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Whether it’s the start of the school year, the end of it, or events like birthdays, holidays, and teacher appreciation week sprinkled in between, there are plenty of opportunities for you and your kids to show gratitude to those responsible for their education. Giving teachers a small token to thank them for all their hard work is a thoughtful gesture, no matter the occasion.
But, let’s be real. If you ask any of them, they’ll tell you that while they’re grateful to receive gifts from their students, a lot of it creates clutter for them at school and at home. They don’t need (and, frankly, don’t want) hordes of to-go cups, candles, or inspirational quotes. Instead, consider choosing consumable or practical items that won’t lead to the stress of trying to find a place for them.
Stuck on what to pick out? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a list of 7 clutter-free gift ideas for teachers that they will actually appreciate.
1) A Gift Card
Although giving a gift card might feel impersonal, it’s practical and always appreciated, especially for those on a teacher’s salary. Ask around to find out what each teacher might like or ask them directly about their favorite places. Find out their go-to restaurants, coffee shops, or stores, or give them an opportunity and reason to try someplace new.
2) A Sweet Treat
If baked goods are more up your alley, consider purchasing treats from a local bakery. This makes it easier on those with any dietary restrictions or health concerns who may be wary of homemade goods. Some DFW favorites include Unrefined (gluten-free), Reverie Bakeshop (vegan and allergen friendly), Crumbl, Tiff’s Treats, and JD’s Chippery.
3) A Beautiful Bouquet
Flowers are always a wonderful gift to receive. For one, they’re delightful to look at and, two, they’re temporary. They don’t have to cost you a fortune either. While you can always have your local florist arrange a bouquet, you can also grab a few inexpensive bunches at the grocery store (hello Trader Joe’s). Put a personal touch to it by presenting them in a monogrammed pot or vase that they can display on their desk or at home.
4) Unique Office Supplies
Rather than a basic pad or pen that can be found anywhere, order a personalized notepad or set of grading pens that are fun to use. Etsy has lots of custom products to choose from, including stationery sets geared specifically toward teachers.
5) Much Needed Classroom Supplies
We all know the plight that teachers often face when it comes to obtaining supplies for their classrooms every year. In response, many have Amazon wishlists to help offset the cost. We bet that they would be beyond grateful for any parents who contribute, so find out if your kid’s new teacher has one and consider going that route so they can step into the year on a good foot.
6) A Digital Subscription
Teachers can use all the resources they can get! It might not be something you think about frequently, especially if you’re not in the field yourself, but they rely on online tools to make their jobs a little easier. Look into Education to the Core Premium which provides unlimited printables for classroom prep and lesson planning. As an alternative, here’s a list of 15 popular digital subscriptions for teachers and, while some are free, many have paid versions as well. Be sure to ask before giving anything like this to make sure they actually need it and don’t already have an account.
7) A Heartfelt Note
Last but certainly not least - Have your kid handwrite a note to the teacher, letting them know what they appreciate most about them. It’s small, costs nothing (other than a few minutes of your and your child’s time), and will mean the world to the teacher. This genuine gift will be something they will treasure for years to come.
