for teachers, including one of my favorite games: Table Topics.

And just FYI - I am a teacher, and I love my students, but there are only so many "teacher" gifts I can keep. After so many years of teaching, I would rather have a picture of the class, matted with their sweet messages than another "World's Best Teacher" paperweight. The practical and less space-consuming gifts are great.

Hope this helps!

Here are some ideas that are all available locally where you usually shop - Wal-Mart & HomeGoods/TJ Maxx:

http://burbmom.net/teacher-gifts-asap/

Good luck!

I am a teacher and I like getting giftcards. Even if it is just $5 to Starbucks or Walmart. It is also nice to get plants (e.g ivy), because we get to watch them grow through the years like our students. Another gift that I have enjoyed is a snack basket. I hope these help!

And know, most teachers don't expect anything so whatever you get is always a true blessing!

As a teacher myself, I think a simple card with a message about how you appreciate your teacher's efforts is sufficient. If you really want to get something, though, you can also consider getting some classroom supplies ... teachers often buy those out of pocket, especially at the end of the year.

As a classroom teacher, some of my favorite gifts have been heartfelt notes, letters, or cards from students with a photo of the child. I collect all of the things my students give to me. If there was a particular memory that your child cherishes about their time with the teacher then they should write it down on paper for the teacher. I know that I would cherish that note forever.

I hope this helps!

I am up at school and working with the teachers all the time, gift cards to thier favorite places. I just gave cash out at Christmas, I know our teacher has been going through a rough year, surgeries for both her and her son, school and ecomnomy. She cried over a twenty dollar cash gift. I usually find out what resturants they like or book stores and what not, but this year everyone likes cash. She could use it for herself or her family I did not care.
Our teacher last year was young and always stopped for Sonic drinks, we got her a gift card there and I got some cool dogs toys since I new she just got a new a pup. Ift you do not know them well enough to purchase a gift they will truly use go the gift card route and make sure it is somewhere reasonable.

They get tons of gift baskets, and I can tell you, they love each and every gift they get, but in the long run, they extremely appreciate the gift they can use for what they need at that time.

A suggestion if you ae involvedat school is to send out a questionair at the begining of the school with things like; Favorite resturant, gum, soda, magazine, flower, sportsteam, ETC. We then send it out to the all the room moms and the chair for teacher appreciation, since we started doingthis we have been able to do less gift cards because we know what they truly like.

As a teacher-I do NOT want homemade goodies from the kitchen! I hate to say this but some kitchens and cooks are not clean! At Christmas-I said thank you-even wrote a nice thank you card during lunch and recess-at the end of the day the goodies were tossed-even the janitors are leary about homemade goodies!
The best idea? Go in with other parents and get a gift card -even those Visa cards are great-they can be used anywhere!
A note of appreciation is also very nice....

http://www.gourmetapples.com/

How about a gift card to a restaurant (for a nice night out!) or to the Teachers' Tools store (so she can buy new stuff for the classroom)?

I happen to have the perfect gift for teachers! It is Scentsy Wickless Candles! Scentsy is the hottest new thing in candles! The Plug-Ins are great for classrooms & my kids teachers have looooved them! I have had lots of other teachers call & order one for their classrooms after smelling the one's that I gave as gifts to my kids teachers.

Scentsy Wickless Candles are flameless, wickless, smokeless & leadless so they are very safe to use in classrooms around children! Warmed safely by a low voltage light bulb instead of a flame, Scentsy's exclusive wax bar melts down to release its fantastic fragrance over and over again. It will outlast your most fragrant and expensive flamed candle. Since there is no flame, they pose no danger to children or property. Scentsy is stronger smelling, longer lasting & safer than traditional candles. Scentsy has over 80 scentsational scents available so there is something for everyone!

Gift wrapping is available & I always include a card telling the recipient that the un-used Scentsy Bar is exchangable for a different scents if they happen to recieve a scent that they do not care for.

I would love to help you in anyway I can! Please check out my website www.Got2HaveScents.com or give me a call anytime ###-###-#### if you have any questions.

As a former teacher and now a preschool coordinator, I know that teachers always appreciate gift cards. Sonic, Starbucks, teacher supply store, book store, BBW, restaurants, etc. If there are several parents who want to go in together, you could even do a "gift card tree." It makes a cute presentation, and some of the cards can even be just $5 or $10. Hope the idea helps.

