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Best Gifts for Teachers: A few of their favorite things

Writer's picture: Sarah LittlefieldSarah Littlefield

What are the best gifts for Teacher & Staff Appreciation week?

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week is just around the corner, and if you're scratching your head wondering, "What is the best gift for a teacher?" you're not alone! Finding the perfect way to say "thank you" to our amazing teachers and staff can be tricky!


For this reason, we conducted a survey where we asked River Ridge Elementary teachers and staff what their favorite gifts to receive are.


So now, there's no need to guess at what to get them - we've got the list!


Before we dive into the results of our survey, it's important to mention that teachers never expect gifts from their students and/or parents. This article is meant to be a resource for people who want to buy a gift for a teacher or member of staff at the school but struggle to know the best thing to do - it is not meant to imply that gifts are needed or expected!


Now, on with the show!


Gift cards are a teacher's favorite gift to receive

Of the teachers and staff that were surveyed, a whopping 94% listed gift cards as their favorite token of appreciation.

Texas Roadhouse, Starbucks, Walmart, Amazon and Target gift cards stacked up

Here are some additional comments that came from a follow-up focus group about why gift cards are so popular:

"Gift cards are great because if I run out of glue sticks or something like that for my classroom, I can run down to Wal-Mart or Target and pick some up with a gift card... so it's not coming out of my pocket, and I don't have to submit a purchase order with administration!"
"If you've worked in education for a few years, you likely have a lot of teacher cups, ornaments and trinkets. Those things are always nice to get, but a gift card - for any amount - means I can get something I really need, even if it's just a cup of coffee or candy bar at the grocery store when I'm having a rough day"

It seems like you can’t go wrong with a gift card—whether it’s for their favorite coffee shop, bookstore, or a little online shopping spree. It's a practical and thoughtful choice that lets teachers pick exactly what they want.


What were the top options mentioned?

  • Amazon

  • Target

  • Restaurants

  • Coffee or donut shops

Just keep in mind that not all teachers drink coffee, and they might not live near or like a restaurant that you do. So the safest bet is a store like Amazon, Wal-Mart or Target where it's easy to make online purchases and teachers are already likely shopping. You could also go with a Visa gift card for ultimate flexibility, but those have fees (starting at $3.95 per card) that aren't always worth the extra expense.


What amount gift card should I give to a teacher?

The most popular gift card amounts fall between $10-30, but the general rule of thumb is to give what you feel comfortable giving. Teachers even appreciate a $5 gift card to somewhere like Dunkin' Donuts where they can pick up a breakfast sandwich or iced coffee on their way to work.


Personal touches mean a lot

Now, if you're looking for something a bit more personal, why not consider writing a heartfelt note or card? Nearly half of teachers mentioned that personal notes or cards really made their day. It’s a simple, sweet, and cost-effective way to show you care. Plus, it's something they can keep and look back on for years!

A young child sitting at a table coloring on white paper with colorful markers.

In this popular reddit post, teachers weigh in on their favorite gifts, and while gift cards are still the clear winner, many acknowledge that a card or note from their students and parents often means just as much - if not more.


So don't feel like just because money is tight you can't do something to recognize your teacher. They love a pat on the back and hearing, "great job!" just like the rest of us!


Other great ideas for teacher gifts

While gift cards and personal notes top the list, our survey also highlighted some other possible options:

A bar chart showing top preferred gifts by RRE teachers and staff.
Surveyed April, 2024

  • Snacks: Who doesn't love a tasty treat? Pack a little basket with some snacks to keep teachers and staff energized throughout the day.

  • Classroom Supplies: Teachers often purchase these out of pocket, so gifting items like markers, sticky notes, or fun decorations can be super helpful.

  • Parents Volunteer Time: A few teachers mentioned that they would love help around the classroom. This is a great ways to show you're there to support them. You could even do cute "coupons" for your teacher that include vouchers for things like "1 hour of making copies" or "a volunteer day of your choice"


A little goes a long way!

No matter what gift you choose, the most important thing is to show your appreciation for all the hard work teachers do. Whether it's a gift card, a personal note, or some yummy snacks, each gift sends a message of gratitude.


So, let's get ready to make this Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week one of the best they've ever had!


Happy gifting and remember, a little thoughtfulness goes a long way in making our teachers feel valued and appreciated!

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