Gift Ideas for Teachers to Spread the Holiday Cheer

Jenny Won

Social studies teacher Natasha Schottland keeps a collection of all the cards she receives from students each year and rereads them frequently. A handwritten card is one gift that can never go wrong.

Jenny Won, Assistant A&E Editor
December 18, 2019

Alongside the presents for family and friends piling up under the tree, many students have another beloved group of people to shop for during the holiday season: their teachers. However, it is difficult to know what teachers really want instead of 50 more boxes of chocolates.

Something simple, handmade and sentimental is always appreciated, according to social studies teacher Natasha Schottland. A gift does not need to have monetary value to be an amazing gift; a heartfelt card or a personalized work of art made with your favorite teacher in mind can never go wrong.

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“I get a lot of physical gifts, and on an individual basis that’s great, but I don’t really think I need this much candy or this many mugs. If you think candy is a good idea, then twenty other kids think candy is a good idea, and then Mr. Graham needs to go on a diet.

— Eric Graham

“I have a mug from last year from one of my students that was personalized to me that was really special,” Schottland said. “I still drink my coffee out of it every day, and I remember that student well. I also keep all the cards I get from all my students, so those are probably my favorite things to get from my students— handwritten cards.”

New school supplies are a constant necessity for teachers. According to science teacher Brittney Kang, if you are lost for ideas, a gift card to Amazon is an easy solution.

“I think Amazon gift cards are really awesome for teachers because we’re so busy that the two-day delivery works out great for us,” Kang said. “I’ve bought a lot of classroom essentials and even science supplies with Amazon, so that would be my recommendation.”

There are some classic holiday gifts that may be better avoided simply because of how frequently they are gifted.

“I get a lot of physical gifts, and on an individual basis that’s great, but I don’t really think I need this much candy or this many mugs,” math teacher Eric Graham said. “If you think candy is a good idea, then twenty other kids think candy is a good idea, and then Mr. Graham needs to go on a diet.”

No matter the occasion, the true meaning of a gift lies in its intention. Simply the fact that their students thought of their teachers during the holiday season is enough for it to be a perfect gift.

“I just thank you guys so much for getting us gifts at all,” Kang said. “I used to work at a school where that wasn’t the culture, and I really do feel appreciated during the holiday season by my students.”