So it's that time of year when parents are searching for end of the year teacher gifts and looking to get more creative than the old fall backs (baked goods, ornaments, mugs, coffee gift cards). The knicknacks are cute, but after a few years of teaching, there's no room left on the desk, or chalkboard, or shelf... Many teachers are going clutter free, so try something that will be immediately useful, whether for classroom or for personal use. Just remember not to over do it, be creative, be personal (but not too personal), and know that every gift is appreciated.
Remember that every teacher is different, and that you can tell a lot about them by spending a minute or two in their classroom. You can instantly see their color scheme and a few personal touches. Plus, elementary school students remember everything their teacher says / wears / likes and will tell you if you ask. (You'll never see the apple-pencil-school bus-teddy bears theme in my room, I'm a bit more beach + rainbow+ stars +Yankees = dream theme... trust me, it sounds weird but it works!) I'm going to share with you the best gifts I've gotten / would want and break it down by teacher specialization. Note that these ideas may not apply if the stores are not near where you live and that many ideas can work for any teacher.
All teachers
- donation to a charity (my favorite is the Make-A-Wish Foundation)
- Spa Finder gift card for massage, manicure, pedicure, etc. (female)
- Barnes and Noble gift card
- Panera Bread gift card
- teaching store gift certificate
- Steve Spangler Science gift certificate
- restaurant gift certificate
- scrapbook or personalized appreciation book
- jewelry (female)
- ties (male)
- beach bag with sunscreen, hat, etc.
- Edible Arrangement
- personalized name stamp
- subscription to BrainPop, EdHelper, Reading A to Z, Discovery Channel Streaming, MailBox magazine, etc. (check to see what the school/teacher has first)
- Scholastic book certificate
- book labels for classroom library books
- hand sanitizer
- animals like fish, hermit crabs, hamster, etc. (make sure they are welcome and allowed in school and that there are no allergies - not a good gift at the end of the year)
- plants and gardening supplies
- gift certificate to a plant nursery
- membership to planetarium or science museum
- lab supplies like cotton balls, toothpicks, food coloring, vinegar, baking soda, aluminum foil, balloons, straws, sand, Ziploc bags, etc.
- movie tickets
- movie bucket (fill with popcorn bags, candy, and movies for school / teacher movies)
Music teachers
- supply tree
- desk organizer
- binders
- rolling cart
- storage on wheels
- BigBooks
- pocket charts
- bulletin board borders
- magnets for chalkboard / whiteboard
Check our more ideas on Pinterest!
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