Gift Idea: What to Buy for Teachers

Teachers appear on almost every gift list for those with school-age children. But I know many have difficulty in choosing gifts for teachers, especially deciding how much to spend and finding something unique (picture receiving 20 matching ornaments!). So I spoke with a teacher to get her thoughts on if gifts are necessary and gift ideas.

First, she says, gifts are not necessary- teachers (at least most- you can never speak for everyone!) don't expect presents and don't keep a mental list of who gave gifts and who did not. This teacher receives presents from about 75% of the children in her classroom

Should you decide to buy a gift, she notes, children are often so excited and proud to give gifts, it doesn't matter whats inside. But here are some ideas for presents she likes to receive:

1. Flowers. A family bought her a small arrangement for the holidays- the first time this teacher received flowers in her 20+ years of teaching. She loved the thoughtfulness, and the flowers made a great Christmas decoration for her home during the holidays. You can pick up nice (and often, pretty cheap) flowers at local grocery stores this time of year.
2. Anything for the classroom, such as supplies or a gift certificate to a teacher store. Teachers often use a lot of their own money for school supplies and decorations, so a gift certificate helps defray that cost.
3. Gift certificates to restaurants. Because who doesn't like to eat?!?!

As for ideas of what NOT to buy, she notes that teachers often have plenty of coffee cups, candles, perfume, and ornaments. Also, many school districts now disallow providing home-baked goods, so it makes sense to check beforehand if you plan on gifting homemade cookies or other food.