10 Unusual Christmas Gifts For Your Teacher

It’s that time of year again. Your child wants to get the perfect gift for his or her favorite teacher. Your first thought is chocolate or flowers. While there is nothing wrong with either of these gifts, why not go out on a limb and get something just a little different.

Find out what the teacher really likes or maybe needs. Does she like that one fast food restaurant for lunch? Get a gift card for it. Does he like going to the movies? Buy a gift card for the local theater. Teachers can always use gift cards for the teacher supply stores and book stores. Actually, cash strapped teachers will appreciate just about any gift card.

At this time of year, school supplies are starting to run low. A gift basket full of glue sticks, pencils, erasers, paints and the like would be greatly appreciated. These items are usually bought with the teacher’s own money, so a gift basket containing these needed items would be great. Go out of the way and think of things that a teacher might need, such as staples, tacks, dry erase markers and erasers.

Teachers love things that their students make. A handwritten poem or story, a clay figurine, a shirt or anything a child makes on their own will be a treasured work of art for years to come. Think of a painting or drawing that your child has made in a special frame. Or a collection of drawings put together to make a calendar.

Teachers are always looking for ways to expand their classroom libraries. Check out the common core standards for your district and see what type of books would enhance those standards. And then throw in a few books just for fun. Dr. Seuss books are always a good addition to any library.

Teachers are always looking for games and toys for indoor recess and really appreciate those that help their students learn. These types of games can also enhance classroom lessons. Leap Frog, V-Tech and the like are great learning games for any classroom.

Look at the work that your child brings home. Many of those papers have stamps declaring “Good Work!” or “Awesome!” Teachers can always use new stamps – the more unique, the better. You can even have stamps custom made for your favorite teacher. Maybe have one made with the teacher’s name on it.

Sticky notes are used daily in the classroom. There are even many lessons that utilize sticky notes nowadays. There are many different styles of sticky notes to choose from, from the common square notes to all sorts of fun shapes. Gather a fun supply of sticky notes and your teacher will be very happy! Other stationery such as thank you notes and special paper for notes home would also be a great idea.

There is always something new going around in the classroom – a simple cold or the worst flu ever. Help ward off those nasty sicknesses by providing some anti-bacterial soaps and hand sanitizers. There are many different fragrances to choose from. Pick your teacher’s favorite fragrance and provide a few bottles of each.

Teachers sometimes need some pick me ups and just chocolate won’t do. Provide that needed boost with their favorite tea or coffee. Maybe even provide a small coffee machine to brew the coffee or tea. Choose some exotic flavors to give the teacher a break from the mundane.

Many teachers have treasure boxes for children who show great behavior. Provide some small toys and candies to add to those treasure boxes. Anything will do – including those free toys that you get with the children’s meals at the fast food restaurants. You can also go online to some party supply stores and get some small treasures to add to the box.

These are just a few unique ideas for that favorite teacher on your list. If you don’t like these ideas, maybe it will jog your imagination for something different this year. Your teacher will appreciate anything you give. Sometimes the best thing is a hug and a heartfelt thank you.