Parents, so many times I get ask about what Gifts Teachers Want. I have a secret to share with you concerning Christmas gifts. First, teachers do not expect gifts at Christmas. I have gone many years without getting a single gift. We are truly and completely moved if we do get a gift. I mean this.
First and foremost, my most meaningful gifts have been notes written by parents expressing their feelings. I personally save these messages and read them on the days when I feel down. I also adore getting notes and cards created by my students. It is truly meaningful and kind. Let me share with you a simple and fun Christmas Card you can make with your student.
Simple Christmas Card Idea
Then, my girls will be hand-making their cards to their teachers to add a small personal touch. Here is a simple and fun Christmas card that I know almost every child can create. My TA came up with this idea or found it years ago and we have been creating it in my classroom ever since.
Here is how to make this craft.
- Take red, green, and a small piece of brown paper.
- Fold the red in half Cut out three identical triangles with the green.
- Place each triangle on top of each other, layering them.
- Add the trunk to the bottom and the star to the top.
Supplies you need include:
And here is what the card looks like at the end.
The Gifts Teachers Want
If you are choosing to get a teacher’s gift this year, the #1 choice for all teachers is gift cards. I am sorry that isn’t a fun gift for you, but it is a huge deal for every teacher I know. We usually get paid on the last work day in December then not again until the end of January, which is 6 LONG weeks away. The gift cards are a huge help.
Also, I know it is a shock, but education is not a lucrative profession. Starbucks is a treat. A dinner out is a reward. An Amazon gift card allows me to get something for myself I can not afford to get OR a particular activity for the classroom that isn’t funded by the school. Yep, Gifts Teachers Want is gift cards.
Last, some of you want to get a tangible item. I love it when my kids show how much they know me. I often get packages of Sour Patch Kids and Swedish Fish. This melts my heart because these are a favorite of mine. One kid even brought me a Cherry Coke because he sees me drink one in the morning. Having a caffeine post in the room for emergencies is just smart too.
Here is a small list of things every teacher would LOVE to get:
- A card or note with a kind message
- Flair Pens
- Sharpies
- Lamination pouches
- Colored Copy Paper
- Cardstock
- iTunes Gift Cards
- Gift Cards in general
- A package of a favorite candy
- Anything Monogrammed
- A Children’s book (We simply never get enough books.) If you can get the class to sign the book as well, that would be a WOW factor.
- An electric pencil sharpener is always a hit.
- They have crayon sharpeners that are pretty cool too that are slightly higher.
- Headsets for the classroom… we run out all the time! These are my favorite, Kidz Gears.
Things to avoid
- Coffee cups or travel mugs… especially those that refer to anything as #1 Teacher or Best Teacher
- Notepads or stationary (This does not include Post-It notes. Teachers LOVE Post-Its.)
- Nothing with smells… no lotions, soaps, sprays, or candles.
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