The end of the school year is approaching, and no one deserves love and appreciation more than our teachers. We’ve got some creative teacher gift ideas to make the end of the year special.
Their job is as multifaceted as it is challenging, and they spend every day from August until May investing in our children with the same kind of love and commitment that we do as their parents. There is no one outside of our homes who have cheered on our kids more than the teachers who take over each morning.
While we may never be able to sufficiently thank our teachers for all that they do, we sure can try with these end-of-year teacher gift ideas!
Now is the perfect time to show our love and appreciation, but if you are at a loss for the perfect gift for your child’s teachers this year, help is here. I’ve asked teachers and veteran parent gift-givers for some of their favorite ideas, and they delivered. I hope this steers you in the right direction if you need a little inspiration!
Find out your teacher’s favorites. The first step to choosing the perfect gift is to learn more about your teacher’s favorite things! Some schools publish “Teacher Favorite Things” lists, but if yours doesn’t, don’t let that stop you from inquiring. Here are the types of questions you can ask your child’s teacher to help tailor your gift-giving in a very specific way:
- What are your favorite places to eat (fast food and sit-down)?
- Where do you like to shop for yourself?
- What do you most enjoy doing in your spare time (i.e., hobbies, interests)?
- What’s your favorite way to “treat” yourself?
- Do you have anything special you are saving up for this year (a trip, big purchase, etc.)
And, don’t forget to ask your teachers about what they don’t like, too. Some may be allergic to certain foods, have aversions to certain scents (in lotions and candles), or dislike experiences like massages. Intel about your teacher’s dislikes may prove equally valuable when it comes to gift-giving!
Chose gifts your teachers wouldn’t buy for themselves.
Aren’t these always the best presents? Teachers deserve pampering come summertime, and the best way to accomplish this is by treating them to something they wouldn’t typically purchase for themselves. Many teachers are also moms and dads, so chose a gift card that is just for them, like one from a favorite clothing or home goods store. How about a mani/pedi or massage gift certificate to a favorite salon? If you’ve been spying a pair of cute earrings that you know would look adorable on your child’s teacher, grab them! Any gift that feels like a little bit of an indulgence for your teacher is a great bet.
Personalize.
If your child’s teacher enjoys monograms, personalized goodies make for wonderful end-of-year gifts. From tote bags to serving trays, there are countless items that can be transformed into super special gifts with a little personalization. Just be sure that you know what your teacher prefers when it comes to monogramming. Some may like a first or last name, while others may prefer a single initial or traditional three-letter monogram.
Go With A Theme.
Whether you are doing a class gift along with other parents, or are looking to spice up an individual gift, how about tying your gift to a theme? Here are a few directions you can go to bundle a gift in a fun way:
- Summer Theme: Fill a beach bag with items like a beach towel, Yeti-style cup, sunscreen, magazines, books, and favorite snacks.
- Pampering Theme: Create a basket with pampering items such as facial masks/scrubs, lotion, candles, tea, or a gift card for a mani/pedi or massage.
- Hobby or Favorite Interest Theme: Maybe one of your child’s teachers loves trying out new recipes on the weekend, while another is the world’s biggest Braves fan. If your teachers have special hobbies or interests, a themed gift is perfect! You can not go wrong in bundling up a few items that they can use while participating in their favorite activity or rooting for their favorite team.
- Special Trip or Occasion Theme: If you know that your child’s teacher is flying to Europe or going on a cruise over the summer, choosing a gift centered around a trip is fun. If your teachers have major life events on the horizon, like getting married, buying a house, or having a baby, ask about their registry or wish list and choose a few special items from it.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Words.
Like moms, teachers LOVE when their students speak from their hearts. When you present your end-of-year gift to your child’s teacher, consider including a handwritten note from your child to say thank you for being their teacher this year. And, if your child’s teacher has made a special impression on you as a parent, this is a perfect time for YOU to say thank you, too.
Do you have any favorite gift ideas for end-of-year teacher gifts? If you are a teacher, what are some of the favorite presents that you’ve received over the years? We would love to hear your thoughts below!
Gift cards are always great ideas! I gave my daughter’s teacher a Chick-fil-A gift card instead of a card holder I asked for a nugget box added some shredded paper and it make the gift card look more thought instead of a last minute gift.
The Chick-fil-A box is such a cute idea, Kisha! You’re right, the gift presentation can be a thoughtful gesture in and of itself!