We’ve all had our ups and downs this year but I must really hand it to all the teachers who, like chameleons, have had to change their colours and adapt to whatever lockdown challenged them to this year.
World Teacher’s Day (5th October) is a day to acknowledge just how wonderful our teachers are. As we’re heading down the home straight towards the end of the year, it’s time to start thinking of ways to show teachers just how much we appreciate them. They spend so much time with our children, teaching them, nurturing them and helping them to grow.
After speaking to a few wonderful teachers on their past gift experiences I’ve compiled a list of 5 best and worst gift ideas.
5 Best Gifts IDEAS for teachers
- Homemade gifts: Teachers always appreciate a thoughtful handmade gift whether it be a keepsake or memory book, a personal card or even some delicious baked goodies. A jar full of sweet deliciousness is definitely a crowd pleaser. Another clever idea is a D-I-Y Cookie Mix…that way they can make them at a later date and enjoy them, feet up and relaxed.
- Comfortable seat cushion: In Primary School teachers are constantly bending and working at low levels and at High School teachers spend quite a bit of time at their desks marking work. They also stand in awkward positions while writing on boards. I found some great memory-foam cushions at Green Leaf At Home to help teachers with back ache and tired muscles.
- A small potted plant: I personally love my little plant on my desk. It always cheers me up. This is an inexpensive gift which your teacher will be able to use in the classroom or at home. You could add a personal little card saying, “Thank you for helping me grow.”
- Personalized stationery or calendar: I’ve seen some lovely ideas on Love Letters Stationery. Teachers love supplies and they don’t need to be boring. Why not ‘jazz up’ their desk with fun and colourful personalized stationery. A special custom made gift from Gifts by Fusspot is definitely another great option.
- Gift cards: Some people think gift cards are impersonal however I would rather receive a gift card than another box of stale chocolates. If you’ve explored all other gifts and when in doubt, go with a gift card. A coffee gift card is another great idea. Teaching is exhausting and most teachers I have asked absolutely love their morning beverage (usually coffee). You could even find out what their favourite beverage is and have it hand delivered. That would definitely surprise them and make them smile.
It is after all the thought that counts, but here are some really worst gift ideas simply because they have received them year after year…
5 Worst GIFTS IDEAS for teachers
- Coffee mugs (with old coffee marks inside), yes a teacher seriously received this as a gift!
- Bad perfume: We all have our favourite scent which is rather personal. Unless you know your teacher’s favourite perfume or scent preference, rather leave this idea off this list.
- Chocolates and more chocolates: I know chocolates are delicious but one can only receive so many chocolates…
- Stuffed animals…I don’t think I need to explain this one!
If you’re still stuck on what to get your teacher try and find out a little more about your child’s teacher, their hobbies, sports and what their interests are. This should give you an idea on what to get them.
No matter how big or small the gift, it’s is a token of appreciation and a great way to thank your child’s teacher for all they do.
xx Nades