I'm a second grade teacher and I would recommend something consumable. If your class is fairly close, consider pooling resources and getting something really nice like a gift certificate at a nice restaurant or spa she would never go to on her own. I work in a very low income area so I usually get a sweet, used stuffed animall : ) Good luck and I'm sure she will appreciate anything you give her--thanks for your appreciation.

Please take a look at my online boutique. I do many custom and personalized items, including tote bags. Check it out: www.ketchykouture.blogspot.com

Thanks!
K.

For our "teacher appreciation week" we usually have themed days and that dictates what we give the teachers. Maybe all schools don't do that...? For the end of the year, I'd say see if the parents want to go in on a gift. You can get a really nice gift that way...dinner and movie gift certificate. Store gift cards, etc.

How about some nice stationery/note cards... maybe even personalized? Teachers are always writing Thank you notes for all those great holidays and appreciation occasions. They would love to have some special paper to use.

How about a gift certificate to one of those teacher's supply stores?

Try Nana Puddins Embroidery. Her name is Kim Bransford. She has the cutest ideas and is pretty quick. Tell her J. sent you. Her number is ###-###-####. www.nanapuddins.com

Aaron Brothers Art Mart has great teacher gifts (way more stuff than just frames). I go there for every teacher gift giving occasion and (even between 2 children's multiple teachers) always come out with something unique and high quality each time. They usually (at least at the one at 407 and 2499) have a section at the front of the store with nice unique gifts, for under $10! Can't beat that. They have other very nice, affordable stuff throughout the store, also.

Not sure of your budget, but I make jewelry and you can get earrings for $20. Or, I make charms that can be hung from a bag or almost anywhere. Either one they make great thoughtful gifts because I attach a tag to each piece of jewelry describing the stones used and the healing energetic properties that are associated with it. Check out my website to learn more and see what I've got.
www.selfsymmetry.com

Good Luck!
K. Rogers

I was looking on Etsy the other day and saw a "Teacher Notepad". You can customize is to say something like, "from the desk of Mrs. Smith" or whatever. And it was pretty cheap. I think like 100 pages for $12.50. Hope that helps

Summer is coming up soon. Why not a movie gift card packaged with a box of microwave popcorn. Attach a note, encouraging her to go see her favorite movie on you. You can also do something similar and get a gift card from one of your favorite lunch spots in the area. Let her know it is yours or your child's favorite place so it is more personal.

Do not ever buy a mug. Most teachers do not like them unless you put something "tangible" inside.

I own a party favor/gift company and we make beautiful candy bar bouquets. I have adorable teacher appreciation bouquets. I use a ceramic pencil holder in the shape of a pencil for the base and then create a bouquet with the candy bars! its origonal and cute. The bouquet is then wrapped in a clear cello bag and tied with curly ribbons and topped off with a custom tag from your child.

I have bouquets for birthdays in mugs and graduation as well. Check out my website. The bouquets start at $12.00. The pencil holder one will be 12.00.

My company also does printing- note cards, thank you notes, key chains, t-shirts... & more.

Hope that gives you an idea or 2.
A. J
www.celebritypartyfavors.com

I do embroidery and can give you tons of ideas! Coffee mugs, water bottles, lunch totes, t-shirts with the kids names from the class or just a t-shirt with school emblem/colors. You can check out my website at www.institches.biz and get even more ideas...checkbook covers, key chains, towel for summer, etc.

Yes, I have the perfect gift. First of all my name is J. Jones and I sell Scentsy out of my home. Please go to my website, www.scentsy.com/23231
and take a look around. You can open up the catalog online, or if you will give me your address, I will mail you one. I am doing lots of show, so I have stock. For $21.65 you can get the teacher something no one else will get her. The product is the newest thing in candles. They warm scented wax up and make your home smell wonderful.
We carry small ones for the bathroom and kitchen and larger ones for the family room or bedroom. I have 82 different scents. Let me know if I can help you. I also do home shows, so if you have a bunch of friends you can have over for a couple of hours, we can get you some FREE PRODUCT! I look forward to hearing from you.. My number is ###-###-####.

