Simple gift ideas for your child’s preschool teacher

In trying to prepare for my latest news segment on Indiana Fox 59 Morning News, I asked the parents and teachers over at Teach Preschool on Facebook what types of gifts they treasure from their children or students (besides hugs and kisses)…

Personalize the gift

There is no one answer to what teachers would enjoy as a gift but what I learned from the folks over on Facebook is that they love it when the child is involved in the gift giving process in some way….

Here are some ways your child can personalize a gift…

Add your child’s handprint or footprint to the gift box or card along with your child’s name and the date….

Let the child write his or her own name on the gift or on the card or even draw a picture to send along with the gift…

Let your child help make their own card to go with the gift…

Kinds of gifts you can consider giving your child’s preschool teacher…

Homemade gifts…

For those of you who enjoy a little creative time with your child at home, invite your child to make a homemade gift for the teacher. I like to make something that the teacher can display at home or school all year long…

Homemade and Store Bought Ornaments…

Something the teacher can hang on their tree each year is always a good idea. Homemade ornaments create fond memories for the teacher about your child and any kind of an ornament is a great way for teachers to mark each year of teaching. I have a nice collection of store bought and homemade ornaments from when I was teaching preschool over 20 years ago. Each ornament brings back fond memories of the years I have invested in early childhood education…

Something for the classroom…

Some teachers enjoy getting something they can use in the classroom like a children’s book. If you choose a book for the teacher, consider choosing a simple picture book that is good for reading any time of the year. I always ask my students to sign the inside cover of any book they give me – this makes each book I receive even more special to me.

A gift card…

Teachers always appreciate getting gift cards but what type of gift card will depend on how well you know your child’s teacher.  Ask others who know your child’s teacher what their favorite restaurant is or what department store they like to shop at.

Chocolates, candy, and other goodies…

For many teachers, a box of chocolates or another sweet treat is something they enjoy receiving during the holidays.

A note from the parent…

If you want to really make your child’s teacher’s day, then write a note of appreciation to go along with any gift you choose to give.  Teachers enjoy hearing from you and a few words to express your thoughts about what they do for your child is very meaningful. I have received some great parent letters from over the years that are like gold to me.

Don’t forget…

For any gift you may decide to give your child’s teacher, don’t forget to personalize it a little bit!

What teachers and administrators can do…

While at Fox 59, Angela Ganote mentioned a few ideas her child’s school does to help parents choose gifts for their teachers…

  • Set up a school Christmas tree and let the teachers leave notes on the tree for gifts parents can purchase for them or their classrooms.
  • Make a Teacher Wishlist Binder and invite each teacher to fill out their own wish list page to keep in the binder.  Place the binder at your front desk where parents can thumb through at their own convenience.

Do you have a great idea for a teacher gift?

Go ahead, leave a comment below and share your ideas for great teacher gifts you have received or great teacher gifts you enjoy giving!

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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