If you’re wondering what to give a teacher but, more importantly, how much to provide a teacher, you’re not alone. Read on to gain some helpful suggestions from a teacher, for a teacher about what teachers really want and how much is appropriate to give.
What do you give a teacher for Christmas?
Teachers are appreciative by nature, so that they will appreciate any and every gesture made. Many families opt to give very classic teacher gifts that they can always use, such as school supplies, coffee mugs from a local coffee shop filled with goodies, lavish chocolates, sweet-smelling lotion, candles, soap, and gift cards.
Some students love to share their homemade creations with a teacher who has been a special influence. Handwritten and designed thank you cards, teacher appreciation knickknacks, and best teacher shirts that can be worn throughout the year are great personal gifts that don’t cost a lot but mean plenty.
It can also be easier to give teachers a group gift from several students and families, or as a class, if there’s a homeroom mom to do the money collecting and shopping. Often these helper parents will pick up a gift card from Amazon or splurge on a beautiful frame for a picture of the class and a personalized memory book.
Consider a teacher’s personality when deciding what gift to give, as well as their likes and interests. Some teachers would love a gift certificate to a massage parlor, a skin clinic for a facial, or a nail salon for a manicure and pedicure. Others would love a high street card or home goods store like Walmart or Hobby Lobby. For an outdoorsy teacher, a new hiking backpack would make their day, or a basket full of beach towels would make sun bums hearts flutter! Others love to read, so a Barnes and Noble card would be right up their alley. By taking note of a teacher’s lifestyle and hobbies, you can ensure to deliver the perfect present. Pay attention to any letter that gets sent home at the beginning of the school year that could give clues to the teacher’s favorite things, and ask your child to tell you more about their teacher – they are going to be your most reliable source when it comes to choosing the best gift idea.
"Ask your child to tell you more about their teacher – they are going to be your most reliable source when it comes to choosing the best gift idea."
Many holiday-themed gifts are also a great idea to give around the holidays. For example, an ornament can be lovely to personalize, a festive wreath can be used over and over again, and even a grocery gift card is appreciated to help a teacher purchase food for their family’s festivities.
If you don’t know too much about the teacher you’re trying to purchase a gift for, you may wish to consider giving them a card with cash. You can even scan and scour websites like Amazon, which will provide suggestions for teacher gifts for the holidays.
Related article: Inexpensive Christmas Gifts for Students from Teachers | 8 Ideas
What is the best gift for a teacher?
The best gift your child’s teacher can ever receive is watching their students learn, grow, and thrive in all areas of their lives. They also love any gift that thanks them and recognizes what they do daily, like a handwritten note. Not only is this budget-friendly, but it’s also ultra-personable and thoughtful.
However, if they had to choose the next best gift (tangible objects), they would lean toward gift cards. The most popular gift cards to give include Starbucks, Wine and Liquor Stores (because sending in a bottle of wine could be deemed appropriate in a school setting), local restaurants, major retailers (like Walmart or Target), and Visa gift cards so they can pick out what they want or need. Generic gift cards are excellent for teachers who love to travel, as they can utilize the funds on their adventures and think fondly of the gift giver.
What is an appropriate gift card amount for a teacher?
If you give a teacher a gift card for Christmas, the next hurdle to get over is how much you should put on the card. The standard amount for a gift card is $25 but can range anywhere from $10-$50. When it comes to using your own money to purchase a gift, it’s essential that you don’t break the bank and you stay within your budget. Teachers don’t need extensive and elaborate gifts.
If ever in doubt and you feel comfortable doing so, you may wish to call or text the parents of students in your child’s class to inquire about what they are going to give as their holiday gift. By doing this simple act, you can ensure that you remain appropriate with the kind of gift you give and stay in a price point range similar to others.
Related article: 5 Teacher Appreciation Gifts Worth Giving and Receiving
Can teachers accept gifts over $50?
Many states frown upon teachers who accept gifts over $50. While it’s a nice gesture, many feel that anything over $50 for a holiday gift can bend toward the feeling of bribery and create an awkward dynamic between families who send in a homemade container of cookies, a thank you card, or a small gift.
A situation in which spending more than $50 may be acceptable is when many students and families in a class or daycare setting put money together due to a gift collection. A shared, collaborative gift will often tend to go well over the $50 range.
It’s always wise to read the by-laws that any organization sets forth, as well as a school district policy manual or handbook, to take note of any type of policies put into place regarding gift giving– individual gifts and group gifts. A public school may have very different gift-giving rules than a facility like a daycare or private school, so stay in the know about the rules and regulations of gift-giving.
You should also keep in mind if your child has multiple teachers who work with them. Many younger children in a daycare setting have many hands on deck. Elementary school students can have teachers who assist them in special areas (such as physical education, music, and technology) and math and reading specialists. Middle and high school students also have a wide range of teachers they see daily. The number of teachers you need to shop for may impact your purchase and your spending on each teacher.
If your child does have more than one teacher who assists them, it’s wise to set spending guidelines. For example, your child’s homeroom teacher could receive the larger gift, while special area teachers can get a lesser amount on a gift card or receive a small gift.
"Whether your child is in elementary school, middle school, high school, private school, or daycare, there are plenty of awesome and affordable gifts you can give your kid’s teacher."
How much should a teacher get for Christmas?
What you give a teacher is truly a combination of what you can personally afford and showing your appreciation and admiration. Most opt to make a card and grab a gift card that a teacher will love.
You may wish to combine different gift ideas, give a gift card worth a smaller amount than the standard $25, and combine it with other needed items that make great gifts, such as classroom supplies and a homemade gift.
Some families send a gift card inside a holiday card, while others send in a huge bag of goodies filled with the best gift cards. It’s a personal preference. However, much like great service at a restaurant, some believe it’s ok to shower a special teacher with lots of gifts around the holidays because it’s a wonderful time to be generous around those who go above and beyond!
Whether your child is in elementary school, middle school, high school, private school, or daycare, there are plenty of awesome and affordable gifts you can give your kid’s teacher. Consider some of the gift-giving suggestions above to ensure they not only love their present but understand just how much you appreciate what they do for your child!
Get some festive fun into those last few days of school leading up to the holidays at our Christmas Resources Hub - we have something for every subject and every grade, simply print and go.
Take a look at our Christmas Colouring and Craft Pack for some great ideas on handmade ornaments for your teachers and friends.
And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to get great ideas in your inbox all year.
