Unique Gifts for Teachers

Terrific Teacher Gifts for the Holidays!

Our children’s teachers play such an invaluable role that they deserve special recognition at the holiday season! That being said, fifteen or twenty other families are thinking the same thing- and so it’s time to get creative!

While teachers come to mind first, don’t forget about sport coaches, music instructors, scout leaders, CCD catechists, bus drivers (they should get a million dollar bonus!), tutors, sitters and anyone else who plays a significant role in your child’s life! Every small gesture of kindness will go a long way!

Teacher Gift Recommendations

My best advice is to choose a gift that is consumable - a special item that won’t take up space, yet will still provide useful enjoyment. Here are some ideas:

A pound of coffee in a seasonal flavor! (My market’s coffee kiosk sells a blend called “Mistletoe” that I look forward to every December!)
Personalized notepad or note cards
A Gift certificate to Barnes and Noble, Starbucks or local nail salon
A classroom donation in the form of a book, puzzle or game
A charitable donation in the recipient’s name (For years, I have given a donation to Woman’s Space in honor of my daughters’ Girl Scout leaders)
Homemade breads, cookies, jams or nuts are also very nice, especially if you involve your children in the making! (And if you aren’t handy in the kitchen, buy some of these items and wrap them up as if they’re your own creation! Your secret’s safe with me!)

Special Gifts for Women

In my catalog shopping, I found a couple of cute ideas that I think would be appreciated by any woman on this gift giving list!

Sur la Table - this chef’s catalog offers adorable silicone pot holders in the shape of snowmen and gingerbread cookies, with matching spatulas – festive and useful!! (surlatable.com, potholders $9.95 and spatulas $7.95)
Williamsburg Catalog - here you’ll find a charming set of three little porcelain dishes, just perfect for holding jewelry. The dishes have open cutwork sides and hand painted red berries and look far more expensive than their price tag– the set of three retails for only $10! Add a small gift card to each and you will definitely be the best gift giver in class! (Williamsburgmarketplace.com, pictured at top of page, $10)

Do you have any great ideas for teacher gifts this holiday season? I’d love to hear!