
Teacher-related gift guides are always my favorite because a question I’d sometimes get from people while I was a classroom teacher is what to get teachers as gifts for the holidays. This isn’t as much of a thing with high schools as it is in elementary or middle school, so I remember the first year I was given something for Christmas by a family I was so thankful but also quite shocked.
A gift for me simply for teaching your child?
It’s always humbling and something that made me feel super special.
Teaching is an incredibly hard job. It’s rewarding but sometimes thankless in the sense that you do not see the growth sometimes until they’re much older. As a result, getting a little something-something for the holidays is always a morale lifter as it’s a reminder when you’re dragging your feet towards Christmas break that you’re making a difference – even if it doesn’t seem like it right away.
Anyway, if you’re looking for some suggestions for teachers as a family or as someone in their personal life, you’ll enjoy this guide!

FROM A PARENT/STUDENT
- A gift card to their favorite coffee shop.
- A teacher-themed mug with chocolate and a kind card.
- A magnet with their name or monogram on it.
- A custom pin with their name on it.
- A card that is drawn or a letter from a student.
- A journal to write in during their free time.
- Scented candles or hand lotions.
- A gift card to Target. Teachers love Target.
- A good book, if you have an awareness of what genre they like.
- A custom stamp with the teacher’s name on it.
- A gift certificate or gift card to their favorite restaurant.
- A piece of artwork with their a mnemonic for their name on it.
FROM A FRIEND/FAMILY MEMBER
- A mug with a large container or bag of their favorite coffee or tea brand.
- A quirky wine glass with a bottle of their favorite drink.
- A monogrammed pencil case or tote bag.
- A gift card to their favorite coffee shop, a clothing store, or a restaurant.
- A comfortable blanket.
- A monogrammed mug with pens, pencils, and candy.
- A portable heater for their classroom (if they’re allowed to have them and they are fire safe – some are not).
- An item or two from their classroom wishlist.
- A cardigan for them to wear when the classroom gets pretty chilly.
- Lots of hand sanitizer, cough drops, and bandaids.
- Comfy slippers and/or a cozy blanket.
- A gift card for the movies to see a film on you during the break.
What’s your favorite gift you’ve received?