It has been my experience when I worked as an aide at the school that most of them don't want you to buy them gifts but we all want to. I have heard some of them say that it would be nice if peolple would get them gift cards to a place they could replinish or replace or get new things for their classrooms for our little ones.

single working mom of 4

As a teacher, we always appreciate gift cards and a nice note of appreciation (even one to the principal if you have been happy just to let him/her know that you appreciate all the teacher has done for your child and others). Another quick thought about some personalize notecards? Please no more teacher nick nacks.

If you have access to do so a good teacher appreciation gift would be a picture of the whole class in a frame w/ a mat. Have the kids sign the mat so she can keep it forever. I have had teachers tell me they love the giftcards. I know each likes different things so try to get a feel for what they might like. Or, go in with another parent or two and get a massage gift certificate.

I made a tote bag for one of Coy's teachers. I got a plain canvas bag and cut the teacher's name out of cute fabric and used wonder under to affix it to the bag and then I put some other cutsey stuff on it. She LOVED it!! If I had more time I would have put all the kids names on the other side and put the year on it. Either way she could use it to tote her grading and books around.

I have some great handmade gifts--check out my site: www.Glitz4Gals.etsy.com. I have a show this weekend at Terrell Heritage Festival (Sat and Sun), where you see my cute little bulletin boards that can be hung or sit on the teacher's desk (6x6) or larger bulletin boards (12x12) that can be hung, cell phone charms, kitchen angels, notepad holders, even the cutest little apple cloth holders for teacher notes of appreciation or gift card holders.

before i had my baby i taught pre k and one of the parents bought books for the classroom. they were giving to me but we used them for story time. it was a good idea.

I am a teacher and my all time favorite gifts are the really simple ones that show they thought about me as a person. I am a health nut and this Christmas a student brought me a bottle of Smart Water. It was inexpensive but showed me that they noticed what I drink. I have received cookbooks, animal books, dark chocolate, fruit, etc.; all very appreciated!

I have a 2nd and 3rd grader and have been giving their teachers personalized gifts. Check out personalizationmall.com. Also,personalized notecards or stationary with their name - you can get from a variety of web sites or you can make it with a few supplies and print from home. Most teachers really like just a personalized letter from their students - no cost at all.

Gift cards to Barnes & Noble of the Teacher's Store.
BW

I like to get either a popcorn bucket or small basket and put a gift card to rent a movie with snacks like chocolates, chips, sodas, water, etc.

Have you seen keyfinders and accessories by Finders Key Purse? I sell alot of these for teacher gifts, Mother's Day gifts and graduation gifts. We just released a collegiate line and a monogram line - something for everybody! See them all on my website - www.findkeyswithease.com

Gift cards. The $ amount does not matter. Teachers are bombarded with lotions, candles, etc, etc. Gift cards are welome. Many teachers spend their own money for school supplies and decorating the classroom.

My SIL is a teacher and her favorite is a gift card...sometimes it is a personal card where she gets something for herself (favorite lunch, starbucks, etc) Others are cards where she can get books, supplies for her classroom.

One year she got a lemon tree with money wrapped in it. Really cute and the cash was nice too.

They appreciate it!!

As a former teacher gift cards are great and supplies for the classroom. Also check out www.scentsy.com/angiem

They are great wickless candles and are unique and great for gifts.

Good luck!!

When I taught, I loved to get a fresh flower from a student. I loved having it on my desk all day. If you know what she likes, then something for breakfast might be nice like a biscuit and coffee or soft drink. Something that always meant more than just about anything and something I never got many of was just a note saying thank you and making you feel appreciated for working so hard.

Have you ever done the Gift in a Jar? I have the book and it is anything from bean soup to brownies with the recipe on a gift tag on the outside. I save pickle jars, quart jars, etc. and use them with a pretty top and everyone loves them.

What about a yoga session?

If your interested in baked goodies, I started my own business making desserts....my most popular items are cake on a stick. Check out my website for pictures - www.myla-concepts.com.

Also check this out: http://www.cahootshandbags.com/peeps.html
very cute handmade bags...and she's local.

My mom's favorite is always postage stamps and cute/pretty note cards for writing thank yous for gifts and to parents that have come in to help out in the class room. Otherwise gift cards to places like teacher supply stores, restaurants, movies, even Target.

