If bottles of wine or boxes of chocolates are your usual fallbacks for teacher gifts, think again.
This year break the mould with heartfelt Christmas gifts for teachers that really speak volumes about how much you appreciate them. You certainly don't need to spend a fortune but some careful research will show how highly you think of them.
Teacher gift ideas can be expensive and while we're sure they'd totally love a brand new coffee machine, your bank balance probably won't. There's also the issue of what to do if your child has more than one teacher, or there are classroom TAs you'd also like to buy for. For this reason, it really is best to make a token gesture that's had plenty of thought behind it rather than splashing out on something expensive. If you do decide to do teacher gifts then a budget of around £10 should give you plenty of gift ideas and provided you only have a couple of presents to buy shouldn't harm your pocket too much.
Teachers would probably be the first to tell you that they genuinely don't want or need a teacher gift at Christmas and that the best thing they can receive is a handwritten Christmas card from their pupils. However many parents like to make the gesture and we think items like good wines, boxes of chocolates or smellies would always be appreciated. Personalised items are great too and a lovely reminder of your child, however, do consider what you're personalising. There's only so many 'Mrs Smith' mugs or prints that one home can take.
Try to find the balance between making a gesture and finding an item that is genuinely useful. We've put plenty of thought into these gift ideas so that you don't have to. You'll find lots of teacher gift ideas whether you're buying for a man or a woman, as well as suggestions for personalised teacher Christmas gifts.
Our favourite came out on top because not only is it a purse-friendly price but it also conveys just how important your child's teacher has been in their development. The dinky size makes it a bonus for carrying in too.
1. Teacher Enamel Pin - Holibanna
We love the heart-felt sentiment of this cute pin but it's not too schmaltzy either. It comes in white, black, red or pink enamel with gold plated lettering reading 'I am a teacher what is your superpower?'. And to top it off, it's in the shape of an apple. It's the perfect size to slip into a card along with a note from your child and we think speaks volumes about your appreciation of the teacher too. It will look great pinned to a bag or coat lapel.
Why not show a little teacher appreciation by recognising a part of their role that can be repetitive - writing out 'well done' to all of those children. If they don't already have one (and you'd hopefully know based on what your child brings home) this makes a great Christmas gift for teachers. The stamp includes a star image and you can personalise the wording around it - for example 'Mrs Smith says great work'. It's self inking so quick to use and should last for thousands of impressions, so at least a half term's worth. You can also pick the colour from black, blue, red, green or violet.
3. Personalised 'Stuff' Teachers Large Tote Bag - A Piece Of
Teachers have to carry around an awful lot of stuff, especially if they're moving between classrooms in a high school. This large tote bag is big enough for everything they may need to fill it with, coming in at a hefty 37cm X 49cm. It's made from 80 per cent recycled ring-spun combed cotton in either natural or light grey colour. You can personalise the writing to include the teacher's name in black or white text. It's something we think teachers will use regularly and so will be genuinely appreciated as a Christmas gift for teacher.
4. Personalised Wildflower Teacher Thank You Packet - Summer Lane Studio
Any teacher will tell you that it really is the thought that counts when it comes to Christmas gift ideas for teachers and we think this is a particularly thoughtful gift at a very good price. It will work especially well if you're buying for more than one teacher (for example, a TA as well, or a music teacher) as it won't break the bank. Wildflower seeds come packaged in a simple paper envelope with the words 'Thank you for helping me grow'. There's also space to add your own personalised message too for no extra cost.
Sometimes it's best to let someone else do the talking and this gorgeous book will do just that and more. It makes a great teacher gift if you have a little one moving from nursery to school, why not make it extra special by helping your child write their name inside for the teacher to remember them by. We also think that any teacher would appreciate the chance to grow their school library so any suitable book makes a brilliant buy for teacher gifts.
6. 'Thank You Teacher' Wish Bracelet - Rock, Paper, Stars
This piece of jewellery is pretty perfect for a teacher gift we think and will spell out their best teacher status. There are 3 star charms on waxed cotton thread which comes in three colours which you can choose from. The bracelet comes wrapped around a quote card declaring them the best teacher ever and the option to add a personalised message card too.
Upgrade your bath bomb Christmas gift to teacher with this personalised version. The bath bomb itself is made from all natural ingredients and has a relaxing Mandarin scent to help the bather unwind. But, best of all it comes with a personalised tag with both the teacher's name and your child's name on it. We think it's a thoughtful gift for your kid to give teachers with a very pleasing price tag.
8. Personalised Leather 'Great Adventures' Bookmark - Lisa Angel
It can be trickier finding Christmas presents for teachers if said teacher is a man but we think this stylish bookmark fits the bill and the personalisation adds a lovely touch. It's made from soft brown leather and you can add your teacher's name so it reads 'The Great Adventures of Mr Smith'. It's simple and classic and sure to raise a smile if not a swift A* on your child's next paper!
Unless they want to eat off tiny plastic trays we're betting most teachers opt to bring in their lunch. Which is why this stylish lunch bag is so useful. It's got a retro, Americana feel to it but with all mod cons. It's insulated to keep food hotter or cooler for long periods and it fastens with a double magnet clasp. Plus despite it looking like a brown paper bag it's actually super sturdy and both leak proof and tear resistant. We reckon any teacher will be proud to carry this into the school canteen making it a top teacher gift from their star pupil.
10. Best Teacher Ever Pencils In Box - The Letteroom
Don't let the teacher grab all the glory, why not pick up a gift for your child's teaching assistant too - after all they're there every day for them too. These sweet pencils are a great gift idea and we love that you can personalise them. They come presented in a box emblazoned with Best Teacher Ever on it. And inside you'll find 12 lead pencils which you can personalise with the TA's name. The only limit is the 22 character limit.
Kidadl Best Buys selects the top products for families of all ages. If you enjoyed our ideas for teachers' Christmas gifts then take a look at our best buys for brothers no matter how old they are or get set for the big day with these Christmas Eve box ideas for adults to enjoy.
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Cora LydonBachelor of Arts specializing in Literature
With a passion for inspiring her children, Cora is a journalist with a Bachelor's degree in Literature from the University of Suffolk. She is also a children's book author living in Suffolk. She enjoys seeking out creative activities and places for her family to explore, often resulting in messy crafts at the dining table.
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