Gifts Teachers Want

Parents, 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.

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 from my students. It is truly meaningful and kind.

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 teachers gift this year, the #1 choice for all teachers is…

gift cards.

Now, I am sorry that isn’t a fun gift for you, but is a huge deal for every teacher I know. We usually get paid the last work day in December than 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 get OR a special activity for the classroom that isn’t funded by the school.

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 in 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 simple 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 is 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.