It’s nearly the end of the school year, and the last thing you’re thinking about as a parent is what to buy your child’s teacher. Teachers work really hard, and quite frankly they’re putting up with your children (haha!) so they deserve something special. Chocolates (although delicious!) and coffee mugs can a little overdone, and many schools have rules about buying gift vouchers and alcohol.
As a teacher (as well as photographer), I can attest that the most appreciated and special gifts I received were the home-made kind. Where the child had a part to play in making the gift. Also, I’ve kept all the cards with beautiful notes written inside them. I love when a gift is personal.
You don’t need to spend a lot on a teacher to make an impression. Here’s some ideas:
Christmas Decoration
I have kept all the special decorations the children have given me and I remember that child each year when I decorate my tree.
Picture Book
Maybe there’s a book your child particularly enjoyed this year, and you could gift a copy of it to their teacher.
Lanyard
Teachers always appreciate a cool lanyard! There’s lots on Etsy, you might be lucky enough to find one at a local market, or Ruby Olive make beautiful ones as well.
Plant or succulent
A plant or a succulent in a beautiful (or child-decorated) pot is a long-lasting gift, and will brighten up the teacher’s desk.
Cool socks
A pair of sock with your teacher’s interest on it will mean a lot, or just a with a funky pattern.
Tote Bag
Teachers have a lot to carry around, and a tote bag will always come in handy! Once again, it could be child-decorated, or your local markets may have some beautiful designs.
Gift In a Jar
A jar containing everything needed to make cookies or a cake
Home-made Body scrub
This is really easy to make and your child can help! Here’s one recipe: https://abeautifulmess.com/diy-body-scrub-ultimate-guide/
Photo Frame
Your child could decorate the outside, or maybe pop a photo of them in the frame!
Box of Teaching Essentials
A gift box with a few essentials such as post-it notes, highlighters, pens, tape, etc could be really useful!
Personalised Gift
A little more expensive, but many companies for example Teach It Co do lots of personalised teacher products.
Teacher gifts don’t need to be expensive, they just need to be personal! They will really appreciate that you took the time to say “thank you”!