A+ gift ideas for Teachers’ Day

CELEBRATING YOUR favourite teacher does not have to be a ritual each year. Whether or not your pockets are deep, you can say ‘Happy Teachers’ Day’ in a very unique way. Check out these ideas:

1. EVERYONE LOVES A GOOD BOOK

Perhaps your teacher introduced you to an author who just released a new book, or maybe you read a story that reminded you of something your teacher said in class. Books can be great gifts for teachers because there are tons of opportunities to make them personal.

2. GIFT CARDS

For the indecisive teacher, give them the gift of choices When asked what their favourite gifts are, teachers commonly place gift cards near the top, especially for places like clothes stores or those entities that sell home accessories.

3. A BOTTLE OF NICE WINE

It’s simple and sure to get used while your teacher unwinds at home after class. We suggest that parents drop this gift off.

4. SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Teachers usually pay out of pocket for the supplies in their classrooms, which can add up quickly. Pencils, pens, dry erase markers, colouring supplies, disinfecting wipes and tissues are used on a daily basis, so whenever teachers get a new stock of any classroom supplies, it’s a big help.

5. A MOVIE NIGHT

Treat your teacher to a night at the movies. A gift certificate or a couple of tickets and concession vouchers is a fun gift that gives teachers an easy way to spend some time with a friend or loved one.

6. SPONSORSHIP OR DONATION TO A CAUSE CLOSE TO THEIR HEARTS

Teachers tend to work within limited space and may feel guilty when a gift must be given away because they simply don’t have room to keep it. Donating in their name to a cause they support is a thoughtful gift that doesn’t take up any space.

7. A STURDY, PERSONALISED TOTE BAG

Teachers have a lot to haul to and from school. This gift is a simple gesture that shows you pay attention and care for your teacher, and it won’t go unappreciated.

8. A WELL-THOUGHTOUT GIFT BASKET

When done well, gift baskets can be a huge hit and a lot of fun for students and parents who are more DIY-oriented. The key is to make the basket useful and geared towards the teachers’ interests. Teachers are pragmatic folks, and if the basket is more style than substance, its contents will probably still be appreciated, but not necessarily used.

9. SOMETHING FUN TO ADD TO THEIR COLLECTION

Does your math teacher always work Star Wars characters into word problems? Or maybe your teacher is a Volkswagen enthusiast and has a row of toy cars on their desk. Teachers are people, too, with lives and interests that extend beyond the classroom.

10. A KEEPSAKE OR MEMORY BOOK

Whether it’s a scrapbookstyle binder filled with quotes, pictures, memories and notes or a blank book that the teacher can keep all the doodles and letters they receive from students over the years, teachers will cherish something like this forever.

11. A HANDMADE PLAQUE OR DECORATION FOR THE CLASSROOM

This is another fun idea for the DIY-minded. As with many of the other gifts in this list, the key to this is personalisation.

12. YOUR TIME

This gift doesn’t cost anything, but it’s highly valued by teachers. An excellent way to express appreciation is to hang out after class or at the end of the school year to help organise or clean the classroom.

13. SOMETHING THAT REFLECTS A CLASS MEMORY

This kind of gift can take many forms, like a note, a doodle or some sort of knickknack. If it is meaningful and will remind your teacher of a specific, positive moment in class, it will be valued. Try a class picture with each students’ signature.

14. A LETTER OR CARD

By far, this is the best gift a student can give a teacher. Teachers live to see their students’ progress and growth, and the thing they treasure the most is a handwritten letter from a student thanking them and letting them know that they made a difference. While snacks get eaten, candles burn down, and mugs get donated, the gratification and affirmation that comes from knowing they’ve made a difference in the lives of their students stays with teachers forever. Pair this with the keepsake book and get the whole class in on letterwriting for a gift that will most definitely be cherished by your teacher forever.

GIFTS TO AVOID

Teachers will probably appreciate any gift that has some thought behind it, but there are some things they receive so frequently that they’d just rather not see any more of them. Impersonal and impractical gifts should generally be avoided, but be sure to steer clear of these specific types of gifts, too:

• Mugs

At this point, it’s almost cliché to say that teachers really don’t want any more mugs emblazoned with ‘world’s greatest teacher’ or education-themed puns, but every year, teachers are bound to get a couple of these to add to their collection. It’s not that they don’t love and appreciate the thought; it’s just that their cupboards are full enough, and these gifts often end up getting donated.

• Candles and lotions

This can be okay if, for instance, you see your teacher use a specific lotion at school every day and it’s something you know they will use and like. However, anything that deals with scents can be a tricky area, as you run a high risk of getting something your teacher will not like or be allergic to.

• Gifts that break the bank

Note that it’s possible for teachers to get gift cards that have too much value. It might even seem unethical to accept gifts worth more than a specified amount. However, students who want to give their teacher a larger gift amount can collaborate with other classmates and go in on a gift together.