You want to show appreciation for your child’s teacher, but are most likely short on time, and maybe even on money. I polled teachers across the country to find out what gifts they are loving this year and which ones they would happily take a pass on. The answers might surprise you!

Must-Have Gifts

·  Gift cards for local and chain restaurants.

·   Gift cards for office supply and teacher supply stores to buy classroom items such as tacks, books, markers, pens, calendars and fun items that might not be provided by the school.

·   Gift cards for places like Target, Wal-Mart, Costco, or Amazon.

·   Homemade gifts from the kids such as cards and pictures because those are extra special.

·   Notes of appreciation that come from the heart. “I have kept every drawing or art project a kid has ever gifted me from teaching preschool back in the day,” says teacher Courtney L.

·   Chocolate and coffee products. Consider putting together a basket of special chocolate bars, hot chocolates, fancy coffees and creamers and other treats.

·   Pampering sets to do at-home - facials and manicures.

Get to Know Them First

·   “Our school’s room parent coordinator has teachers fill out a questionnaire telling us their favorite food, restaurants, stores, colors, drinks, scents, classroom needs, etc. every year,” says Melinda C., mother of four.

·   According to Nicole H., “My mom is a teacher in a remote area, so the gift cards she can use online are a good thing too. She loves Gilmore Girls and someone got her a Luke’s Diner coffee mug!”

·   Stephen S., a longtime middle school teacher, says, “Gift cards get used. I have over 1,000 ties and almost as many coffee cups. Coffee, whiteboard markers, sharpies, Grateful Dead memorabilia are all on my short list.”

·   Sarah R., an 8th grade Language Arts teacher, says, “I love getting handwritten notes/cards from students! I put them in a special place and re-read them days, months, and years later. You cannot do that with a gift card! I truly appreciate any gifts from my students (they warm my heart!), but I have to say I do not want food or candy.”

Gifts to Skip

·   Any homemade food. It may be easy for you to whip up a batch of cookies or gift your famous banana bread, but the teacher may be watching his or her sugar, gluten, calories or worse … they might be allergic!

·   Lotions. Everyone is different and it’s very hard to pick out a scent that every teacher will love. Some hate fruit or food scents while others love them. Some are bothered by the smells entirely.

·   Candles and mugs. A teacher can only burn and store so many candles every year. And where to store so many mugs, and how to rotate and use them all so every kid gift-giver feels special?

·   Ties. This may seem like a slam dunk for a male teacher, but they likely already have quite a few. Delve deeper into his personality to find out what else he might like: fishing lures, golf or tennis balls, a special book, something fun for camping, maybe a Spotify gift card.

·   Anything with an apple on it or random knick-knacks! It seems everyone is trying to downsize and declutter, so why add to your teacher’s overflow of stuff?

The bottom line seems to be, it’s entirely worth it to take some time to get to know your child’s teacher’s likes and dislikes. Then pick a gift with your child accordingly, and you’re sure to give the teacher a happy holiday break and a wonderful school year!