Teacher Christmas Gift Ideas
(written by a teacher)

Each year on social media this question pops up in every parent group I’m a member of… “What are some Teacher Christmas Gift Ideas?” And to be truthful, I’ve struggled to provide an answer to this question – and I’m a teacher! So I’ve put my teacher cap on, asked some other teacher friends what they would want (and wouldn’t want), and come up with a list of Teacher Christmas Gift Ideas for you.

To begin with, I must impress teachers’ honestly don’t expect any gifts at the end of the year. I still remember my first year of teaching and receiving gifts from all of my students. I was truly shocked! And they weren’t just little things. I received perfume, wooden figurines, vouchers, etc. It is a nice gesture from the parents and shows that they understand the hard work, time, and energy you’ve given throughout the year. But before I dive into some of the things you can get teachers, let’s discuss the things you shouldn’t get.

What gifts NOT to get Teachers for Christmas.

The following are great gifts. And we would never be disappointed with anything we get. However, we do have up to 30 students in our class. Each year. For many, many years. So you can imagine how quickly things can pile up. Please try to avoid:

• Coffee Mugs – our cupboards at home and in the staffroom are full  (I, myself, don’t drink tea or coffee so these are lost on me).
• Keep Cups – see above!
• Knick Knacks – there are a few exceptions to this rule (see below) but generally, if it can collect dust, and is breakable, it’s a no!
• Stuffed Animals – We teach little people, but that doesn’t mean we live the life of one.
• Edible Handmade Treats – as lovely as it sounds, we will never eat something the kids have made with their own hands.
• Cheap Beauty & Shaving Products – step away from the bath bombs and put down the Lynx body spray!!!
• Chocolate – as much as we love it (and you better believe we have a secret stash in our classroom) there’s only so much you can eat!
• Alcohol – while this isn’t a bad idea, people have their own tastes. A voucher may be better.

This list may leave you thinking “well, what do they want?”… read on my friend!

The Ultimate Teacher Christmas Gift Idea

If you are in contact with the parents in your child’s class, putting in $10-$20 each will mean you can create an amazing gift basket! Grab some vouchers (you’ll find suggestions listed below), lanyards, earrings, stamps, sticker books, etc. This allows everyone to contribute (if they choose to). It also reduces the risk of people trying to out-do one another for the best end-of-year gift (awkward).

There are also some amazing pre-made teacher gift boxes. The Deluxe Teacher Gift Box by The Teacher Collective is a teacher box for teachers, made by teachers!

Simple Teacher Gift Ideas for the End of the Year

For those that want to make the act of giving a little more personal, below are my top picks.

Frankie4 Voucher

Teachers are on their feet all day! And it’s not just pacing the front of the classroom that gets our steps up. We have yard duties (which are on a variety of surfaces), sport, parent-teacher meetings, professional meetings – and then we often stop on the way home for groceries (or a bottle of something from Uncle Dan). It’s important that we have shoes that are not only comfortable but practical – and fashionable! Frankie4 is an amazing Australian company that provides footwear designed by Physiotherapists and Podiatrists. Available in a variety of styles, there is something for everyone. Grab a gift vouchure and help your child’s teacher with a bit of self-care.

Teacher Resource Voucher

You may be thinking “Why would a teacher want a voucher for resources?” but trust me, we love nothing more than finding high-quality, engaging resources for our students to use. There are a number of sites that Australian teachers use, most with resources linking to the Australian Curriculum. Check out Teachers pay Teachers and Teach Starter.

Stickers and Stamps

Teacher stamps have come a long way in recent years, with many teachers now designing and selling them. This means they are purposeful and creative. Who better to know what to put on a stamp than a teacher? You can also get them personalised, which is a really nice touch. Stickers are also another thing that are a must-have for teachers. Used for reward or to praise good work and effort you’ll find them in all teacher drawers. There are some really funky, modern designs going around, and they too can also be personalised. Check out some of the amazing designs from these wonderful creators – Mrs Edgar, Miss Honey Teachers, The Teaching Tools, and Stamp it By Miss M.

Planner

Most teachers love organisation. And having a planner makes it look like we’re organised and have it all together! And just like the stickers and stamps, planners have moved with the times and are modern and oh so pretty! You can pick up some great planners at Kmart and Officeworks. Also check out some companies and small sellers who are specifically targeting teachers. If you’re not sure whether to get an actual planner, a voucher is also a great idea! Mrs Edgar, Createl Publishing and Zivia Designs are just some of the amazing teacher planners out there (and you’ll find many of them on a teachers desk now!)

Lanyards

You will most probably have heard about your child’s teacher wearing some cool things around their neck. Once necklaces were an accessory. Now, lanyards have become the essential, and practical, teacher accessory and statement piece. And the choices are endless (there are some really amazing designers out there!) From simple, round coloured clay beads to the more elaborate themed designs there is sure to be something that your child’s teacher will love. Some of my favourite designers are LilliPop, Browne & Blue, Teaching with Miss D and Lanyards by Zoe.

Accessories

Be it something they can wear, or something they can use, there are lots of accessories that make great teacher gifts. From scrunchies, hair clips, bookmarks, keyrings to Flair Pens, highlighters and Sharpies. These gifts are also usually readily available and don’t cost a lot. Grab a few items, pop them in a nice box or basket and you’ve got yourself an amazing gift!

Thank You Cookies & Cupcakes

There are some amazing bakers around that do beautiful cookies and cupcakes. Jump on your local Facebook business page and see other people’s recommendations. You’ll also be supporting a local business and providing a yummy treat at the busiest time of the year!

This year I put up my hand to put together the gift basket for both my sons’ teachers. I’ve combined some of the items mentioned above. Both of them are young, beginning teachers so I thought these items would be appreciated and well-received.

What do you think about these gifts? Is there anything you’d add? What’s the best teacher gift you’ve ever received?

***PLEASE NOTE: Please be aware that public school staff must abide by the Department of Education’s code of conduct that states teachers cannot accept gifts worth more than $100 (non-token). Private School policies may differ, so check with your school what is appropriate.