what is a teacher gift that teachers actually WANT to receive?

Answer 1

I like to go with items that can easily be consumed/ used; that way they're not stuck with something they really don't want or probably have too many of already (like mugs, etc).

Good ideas are chocolate-- everyone loves it, and the ones that don't (rare few they are) can either regift it with ease or can serve it to relatives and look ever-so-snazzy doing so. ;D Plus, it can be given to anyone, male or female.

One year, I gave my female teachers baskets of soaps and candles (another easily used bunch). Giftcards are alright, but a few of the more traditional ones might be offended/ not take knowing how much you spend on them well. ^^

In the end, it's your choice. Give 'em something that you think reflects you. Good luck!

Answer 2

Gifts Teachers Love:
Lotion
Candles
Dishes
Stationary
Gift Cards
Bath Stuff
Things that are actually useful

Gifts Teachers Could Live With Out
The Apple (your the best....) how many of those do teachers have?
Cookies ( it is cheap.....but receiving several plates of cookies in one day....some of them will end up in the trash_
It is okay to buy stuff from the dollar store...(i do all the time) just remember to take the price tag off!! (I had a student do that)
Knick Knacks......we get plenty
Jewelry...it either looks cheap...or you should not have spent the money....

I think that about covers it.....really you are usually pretty safe if you stick with GC...they even have the American Express and Visa ones that you can purchase these days....Happy Holidays and Merry CHRISTmas!!

Answer 3

Gift cards are always a plus. My wife loves to receive gift cards to Barnes & Noble, Starbucks and nice (sit down) restaurants in the area.

If you are the student, check to see what the teacher is already collecting. In my wife's room, she has some TCU items hanging up and in one corner she has her dalmatian collection. The kids in her class knows she likes them both. If you're the parent, ask your child what the teacher likes/collects. Some teachers like magnets from around the world, some like salt & pepper shakers, some collect pens and pencils (not generic, but themed or colorful, for example).

Some things to avoid would probably be plants, coffee mugs and "World's Greatest Teacher" themes. The WGT and mugs are nice (and the teachers truly appreciate the sentiment), but after a few years, they run out of room both at school and at home. My wife is 31, has been teaching for 10 years now and we have a kitchen cabinet full of coffee mugs we just don't use. (We only get a couple down for hot chocolate in the winter.) Also, teachers don't want you to spend outside of your budget. If you're from a lower income family, they won't expect a $20 gift card when a $5 card would suffice just as well.

The most important thing to give your teacher is something from the heart. This doesn't mean the gift has to be from the heart, but that you mean it. (DO NOT give a teacher a USED bottle of body lotion - yes, it happens, no the teachers don't use them.) A Christmas card with a greeting will do wonders. As always a gift card is a nice treat on top.

When I substituted, I received maybe a few items from students for Christmas. This always made me happy, but what I really wanted to go with it was for them to put their name (first and last) on the note they gave me.

Good luck and thank you for caring.

Answer 4

I have to chime in, and say, "gift cards for bookstores." Some students give me bath stuff, and the idea is totally sweet, but I'm allergic to a lot of chemicals. I end up regifting most of it, which makes me a bit sad. I tend to go through gift cards at Staples, Best Buy, and Barnes & Noble pretty quickly. B&N is best, because I like to indulge my less serious, less professional reading (ie, the stuff I really enjoy on my days off), and it's almost like a high? I guess? to be able to go out and buy books for fun, and not for work. If nothing else, gift cards can be used by teachers to buy presents for their nearest-and-dearest, so it's a win-win.

If you're worried about any "coldness" involved, include a card or a notecard expressing appreciation for the teacher and his or her work. Trust me: we keep those. On rainy days, nothing feels better than to read over past letters and notes from students and parents.

Answer 5

If you want something personal I LOVE gifts handmade by my students (I teach early childhood, so that may not apply to your children.) It shows that there was time and love put into the gift. One of my favorite gifts was a childrens book that I could use in class. I am a music teacher who uses a lot of literature and I was so impressed that the mom knew that. It was so thoughtful!
I also really like getting gift cards. One parent would always get me CVS gift cards and (unknown to her) I would pay for my birth control pills with it.:)

Answer 6

Gift cards are always a nice gesture-- especially for places like Starbucks, Jamba Juice, or any bookstore. It really depends on the teacher... some of my female teachers liked scented candles, chocolates, christmas tree ornaments, and things from Bath & Body Works. But keep in mind that it's always the thought that counts.

Answer 7

I read an article recently by a teacher who said she felt awkward receiving expensive gifts from wealthier students, since some of those who were less affluent felt badly because they couldn't afford to match gifts of jewelry, Waterford crystal, fine linens, etc. Therefore, she requested that instead of giving gifts to her, the students could draw names and exchange $5.00 gifts among themselves. That was a very generous and tactful teacher in my opinion.

Answer 8

Well, within reason of course...

I've always found that gift certificates to the bookstore, or the mall in general are good things. However, the one gift I really cherish is a book that the kid picks out and inscribes with a note and their name...it makes it so much more personal that way.

Answer 9

Gift certificates to book stores and spas are nice...Or to the movies. That would rock. :) Anything that comes from the heart really is appreciated, even if it's a mismatched pair of gold hoop earrings you found in the bargain bin at the Salvation Army. It's just nice to know your students care enough to show their appreciation.

Answer 10

gift card to a restaurant that has take out or table service :)
some days at school are just so long and busy that there are no brain cells left to decide what to cook then cook it and clean it up.