I’ve never been a schoolteacher, but I’ve been a parent. I wish I'd known years ago what I know now about what gifts of thanks teachers really want. I would have skipped all the “Best Teacher in the World” coffee mugs and gone more for the classroom supplies.
Recently, I polled teachers I know. It took a little bit of arm-twisting because every one of them said they appreciate the thought behind every gift they receive, no matter how useless. I did get it out of them. I discovered what teachers really want. So, listen up, and take notes. There may be a quiz.
Make no mistake: Every teacher I spoke with stressed how very grateful teachers are for the thoughts behind all of the stuff they get during the year, the end of the year and the holidays between. But the stuff itself? Not so much. What would you do with 27 random coffee mugs or 16 bottles of aftershave?
General Guidelines
Don’t spend a lot on a teacher gift. Keep it reasonable. Parents who go overboard make teachers feel uneasy and awkward.
If you can’t afford a gift, don’t worry. Show your appreciation by volunteering in the classroom. Teachers don’t generally keep score. But they do remember and appreciate classroom volunteers.
Check to see if your school displays teacher “wish lists.” That can be very helpful.
If you have time, get a group of parents together to go in on a group gift card or special item for the classroom.
