The Best Teacher Christmas Gifts
Your kids’ teachers play an important role in their lives, and it’s important to make sure they know they’re appreciated at Christmas time.
But, what makes a great Christmas gift for teachers?
When you’re shopping for teacher Christmas gifts, look for Christmas gifts that are practical. If it’s going to either end up in a closet or the trash, don’t waste your money. Make sure it’s something they’re going to use either personally or in their classroom.
Every teacher would love to receive an awesome Christmas gift. These are the best teacher Christmas gifts, recommended by a teacher! Many of these teacher gift ideas are gifts that I received when I was a teacher.
*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link. I only recommend products I love or would personally use.
The Best Teacher Christmas Gift Ideas
Gift Cards
Teachers love gift cards, and for good reason.
For instance, if you buy a Wal-Mart gift card or Amazon gift card, it gives the teacher a chance to buy something for themselves, or they can choose to use it to buy something for their classroom.
If you want to buy something that they are more likely to use for themselves, I would recommend buying a restaurant gift card to their favorite restaurant. Not sure what that is? Have your kiddo ask. The teacher will be grateful that you took the time to make the gift personalized.
Another great gift card for a teacher’s Christmas gift is a gas card. Every teacher drives to school, and without a doubt, they’ll be able to use a gas card if you buy it for a nearby gas station. If you’re struggling to buy a Christmas gift for a male teacher, this is a win.
Scented Hand Sanitizer
Teachers are using hand sanitizer CONSTANTLY!
Smelling the alcohol smell gets old really quickly, so buy some scented hand sanitizer.
Even if they don’t use it themselves, their students will, and their classroom will smell nice!
Fun Questions to Ask Your Kids After School
School Supplies
I get that school supplies aren’t very personal when it comes to a teacher’s Christmas gift, but let me tell you, they will be much appreciated and make one of the best teacher’s Christmas gifts.
I worked with teachers who spent a small fortune to buy school supplies for their students to use.
We are living in a time when not every student has the means to buy school supplies, and so that responsibility has fallen on the teachers.
When you provide a basket of school supplies, that is one less thing the teacher will have to buy. And, fun markers or grading pens can bring a smile to a lot of teachers’ faces. (These are some of my absolute FAVORITE PENS for grading!)
A Nice Water Bottle
Most teachers spend a lot of their day talking. This means dry mouth and a lot of water consumed.
Even if water isn’t their thing, you can still buy them a really nice water bottle like this Hydro Flask 40 oz tumbler.
I love that the straw is flexible, it has a handle, it’s easy to clean, and it keeps my drink cold all day.
A Nice Planter
There is something to be said about having a plant in your classroom, especially on your desk.
How adorable is this sweet little guy!?!? I would love to hang out with him each morning while sipping something warm to help me get my day started.
A Best-Selling Book
Believe it or not, teachers have lives beyond the classroom. You and I know this, but often kids cannot wrap their minds around this, which is comical. A lot of teachers really enjoy reading a good book. If you do a quick search online, you can be sure to find some really great reads. One book that is a hot topic is “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins. Not sure what it’s about? Go check it out!
Handmade Gifts That Aren’t Food
Some of my favorite teacher Christmas gifts I received were made by students or their parents. And no, I’m not talking about baked goods.
I had a student whose family didn’t have the money to buy a Christmas gift for me, but he wanted me to have something. So, he made me a Christmas ornament. Let me just say, he was one of those kids who made me crazy nearly every day. There may or may not have been tears when I got home.
Clearly, he saw value in what I was doing for him in his life. (The ornament has been on my Christmas tree every year since I got it.) Another gift a student made for me was a pen holder for my desk.
Fan Gear with School Name on it
I was lucky enough to have some students with AWESOME parents who were always good to me. There were several years that I received some new spirit wear. Everything from a personalized tote bag, a sweatshirt, a lanyard, and several other things. Teachers like gifts they will use, and anything that can be used at school and is personalized is great!
Here’s the thing: teachers just want to know they’re appreciated, just like anyone else. We work in a profession where we are often scrutinized for everything we “don’t do right,” when in reality, MOST teachers are doing their very best to do everything they can to educate your child.
A simple gesture, honestly, even a note of thanks, would be a great Christmas gift for a teacher.
More of My Favorite Ideas
40 Questions to Ask Kids After School
First Day of School Gifts for Teachers
End-of-School Gift Ideas for Teachers
How to Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten
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