Gifts for Teachers: Last Minute and More
I love getting the inside scoop from teachers about what their job is really like. Maybe it’s the little girl in me who had that itching curiosity about what it must be like in the teachers’ lounge. Whatever the reason, between my own nosiness in talking to teachers and great posts like this one and this one with real live teachers weighing in, I’ve run across some fun teacher gift ideas. Here are some favorites. If you need a few more stop by my teacher gift guide page.
1. I really like the idea of giving this book, and love these beautiful, free printable book plates to add a personal touch.
2. Gift cards. There are some occasions that gift cards were invented for, I believe this is one of them. Nothing too elaborate, just a nice chance to go to dinner or buy a book on tape. Give it in a pretty pocket case, this one will do nicely.
3. Something handmade by your child. This is a must. Even if it’s a note. I completely adore these spirograph pushpins and button pushpins.
4. A gift certificate for calling cards. Because if the school provides any, they are not this pretty.
5. Handmade heated rice bags like these (via One Pretty Thing), which kept coming up in the comments from this post.
6. Classroom supplies (not pictured). I just think about how excited I get about school supplies, and I don’t even have a real-life excuse to use them. Try to hint around and find out what the teacher might really like for the classroom, and consider going in with other parents.
Tags: cheer-up gifts, DIY gifts kids can make, gifts for grandma, gifts for teachers, last minute gift ideas, mother's day gifts, personalized gifts
December 9th, 2009 at 9:16 am
THANK YOU! As an educator, thank you for this post. I can’t tell you how many mugs I have with reindeer on them (I don’t drink coffee), how many bags of pasta I get each year (I’m not kidding), or the time I got a card written on the bottom of a flip flop… the kind of flip flop they give you when you get a pedicure and didn’t bring the right shoes… gross! I love my job and I knew it would be hard work for little pay. The best gift you can give a teacher is really gift cards. They may feel impersonal, but for someone who doesn’t receive a Christmas bonus EVER, is on a tight 10 month only salary, and wants to buy gifts for every student in her class each year… a gift card to Target or the grocery store REALLY goes a long way.
December 9th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Oooooh, I have not had the kids make something for their teacher. I have, but not them. I think we will include the photos taken of them and their teachers on meet the teacher night.
The gift I made for their teachers — fabric coffee cup cozy / sleeve and hot cocoa mix in a mini milk carton box.
December 9th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Hi, I just discovered your site the other day and am loving it! You have fabulous taste and I”m so happy that I subscribed. I wanted to let you know about a gift wrap project on my blog: wrapping paper printed by the kids and topped with a great big bow made from plastic bags! Here’s the link, feel free to use the photo if you’d like to!
http://www.creativejewishmom.com/2009/12/recycle-plastic-bags-and-make-unique-gift-bows.html
December 11th, 2009 at 11:01 am
Robin,
Thanks for stopping by and being an inside source for me. (that is so sad about the flip flop eiww!) I so appreciate the insight!
December 12th, 2009 at 11:54 am
At the end of the school year last year I wanted to get my son’s teacher a special “thanks” gift. So I went right to the source and asked a bunch of teachers. Here’s what they all had to say:
http://forums.atozteacherstuff.com/showthread.php?t=86682
December 16th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
As a teacher I have to say that I appreciate any and all gifts received. This is one occasion when it is the thought that counts. After working so hard day in and day out it is nice to be remembered and recognized!
:)
January 23rd, 2010 at 11:48 pm
[...] roundup of gifts a teacher will love, and some gifts the kids can help with, in {this} blog [...]