Christmas Gift Ideas for Teachers

Each year I am faced with a similar dilemma. What should I buy for my childrens' teachers for Christmas?

My kids love to give gifts to their teachers right before school is out for winter break. I don't mind spending the money on the gifts since these are the people who are helping shape my childrens' futures, but I don't want to break the bank or get lame gifts that will be tossed at the end of the day. I have spent a great deal of time brainstorming ideas that are both inexpensive and useful. In light of difficult economic times, I am going to share my ideas with you. Hopefully you will be able to save money with the gift ideas or at least feel better spending the money on something that will indeed be very useful and appreciated.

Homemade gifts can be created by your children to add more personalization to them. Don't worry, the teacher will know Li'l Amy helped out. Kids love to brag about a job well done.

The Pencil Holder

Supplies:

Glue or tape

1 large piece of construction paper

Crayons or markers

1 cleaned out juice or vegetable can

Odds and ends pens, pencils, highlighters, and dry erase markers.

Directions:

Have your child decorate one side of the construction paper. It is best to use a general theme when decorating so the holder can stay on the teacher's desk not matter the season. Glue or tape the decorated paper around the clean can. Fill the can with writing utensils the teacher will probably use during the rest of the school year.

Optional step: If you are so inclined, include a small dollar amount on a gift card from any office supply or book store.

The Reward Box

Supplies:

Tape

1 shoe box

1 roll wrapping paper

Motivational stickers

Decorated pencils

Small erasers

Any other small and inexpensive trinket a child may like

Directions:

Cover the shoe box with wrapping paper. It does not need to be Christmas themed, that way the box can be used for the rest of the school year. It is up to you whether or not you wrap the lid that goes with the box. Load the box full of items children like. The teacher can use the box to reward throughout the year for exceptional behavior, for great work, or just for.

The Reward Box gives in many ways. The items to make the gift are very inexpensive, the items to fill the gift can be bought in bulk at any dollar store, and the teacher will no longer have to use his or her own money to reward students for good work and efforts.

Scrapbook Materials

Supplies:

1 scrapbook binder

1 pack plastic sheets for scrapbook pages

Acid free tape

Decorated papers to fill the plastic sheets

Die cut shapes in a variety of themes

Directions:

Fill the plastic sleeves with decorated paper and place the sleeves into the scrapbook binder. Place the acid free tape and die cut shapes in a small wrapped box. Voila, a homemade gift without the making.

I love this gift because the supplies are inexpensive and the gift requires minimal creativity and crafting skills. Many of my teacher friends make a yearly scrapbook of activities in the classroom. However, the teacher may like your gift so well that he or she takes it home for personal use.

If you are not the homemade, craftsy-gift kind of person there are still many items available for purchase that make great inexpensive gifts. The following ideas are sure to be very appreciated also.

Who doesn't love getting a gift card? They are simple to buy, simple to give, and simple to use. With a gift card, you can always be sure the teacher is getting something that will be used and that your money is not being wasted. Even if your gift card is only $5, that is $5 less the teacher has to spend on a chosen item. Good gift card ideas for a teacher include any office supply store, any book store, any popular and local coffee shop, and any area restaurants.

Teachers also like to snack with the best of us. Put together a small gift bag full of healthy snacks. The healthy part is just in case the teacher prefers to eat healthy or has an illness such as diabetes that requires she eat healthy. You can include microwave popcorn, dried fruit, nuts, and bottled water.