The holiday season is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to show some love and appreciation for those amazing teachers who work tirelessly to educate and inspire our kids.
Finding the perfect Christmas gift for your favorite teachers, preschool educators or child care workers can be a delightful way to say “thank you” for all they do. Here’s a few ideas for small gifts for teachers to show your appreciation.
If you’re looking for small and budget-friendly Christmas gifts for teachers, we’ve included plenty of thoughtful options that won’t break the bank.
Chocolates
A box of high-quality chocolates or truffles is always a sweet gesture.
Mugs & reusable cups
If your child’s teacher loves their coffee or tea, get them a nice mug, Keep cup, Frank Green or other reusable coffee cup. Add some chocolates or candy canes for a festive touch.
Coffee or tea hamper
Gift cards to the nearest coffee shop are always a hit or you can always make your own coffee and tea gift packs. Purchase a selection of gourmet tea bags or coffee beans and place in a decorative bag or tin.
Christmas ornament
Give your favourite teacher a lovely Christmas keepsake that they can add to their Christmas tree. A small, festive ornament can be a meaningful and decorative gift.
Baked goods or homemade gifts
Bake some mouthwatering cookies, fudge, muesli or other homemade treats or if you don’t have time, stop by a local cake shop or bakery and pick up some Christmas treats to gift.
Flowers or a plant
Head to the nursery or florist and pick up a potted plant to brighten up their home or classroom or a fresh bouquet of flowers.
Seeds
You can also purchase seeds as a gift for a teachers. Sow ‘n Sow offer the Gift of Seeds which cleverly combines a greeting card with a packet of seeds to form a gift to grow. Each pack is made in Australia from 100 per cent recycled materials and includes a packet of seeds, a tearaway plant label for marking where seeds have been planted and an envelope for gifting or mailing purposes.
Self care gifts
Choose either some products like hand cream, scented candle or bath salts or give a spa treatment, manicure or massage certificate for a much-needed treat to a deserving teacher.
Movie pass
Treat them to a movie. A movie gift card (Event Cinemas, Hoyts, or Palace) or a Netflix/Disney+ gift card makes it easy for them to relax and enjoy the holidays.
Gift card
If you prefer to let them choose, purchase a gift card. There’s tons to choose from depending on their hobbies and interests from Bunnings, Event Cinemas, or a gift card to a local bookshop. This give teachers the flexibility to choose what they need or want.
Mini desk calendar
Purchase a mini desk calendar with inspirational quotes or positive messages for the new school year.
Cute notepads
Sticking with the stationery theme, purchase small, decorative notepads or sticky notes in fun designs can be useful for jotting down quick notes. Check out Kikki. K, Smiggle or Typo.
Puzzle or brain teaser
If they have an inquisitive mind, a small puzzle or brain teaser game can be a fun way for them to unwind.
Personalised present
To make a present, extra special, personalise it with your teacher’s name. If your teacher is a fan, a personalised Allen’s Bon Bon is available at Giftorium at Myer this holiday season.
DIY kits
Consider gifting small DIY kits like knitting or origami kits, which can be a fun way to unwind and do some crafting during the holidays.
A keychain
Keychains with a fun, motivational or inspirational quotes can be a daily reminder of your appreciation. Plus, always handy for car keys, home keys or classroom keys.
Festive fridge magnets
For something a little different, buy fun, holiday-themed magnets for their school or home fridge.
Holiday socks
Festive and cozy holiday-themed socks are a fun and practical gift.
Heartfelt thank you card
A teacher once told me that their favourite gift to receive was a simple yet meaningful handwritten note from parents expressing their thanks and wishing holiday greetings.
A picture or letter from your child
Also treasured is a letter from students especially if it’s accompanied with a drawing.
Donation to a charity
You can also purchase a charity gift card in a teacher’s name. Buy a Wish gift card from the Salvation Army this Christmas. You can choose from a range of ideas to help those less fortunate inclulding a Christmas stocking for a child. Or you can buy a Christmas Chicken for your teacher with an Oxfam gift card donated in their name which provides a chicken to rear for a family in a developing country.
Remember, it’s the thought that counts, and personalizing your gift to your teacher’s tastes and interests can make it all the more special. After all, it’s not about the price tag but the warm gesture that comes with it. So, make this holiday season extra special for your teachers, and let them know how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication. Happy gifting!
Please note: For New South Wales public-school teachers, the Department requires any gift valued at more than $50 (or a series of gifts from the same donor that add up to more than A$50) to be reported by the teacher under the Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality procedure. While this doesn’t mean a gift above $50 must be refused automatically, many schools suggest keeping gift values modest and well under this threshold to avoid extra paperwork and maintain fairness. This is something to keep in mind if you wanted to organise a larger gift with a group of other parents.