I have some great gifts available. Go to my website http://www.slumberpartiesbystacim.com Click on shop online. Verify that you are over 18. At the top click on Relax to the Max. Although I sell a lot of things you probably would not give to a teacher, the relax to the max category is perfect for teacher, grandma, friend, anyone. Let me know if you want to have a party and earn it for free!

well, my hubby is a college professor, but teaches, nonetheless, and students most often give him starbucks giftcards which NEVER go to waste!! also great if you have to buy several gifts because even just a $5 card will perk up someone's day...literally! if you wanted to be a little more personal, you could get a nice bag of coffee beans, a grinder and a travel mug that can be personalized by your son. i just think coffee and education go hand-in-hand since teaching takes a LOT of energy!

ight try craft fairs the have lots of cute ideas but teachers alwahs like the ones the come from the kids not nessarily the kids mom

I don't know if you have access to anyone that does embroidery but I always get an inexpensive throw blanket and have them embroider the teachers name and a picture of an apple, school house, ruler etc... on it. Something that has to do with school. They always love it.

Hi,
I make homemade soy candles. I can personalize the label with his teacher(s) initial. I gave an initial candle to my daughter's homeroom teacher. And then gave the other teachers a soy sprout size candle. They come in clear bags ready to gift give.

Check out my site: www.littlewhispercreations.com

If you're intersted, I'm in Bedford if you'd like to arrange pick-up. Thanks.

What about a personalized stamp..."this book belongs to Mrs. X"? Or personalized stationery or notepads? I think anything personalized makes a gift a little more special.
I carry personalized stamps on my website if your interested...
www.nestdesignsbaby.blogspot.com

A girl in my moms group at church started making these and shard them with us. I'm not at all crafty and even I was impressed.

As the wife of a teacher/now administrator, can I just say I have a ton of handmade "stuff" lying around (mugs, ornaments, christmas stockings) but he ALWAYS appreciates gift cards to go out to eat, or best buy, or just a really nice card/letter. (his love language is words) Be sure to think about the guys!!!!

http://www.scrapbook-crazy.com/paper-bag-album-instructio...

Hello S S,

This past Christmas I gave the teachers a small booklet about aromatherapy (at sprouts for about $5) and a small box with a bottle of lavender oil and peppermint oil. If they're not familiar with it, they'll appreciate knowing of the relaxing properties of lavender (and also helps with minor aches, pains, cuts, etc) and how peppermint helps with stuffy noses, etc. and if they already know about it, they'll appreciat it even more!

if you're considering that option there are a couple of places I order online and the prices are much better than going to the store. if you're only buying one or 2 bottles, then just get them at sprouts or wholefoods. if you're buying more than that, then I suggest trying the following places:
https://www.herbspro.com/default.asp
https://www.herbspro.com/68389/LAVENDEROIL.htm
1 oz bottle: $4.38 compared to $9.99 at wf (I checked yesterday)
Good luck! ~C.~

You might try small potted plants, i.e. ivy.

Hi, What about something personalized? I own my own business and make vinyl decals,custom shirts,bags,etc. I made my son's teachers a tote bag with her name on one side and the school logo on the other. They really liked it. It is personal and not just something you went and bought. If your interested in something like this let me know. you can visit my website at www.lonestargraphics.biz Good luck! H.

Coming from the teacher perspective, I think that any appreciation gift is a nice one. I did find that sometimes the lotions and soaps and stuff got put in the "regift" pile, depending on the scent I think that with the economy being what it is, a gift card would be especially appreciated. It's nice to have an excuse to spend on yourself! From us teachers - thanks for even the thought. It really does help a lot.

Depending on how well you know the teacher and like him/her, you might try gift certificates for a massage, spa pedicure and/or manicure, his/her favorite restaurant...

If you can, donate your time! Offer to copy papers, distribute papers to folders, help with class projects, etc... Donate something to her classroom, buy a week's worth of lunches in the cafeteria for her. Get creative-through creativity you can never run out of ideas!

massage, pedi, manicure gc
themed basket (gardening, spa)
fresh flowers
edible arrangements
teacher goodies, pens, stickers, posties, magnets, teachers love anything they can put to use in their classroom :)
a book/bible
Hope this helps!