Looking for a perfect gift for your child's teacher?
With the end of year approaching, you may be contemplating what to get your child's teacher as a gift. Here are some ideas of things you should avoid and of things that teachers would really appreciate.
5 things teachers really don't need:
1. Mugs
Unless your child made it or decorated it (and I don't mean wrapping). They are great in the first year of teaching but that's it. Most teachers do drink coffee and tea but are unlikely to store ALL of the mugs received over the years at home. I mean, would you like to have a collection of completely mismatched mugs at home?
2. Clutter
Cute little decorations are only cute until they are placed on teacher's desk - the black hole. on a daily basis, the space on our desks tends to be occupied by either books that we mark, resources or admin papers. There is very little room for decorations. Over time, those cute things lying around and taking up space become clutter that appears messy. It's better avoid magnets, little hanging decorations and other purely decorative items.
3. Scented Candles
Scents are a hugely individual preference. Buying anything scented is a risky business as you may end up spending money on something that the other person will not enjoy as much as you. I love the idea of candles but in practice, there is no time to actually use them and they become yet another object on the shelf gathering dust.
4. Bath salt or gel
Bath salt.. I could not tell you when the last time I had time to have a BATH was. Let alone with bath salt and candles... Besides, they are always scented so avoid unless you know exactly what the teacher likes.
5. Soaps, creams, lotions
And again, I would advise to stay clear from those as they are also scented.
9 Great gift ideas for teachers:
1. Make a donation
Teachers love helping others. They would really appreciate the fact that they inspired others to do random acts of kindness. Donating money to a charity that is close to the teacher's heart or one that supports the local community would mean a world to them.
2. Home made jar
Home made jam or a jar of home made honey would make a thoughtful and practical gift. Getting your child to make a sticker for the jar would add a lovely personal touch to it.
I must confess that a home made honey in a jar was the most touching gifts I got last Christmas. I felt really special and grateful! With its simplicity, it stood out from the boxes of chocolate and other gifts because it showed my pupil's involvement. It was about time and effort and not money.
3. Help out in the school
Donate your time to help the school. Be it with organising the school library, painting, planting or anything else that you have a clue about. Your involvement means more than anything else in the world and your child is more likely to develop a positive attitude towards school if they see you invested in it too. And that gift of positive attitude is THE BEST gift you can give a teacher.
3.Gift card
Giving teachers something they can use is the best gift. But how do you know what they need? With gift cards you don't have that dilemma and you can rest assured -it will be used.
4. Stationery
"Why would teachers need stationery? They have plenty!" you may think. But trust me, no matter how much there is at the start of the year, it gets used all the time so a few extra highlighters, pens or notebooks are always welcome.
5. Books
Any books that the teacher can use in his/her classroom are always a good idea. Even used books in good condition are great. The wider the range of books available at school, the greater the changes of engaging more students in reading and that is making the teaching and learning easier.
I would advise against buying a book specifically for the teacher unless you know their favourite genre or their favourite author.
7. Personalised tote bag
A tote bag would make a very pretty and practical gift. This year alone I broke two backpacks carrying books to mark them at home.
8. Anything thoughtful
Anything that involved you child's input in the making is always going to be greatly appreciated and will remind the teacher of your child. We are a rather sentimental bunch.
I hope this helped you get an idea about a gift for your child's teacher.
And teachers, what else would you add to the list?
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