Whether you want to admit it or not, your child’s teacher works their butt off to ensure that your son or daughter receives a quality education. Teachers quite literally are educating our future presidents, doctors, and scientists… You name it! Teachers do not at all expect to receive anything from their students as year-end teacher gifts. Teachers go into this job because they absolutely love what they do!
Nevertheless, there are always a few families every year who insist on getting their child’s teacher thoughtful end of year teacher gifts as a way to say thank you. If you are considering giving your child’s teacher a gift at the end of this school year, there are a few things you should consider…
First and foremost, it is not expected that you need to get your child’s teacher anything at the end of the school year! Your child’s teacher will not be upset if your child shows up on the last day of school empty-handed. Most of the time, the most important “gifts” that your child can give their teacher don’t cost a thing! Such is a handwritten note in a card (that you can write in too) to show your appreciation for all of the hard work they have done this year or just simply talking to your child’s teacher in person to express your gratitude and appreciation for a successful school year.
Read more: Teacher Appreciation Gifts: 5 Gifts Teachers Will Actually Love
What are the Best Year-End Teacher Gifts?
On the other hand, there are always parents who insist on giving their child’s teacher something. If that is you, then take special note of the following year-end teacher gifts that are sure to impress your child’s teacher before summer break!
Gift Cards for Amazon
Teachers spend a lot of money out of their own pockets every year on their classrooms. Many of the common supplies that students use every day (like pencils, erasers, whiteboard markers, & crayons) are not supplied by their school. Amazon gift cards would be great year-end teacher gifts to help teachers replenish their supply from this past year so that they are ready for their next class by the end of summer break.
Coffee Shop Gift Cards
Coffee gives teachers LIFE before school starts. We honestly can not function without our daily dose of caffeine! Year-end teacher gifts to a coffee shop is a proven way to put a smile on your child’s teacher’s face.
Wine
Yes, wine! BUT… this is only recommended if your child’s school will allow you to store it in the front office for your teacher. Most schools have a very strict “no alcohol” policy on campus, but several parents have gifted bottles of wine by putting them in normal-looking gift bags (not the specific wine bags) and discreetly notifying the front office staff that this is a “special” gift for your child’s teacher. Most have no problem keeping safe until it’s time for your child’s teacher to head home for summer!
Trust us- your child’s teacher will be over the moon if they received wine as one of their year-end teacher gifts (especially if your little one was a bit of a handful this year)! If you’re worried about getting yourself (or your child’s teacher) in trouble, perhaps you could purchase them a liquor store gift card such as this one!
Summer Gift Basket
Year-end teacher gifts that are unique but meaningful would be to put together a summer gift basket for them. Almost all teachers try to rest and rejuvenate during the summer by being outside, soaking up some sun. Include things like a new beach towel, sunscreen, a book, a pair of flip-flops, and a tumbler to help them start their summer off right!
Gift Certificate for a Local Restaurant
During the school year, most teachers sacrifice time with their families to go out to dinner because they are too busy with lesson planning or grading papers. A gift certificate to a local restaurant is a great way to show them your appreciation for all of the hard work that they do. Plus, by giving these types of year-end teacher gifts, you will be supporting small businesses in your community. If you are unable to get a gift card to a local restaurant, try getting them a gift card that works at a variety of restaurant chains, such as this one!
Gift Certificate to a Nail Salon or Spa
Summer is all about pampering and “me time” for teachers. Throughout the year, your child’s teacher is on their feet all day long, making sure every student’s needs are being met. Many times, they barely have time to slap some paint on their nails and toes (something that is so little, but truly is a mood-booster). Your child’s teacher will LOVE receiving a gift card to go get their nails done or to get a facial this summer! You could also get them a spa gift card that works at a ton of great spas across the United States!
Donate to Their Classroom Library
If your child’s teacher has a classroom library, consider donating a few books to their classroom library! Before school is over, ask your child to help you pick out children’s books for their teacher’s library (this is key, as they can help you pick books that their teacher doesn’t already own). Your child’s teacher will love how much thought went into this one!
What Year-End Teacher Gifts Should You Avoid?
All teachers appreciate everything that is given to them, but some year-end teacher gifts are a little redundant or underwhelming. The last thing you want is to spend your hard-earned money on a gift that your child’s teacher truly doesn’t want or need. Plus, nothing puts guilt on a teacher like getting a gift that they didn’t really want in the first place. Try your best to avoid giving these gifts to your child’s teacher this year:
Coffee Mugs
Oh my goodness. Teachers get SO. MANY. MUGS. It can be tempting to get your child’s teacher a new coffee or travel mug when you see all of those “World’s Greatest Teacher” ones at the store, but you have to remember that your child’s teacher has probably already gotten several this year. You don’t need to add to their collection, as many teachers who receive these types of year-end teacher gifts end up giving them away or donating them because they have so many!
“Teacher” Labeled Things
We see them ALL the time in stores. The cute signs that say “Best Teacher Ever” or “I’m a Teacher, What’s Your Superpower?” may seem like a sweet sentient to get for your child’s teacher to display in their classroom, but like coffee mugs, teachers get a lot of these. They don’t have a ton of shelf space to display all of these signs and decorations every year, and the last thing a teacher needs is more clutter to deal with. Let your child’s teacher choose how to decorate their classroom, not you.
Class Supplies
This may seem confusing, but listen: All teachers have their favorite brand of pens, markers, crayons, and pencils for a reason (although the ones linked are pretty great!) There are just some brands that simply are better than others (and hold up much better). Instead of purchasing these things as year-end teacher gifts, opt for our above suggestion of an Amazon gift card so that your child’s teacher can get exactly what they want for class supplies next year!
At the end of the school year, teachers are stressed and burnt out. Summer is right around the corner, and their students are antsy for summer break. Year-end teacher gifts are a thoughtful way for your family to show appreciation and admiration for all of the hard work your child’s teacher puts in every day. While they aren’t at all necessary, teachers will always be very appreciative of you thinking of them. Year-end teacher gifts will show them how much you appreciate all of the hard work they put in throughout the year and will put a smile on their face!
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