Holiday Gift Ideas: What Should You Give a Teacher?

Teachers agree that a holiday gift is neither necessary nor expected and they are certainly grateful for any gift they receive. But parents want to give gifts that are useful.

So, how do you know what gift would be useful to teachers? Here is what teachers have to say.

For the new teacher: For this teacher, it's okay, and probably even desired, to give gifts that express teacher sentiment. These come in all forms. Plaques, ornaments, awards, coffee mugs, and even clothing or throws that are teacher related are good choices. These can be purchased for minimal investment at many gift shops. They all show the teacher that he/she is appreciated and respected as a teacher.

Experienced teachers: These teachers still like to know they are appreciated, but they probably already have more teacher related items than they can use. There is a limit to how many mugs or how many teacher plaques are useful or desired. Tree ornaments are still a good choice, but stay away from ornaments that are just for teachers. Snowmen, snowflakes, and stars are good choices. Make sure to date the ornament and put your child's name on the bottom or the back. Teachers want to remember your child, but like the rest of the world, without the name and date, we will forget.

Gift Cards: Gift cards are always a good choice. A gift card to a local restaurant or coffee shop is always a welcome surprise. Consider a gift card to a bookstore or a teacher supply store. This will allow the teacher to purchase what they really need for the class.

Donate a Book: If you are familiar with the classroom library consider donating a book to the classroom. Have your child, or another teacher, check to see if the class already has the book you have in mind. If you are not sure which books the classroom needs, provide the teacher with a gift coupon for a book of their choice.