Teachers do so much for their students and communities daily, and often without enough gratitude. Check out this curated list of small gifts of appreciation for the heroes that help shape the minds of future generations.
Gift card for coffee or favorite foods
A $10 gift card goes a long way at a Starbucks, a local coffee shop or bakery. For a more personal touch, do a little investigative work to find the teacher’s favorite place to grab a bite.
Little indulgences
A $10 gift card at Whole Foods or a local gourmet market won’t buy a week’s worth of groceries, but it will buy a decadent dessert, luxurious body wash or another splurge a teacher might not treat themselves to.
Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate
Chocolate is a staple for a reason, as long as the teacher does not have an allergy or diet restriction. Desserts by Toffee To Go in Tampa is a local favorite.
For the baker
Buy a new set of measuring spoons and a measuring cup from a dollar store or a cute spatula, and attach it to a delicious cake or cookie mix.
Nailed-it
For the female teachers – a festive bag with a couple bottles of nail polish and an emery board. What a nice treat to beat the winter blues.
Christmas ornaments
Teachers appreciate ornaments because, over the years, they associate that student and their family with this gift. This is a gift that will keep giving year after year.
Monograms and more
For those with a vinyl maker, cut out the teacher’s initials, and voila, a custom monogram tote bag or tumbler cup. Plain tote bags and tumblers are easy and affordable at various stores.
Noted
A custom set of stationery designed by a student makes for a unique gift, or find some unique paper and throw in a pen and a few pieces of candy for a sweet and valuable gift.
Male teachers
75% of teachers in the U.S. right now are female. However, a fun pair of socks is always a great gift for a male teacher. Several of these other ideas are still applicable as well.
Green-thumbs
A little bit of green brightens any classroom. Succulents, spider plants, one-pint Santiago Palms, or flowering bulbs can all be purchased for $5 to $10.
School supplies
Many teachers spend their money on classroom supplies such as art materials and teaching aids. Consider a gift card for school supplies, or hit up the dollar section at Target and fill a bag with $10 items that can be used in the classroom.
Tea time
Nutrition tea shops are all the rage right now. Consider a gift card for tea, or purchase their favorite mix to-go and put it in a cup with a fun straw. TeBella Tea Company has a wide variety of choices.
Soap and bubbles
Go to a local soap store, like Buff City Soap in Tampa, which sells homemade soaps in various colors, scents and ingredients. Consider a bar or two of luxurious soap or bath bombs with a handwritten card.
Fortune cookies
When ordering Chinese takeout, ask for a few extra fortune cookies. Place the cookies in a box with a note about how “fortunate” the family is to have such a great teacher. Students can decorate the box with a drawing or words of affirmation and gratitude.
Be the light
Check out candle sales at stores like Trader Joe’s, TJ Maxx or Bath & Body Works. Gift a candle that they can light at home or place on a candle warmer in the classroom.
Remember that a little goes a long way when it comes to thanking a teacher for what they do. Thank you, teachers.
By Meredith Biesinger.
