Ideas for Holiday Gifts for Teachers

Teachers are overworked, underpaid, and yet most of them go out of their way to help our kids. The holidays are a great time to thank them for all their hard work and devotion. Here are some unique and thoughtful holiday gift ideas for teachers (because really, they don’t need another mug). Many of these ideas are very affordable, but are nevertheless priceless.

Teacher’s Bragbook

All this needs is paper and a few scrapbook embelliishments like stickers and ribbon. Cut a 12×12 piece of cardstock in half. You will get two 6×12 sheets. Fold these into three. Then, using double-sided tape, attach the last panel of the first sheet with the first panel of the second sheet. Voila, you have an accordion album!

Now, decorate the album. Place a picture of the teacher on the front cover (or ask your child to draw him or her) and then decorate the other panels with photos of class activities. Then, ask your child to write a thank you note for all the happy memories in her class.

You can also check our article on making holiday gifts from scrapbook supplies for other ideas on homemade crafts the teacher will love!

Foot Spa Kit

Teachers spend most of the day on their feet. Treat her to a foot spa kit (like an invigorating peppermint foot soak, exfoliating foot scrubs, and a foot lotion). Include a relaxing CD she can listen to while she’s soaking her feet, or a pretty nail polish and you’ll definitely bring a smile to her face after a tiring Monday.

Plants

Plants will brighten up her cubicle in the teacher’s lounge or add much-needed cheer to the classroom. You can even ask your child to decorate the pot.

Make a donation in her name

Choose a cause that’s close to her heart (or at least, her subject matter). For example, if she teaches science, then donate to an environmental group. Or, if she always talks about her cat, then contribute to the Adopt-a-Pet foundation.

Teacher’s Toolkit

Fill a basket with antibacterial soap or handgel, air freshener for a musty classroom, a notepad and sticky notes, a set of colored pens and highlighters, glue, tape, art paper, craft scissors, and a ‘Good job!’ stamp and inkpad. Or, give her a gift certificate for the office supply store so she can get what she needs. Many teachers pay for their own supplies from their own pocket so this will be a great help.

Teacher’s Day Off

Give the teacher something she can enjoy on her day off. This could mean tickets to a concert, or gift certificates for a nearby restaurant, bookstore or video rental store.

Photo from simplysaidcreations.net