The holiday season often brings the desire to express gratitude to our children's teachers, who tirelessly dedicate their time and effort to shaping young minds. However, selecting the perfect gift for teachers can be a daunting task.

While apples were once a lovely traditional gesture, unless it's an Apple product, this is a thing of the past. As a former teacher myself, I'd like to share some insights into gift ideas that teachers will genuinely enjoy or need.

Table of Contents:

• Gift Ideas for the Teacher's Classroom
• Gift Ideas for the Teacher Who Travels
• Self-Care Gift Ideas for Teachers

Gift Ideas for the Teacher’s Classroom

Teachers often invest their personal resources to create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for their students. They go the extra mile to ensure their classrooms are safe, inviting, and equipped with the necessary resources to foster a love of learning. To recognize their dedication, a thoughtful gift for their classroom is a gesture of appreciation that can be given throughout the year.

Color Copy Paper: Teachers commonly use their own money to bring color copies for projects and classroom activities. A ream of color copy paper is one of the best Christmas gifts for teachers looking to cut costs during the school year.

Nice Pens: As you may know, teachers spend hours grading assignments, so a nice set of colorful pens won’t break the bank and will be appreciated by any teacher.

Clorox Wipes: I know...not a super fun teacher gift idea, but classroom supplies are another added costs that teachers pay out of pocket to keep stocked. With winter just around the corner, it is something used frequently to reduce the spread of germs the classroom.

Candy: A nice bag of name-brand candy is a great gift idea for teachers wanting to reward their students. Kids are typically unmotivated by the off-brand stuff (unfortunately).

Amazon Gift Card: These are handy for projects or unplanned supply needs that pop up throughout the school year. A gift card is usually a safe choice for teachers who may have a variety of necessities for their classroom.

Gift Ideas for the Teacher Who Travels

For teachers who lead trips, these items can make their journey smoother and more enjoyable while on a school tour. Some of my most cherished travel items came as gifts from thoughtful parents, who introduced me to travel hacks I hadn't considered purchasing before. These gifts not only enhance the teacher's travel experience but also demonstrate a great appreciation for educators.

Packing Cubes: These handy little bags make packing easy and organized, while fitting perfectly into a carry-on or checked bag. I use mine for every school or student trip I take now.

Portable Chargers: These electronic gadgets are an essential accessory for any traveler, ensuring they stay connected throughout their journey. For teachers chaperoning school trips, these invaluable devices allow them to capture precious memories and maintain communication with parents and fellow chaperones. The iWalk Portable Charger for iPhones and the Anker Nano Power Bank for Android devices are both priced at $29.99 at publication. Either choice would make an excellent teacher gift option to keep them powered up and connected throughout a school trip to any destination.

Travel Pillow: Who doesn’t like to catch a cat nap on the plane to a historic destination? This Travel Pillow will help your child’s teacher rest up and prepare to hit the ground running upon arrival.

Travel Kit Items: If you are looking for a gift that is thoughtful and practical, a travel kit or travel-sized items are great options for the traveling educator in your life. Gift items like a travel toothbrush, rain poncho or shampoo to lower the chances of a teacher forgetting a necessity on their school trip. You also might just save them time and money, and brighten their day.

Self-Care Gift Ideas for Teachers

As the festive season approaches and the school year draws to a close, consider going the extra mile and gifting them one of the best Christmas gifts for teachers that encourages self-care and pampering during the winter break. We know they DESERVE it!

Food Gift Card: Help a teacher relax after a long day of educating students by providing them with a DoorDash, Grubhub, or a simple Gift Card to their favorite local restaurant. A complimentary lunch or dinner could be one of the best holiday teacher gift ideas for any foodie.

Coffee: If your child’s teacher runs on coffee, then a gift card to their favorite local coffee shop or Starbucks is an inexpensive and easy way to gift your teacher something they already love.

Spa Gift Card: Massage, Pedi, Mani, or any variation of these self-care options is a true gift to pamper themselves over the holiday break. You can remind them to take the time to refill their cup and relax amongst the hustle and bustle of the season.

Favorite Store Gift Card: From Cabela's, Loft, Dick's Sporting Goods, or Lululemon, you know your child’s teacher has a favorite place to shop for themselves. Give them a Gift Card to pick out something new or help them get their gifting done.

I hope these lists have made the task of choosing a gift for your child's beloved teacher quick and easy. Remember, no matter what you choose, your child's teacher will appreciate and cherish it for years to come. After all, the true gift you give them each year is sharing your child with them. However you celebrate, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year! Warmest wishes from your STA Family.

MyTour Fund

MyTourFund.com is a free fundraising website available to all STA traveling educators and students.