4 holiday gift ideas for teachers

Parents: as you make those holiday gift to-do lists, don’t forget your child’s teacher!

For eight hours a day, five days a week, these men and women are educating the next generation. It’s an important job, which can make it challenging for parents to figure out budget-friendly ways to show their appreciation.

Let’s face it, how much candy and sweets can they realistically eat? And those who have been teaching for years already have impressive coffee mug collections.

So what do teachers want? We asked a few and here are some ideas:

Gift cards: Whether from Amazon, a favorite brand retailer, coffee shop or local vendors, a gift card is the gift that keeps giving year round. Pair it with a personal note and you can never go wrong.

Grant wishes: With budget cuts, teachers’ wish lists are long and in need of constant replenishing. So help restock the classroom with books, paper, printer ink, pencils, tissues, hand sanitizers and more.

Donate: Make a donation to the school library, PTA and/or afterschool clubs in the name of your favorite teacher. You help your local school and ultimately it benefits the children.

DIY: Most teachers agree the best gifts are heartfelt. So get creative! Whether it is a simple note of thanks or a homemade “coupon book” provides class snacks for a day or volunteered time, teachers will be grateful.