What do teachers want for Christmas? Great question, and one you should indeed be asking! Our teachers do so much for our kids, so it’s important to give them what they actually want, as the best sign of our appreciation at the holidays or any other time of year.
Do you need to give teachers gifts for Christmas?
But first, do you actually need to give teachers gifts for Christmas?
No! Of course not. I would argue that gifts are optional in most every circumstance, and in particular in a non-reciprocal situation like gifting to teachers. While they are nice, they are definitely not obligatory. Most teachers won’t even notice whether an individual student gives a gift, and won’t consider their students differently whether they give a gift or not.
So continue on only if you are inspired to!
What do teachers actually want?
Many teachers have already been gifted a million mugs – I’ve seen pictures of entire boxes of them. To a lesser extent, this applies to candles, lotion, and fuzzy socks. Avoid all of those. I am also not in favor of anything too cutesy or Instagrammable. A lot of ideas seem infantalizing in my opinion, given that our teachers are professionals and adults. They also get a lot of chocolate and candy. If you know of a specific consumable treat that your child’s teacher would like, I think that’s a viable option, keeping allergies and preferences in mind, but I would only do this if you have it in writing – e.g. from an “about me” letter at the beginning of the year or a list the PTA compiled from the teachers.
But honestly, just give cash. I know! It seems impersonal and cold. But our teachers are criminally underpaid, and cash gives them the option to spend it on something for the classroom (ugh, shouldn’t be coming out of their pockets, at least make it out of mine!) or to pay their bills. I promise, no one is ever mad to get cash.
If you can’t swing that (or in addition to it if you can), a handmade card or handwritten note is perfect. Teachers love getting notes from their students. I think words of appreciation from you as a parent can go just as far. Teachers get a lot of flak from too many parents. Be the force for good to show them how much they’re appreciated!
To back this up, I did some intensive research (thank you Reddit) and found some definitive themes in what teachers want for Christmas (and what they don’t!). Here are some quotes from actual teachers:
- “A gift card tucked inside of a kind note is what I’d prefer. Or just the note.”
- “Always gift cards!”
- “Cash or visa gift cards are always wonderful.”
- “Honestly, I think my favorite gifts are when students buy me a copy of their favorite book for my classroom library and put a note inside it for me/future students.”
- “Handwritten notes, gift cards.”
- “Silence.”
- “COLD.HARD.CASH”
- “No mugs please. 😉 “
- “Small gift cards are certainly appreciated. But I must admit – I don’t remember every time a kid has bought me something. But I’ve kept every handwritten “thank you” note that a student has ever given me.”
- “Gift cards!! No more mugs! But I appreciate anything I get, especially a note or a picture!”
- “No mugs.”
- “A nice card or note.”
- “$$”
- “Money and gift cards. We aren’t paid enough. And maybe a note of appreciation.”
Okay, so that’s no mugs, yes to notes, gift cards, and cash. Got it!
Not sure how we’re going to deliver on “Silence”, but if you have any ideas, let me know how that goes.
I just can’t give cash.
Okay, fine. Give a gift card. Here are a few that would be appropriate:
- Teachers Pay Teachers gift card – this is a marketplace for education resources like worksheets, flashcards, videos, projects, etc.
- A local restaurant or coffee shop
- If you have a bigger budget, a spa gift card or other experience gift relevant to the teacher’s interests
- A Visa gift card…cash, but not cash.
I also liked the idea quoted above of gifting a grade-level-appropriate book for the classroom library and writing a note inside it for the teacher and future students.
You may notice that I didn’t include education staples of Amazon, Target, or Starbucks gift cards on this list – that’s because I’m boycotting these stores, and I think you should too.
How much should I give teachers in cash or as a gift card?
It’s really up to you, honestly. But if you need somewhere to start, I’d say $20 each. I’ve seen recommendations ranging from $10-50, and I think anything in that range would be perfectly appropriate.
Is there anyone else at the school who should get a gift?
It’s nice to include specialist teachers, such as music, art, or P.E. teachers that your child particularly connects with. If there is someone who works one-on-one with your child and has made a difference for them, such as a special ed teacher, speech language pathologist, or reading specialist, it is great to show your appreciation with a gift/note/card.
Bus drivers, cafeteria staff, custodial staff, and office staff are often overlooked but I also get that they can be harder for you to reach or even know who they are. For all of these folks, see if your PTA organizes group gifts. If they don’t, suggest that they start or organize it yourself! It’s not only our classroom teachers who deserve appreciation.
How should I plan my Christmas shopping?
I’m so glad you asked. A good plan is what we’re all about here at Plan. Do. Thrive.!
To get started with a gift list and budget, you can make a copy of this Notion template I created and use it to map out everyone you’ll be gifting to this year; what your budget for each person is; your gift ideas; who will be purchasing (you or your partner); and the status of the gift. Since I started shopping this way, I’ve found it much less stressful as well as easier to keep my eye on the holistic budget.
Cheers and happy holidays!
How are you handling Christmas gift-giving at your children’s schools this year?
