What Teachers Don't Want
Coffee Mugs - While teachers love their coffee, you might be surprised how many coffee mugs they already own. Normally coffee mugs are a great generic gift, but it's likely that your teacher's cabinets are already overflowing. Skip the mug. (I will say, I once received a customized Tervis mug that I DID love. It was personalized and perfect for school. Because I'm in charge of this list, I exempt that one. ☺️)
MLM Products - If you sell make-up or micro cloths or fizzy drinks in a side hustle, good for you. It's great you can help your family in this way, but when you present them as a gift (especially with a business card), it feels like a low-key sales pitch under the guise of thanks. Skip the MLM products for teacher gifts.
Shelf Items/Decor - I know, the stuffed bear that says "You are a BEAR-y good teacher" is pretty adorable. The "Best Teacher Ever" sign made with crayons is a treasure! These things are given with so much thoughtfulness, but teachers are usually working with limited space. The knick-knacks add up quickly and they can't display one student's gift and not another! Instead of adding to the clutter, help preserve their precious shelf space.
What Teachers Might or Might Not Want
Scented Items - I personally loved candles and scented lotions, but I knew of some teachers that had sensitive noses. Make sure you know the teacher well enough before presenting something aromatic.
Alcohol - While wine can make a very thoughtful gift, I have known enough teachers that didn't or couldn't drink and the sweet sentiment was lost. If you aren't sure if the teacher enjoys liquor, it might be better to skip the spirits.
Sweet and Treats - Some teachers love homemade or purchased treats. Who doesn't love chocolate? However, when treats start coming in from teachers with 70+ students... it can be a little overwhelming.
What Teachers Do Want
Gifts Cards - Starbucks, Amazon, Target, etc. They don't take up space and contribute to that coffee treat they can't afford to indulge in too often or give a little boost at the end of a year. Gift cards might seem impersonal, but they are always a much-enjoyed item.
Useful Classroom Items - Broad, I know, but hear me out. I used the same lanyard every day and the wear and tear quickly became evident. One of the parents noticed and went and bought me a beautiful Vera Bradley lanyard to replace it. It was beautiful and meant the world that she noticed a need and acted. Nice pens seem to disappear and I always appreciated some new ones. When you look around your child's classroom, you might be astonished to know how much of it came out of the teacher's pocket. Having those things replenished was always a wonderful gift.
The #1 requested item from teachers:
A Personal Note - Most teachers go through extra years of education, long hours, bureaucratic red tape, and low pay for one thing- they love making a difference. They love your kids! The job is tiring and thankless and to have a note from a student or a parent telling them how much they meant gives them more joy than you can imagine. These are the gifts that are kept, treasured, and cried over. Take the time to write and deliver a note letting them know they made a difference. You won't believe how much it means to them.
Teachers, do you disagree with anything on my list? What items would you recategorize?
Parents, have you given anything that your child's teacher loved that I forgot to mention? Please drop any more ideas in the comments!
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