Christmas gifts for teachers are one of those things you think about in November and buy in a rush in the last week of term. The good news is that teachers don't expect anything, and the gifts they remember are rarely the expensive ones. Here are 15 ideas that actually get used, from small presents a child can hand over at the classroom door to a gift from the whole class, plus a few things to skip.
What teachers really appreciate
Ask teachers what they keep and the answer is nearly always the same: the card. A few lines from a child, or a short note from a parent saying what made a difference this year, mean more than anything in a gift bag. After that, the favourites are things that get used up, like chocolates, tea, coffee or hand cream, and things that help in the classroom. If you only do one thing, make it a card with a proper message.
Small Christmas gifts for teachers from one child
- A handwritten card. Let your child write it, spelling mistakes and all, and add a line of your own if you like.
- A box of chocolates or biscuits to share. Anything that can go straight into the staffroom is always welcome in December.
- Good tea or coffee. A nice loose-leaf tea or a bag of quality ground coffee beats yet another mug.
- Hand cream or lip balm. Cold mornings outside and constant hand-washing take their toll in winter; choose a light or unscented one.
- Gloves or a warm hat for yard duty. Anyone who has supervised a playground on a frosty December morning will be grateful.
- A set of good pens. Teachers do a lot of marking, and smooth gel pens or fineliners in a few colours get used straight away.
- A notebook or planner for the new term. January is a fresh start in school too.
- A small, easy-care plant, such as a cactus or a succulent, that will survive the Christmas holidays without watering.
Gifts for the classroom
Plenty of teachers buy classroom supplies out of their own pocket, so a gift for the room is a gift for them too.
- A book for the class library, with a note inside the cover saying who donated it.
- A board game or jigsaw for wet break. Irish and British winters guarantee plenty of indoor breaks.
- Craft and stationery supplies: glue sticks, colouring pencils, stickers or reward stamps. If you're not sure, ask what's needed.
A class collection: one gift from everyone
A class collection is the easiest way to give a teacher something worthwhile without anyone overspending. One parent, often the class rep, collects whatever each family wants to give, usually through the class WhatsApp group, and everyone signs one card.
- A gift voucher they can spend on what they actually want, whether that's a book token, a voucher for a local restaurant or a multi-store voucher.
- A class memory book with a drawing or a line from every child. It costs very little and often gets kept for years.
Keep contributions voluntary and anonymous, so that no family feels under pressure.
Gifts for teachers with a dog or cat
If your child talks about their teacher's dog every week, you already have your gift idea.
- A self-cleaning pet hair remover for getting dog or cat hair off a jumper before school. It's reusable, so there are no sticky sheets to replace.
- Treats or a toy for their pet, made for dogs or cats rather than sweets meant for people.
For more ideas, see our stocking fillers for dog lovers.
What to avoid
- Another mug or ‘Best Teacher’ ornament. Most teachers already have a cupboard full.
- Strongly scented candles and toiletries. Scent is personal, and these are the gifts most likely to be passed on.
- Alcohol in a school bag. A bottle of wine is a popular choice, but not everyone drinks and it's an awkward thing to send in with a child. A voucher from the class collection is easier.
- Anything expensive. Some schools have a policy on gifts, so check the newsletter. A big present from one family can also make a teacher uncomfortable.
Don't forget the rest of the team
Teaching assistants and SNAs, the school secretary, the caretaker and the lollipop person all help your child's year run smoothly. A card, or a box of chocolates for them to share, goes a long way.
When to give it
The last week before the Christmas holidays is the usual time. A day or two before the final day is best, when classrooms are calmer. Put your child's name on the gift as well as the card, because the two get separated quickly and many teachers like to thank each family. And if you're getting ahead with your Christmas shopping, have a look at our Christmas Eve box ideas or browse everything for the home and pets.