Are you stuck for what to give your child’s teacher, scout or guide leader, or crèche teacher as a thank you? We asked MyKidsTime parents for their best ideas for a teacher’s present, and here are 10 of our favourites.
Sign up for our free monthly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more parenting ideas all year round.
#1. Some Home Baking
Give your child’s teacher a sweet send-off by helping your child bake a batch of muffins or cupcakes. For an extra special touch, add the teacher’s name and a simple thank you — it costs very little but always goes down a treat. Check out our Recipes section for inspiration.
You might also like: 50 Best Bake Sale Ideas
#2. Home-made Gifts
Most teachers are genuinely delighted to receive a home-made card, a drawing, or something crafted by the child themselves. Encourage your child to take their time over it and to write a short thank-you message in their own words.
“I’m going to get my kids to make their crèche teachers a card each, and I’ll be making some home-made chocolate truffles to pop a few into a little box for them as a gesture.”
You might also like: 15 Christmas Crafts for Kids and Recipes for Home-made Christmas Gifts
#3. Personalised Sweets & Treats
How about a small selection of sweets or treats with a personal touch? Like our baking suggestion above, set aside an afternoon to make some special treats and decorate them with the teacher’s initials — these love heart jam tarts are a lovely example.
#4. Offer Your Time
Why not offer to come into class and share your skills or interests with the pupils? Teachers always appreciate parents who can bring something extra to the classroom.
You don’t need to be an artist or a tech expert — you could offer to help during reading time, support with maths, or start a lunchtime club like chess. In Ireland, anyone volunteering in a school setting will need to be Garda vetted, so it’s worth making the offer in good time to allow that process to happen and to let the teacher plan around it.
#5. A Plant
Unlike a bunch of flowers, which will only last a few days, a lavender plant or a flowering dahlia is a gift the teacher can keep enjoying long after the school year ends — and even plant out in their own garden.
#6. Something Book-ish
A well-chosen selection of books for the class library is always appreciated. You don’t have to spend a lot — a bundle of second-hand books tied up with a bow is a thoughtful gift, or a book token lets the teacher choose something to enjoy over the holidays.
We also like the “A Present for My Teacher” books from Pooter Publishing. They tell the story of a child deciding what to get their teacher — and end up choosing a colourful pair of socks instead. Each book is wrapped, comes with a gift tag, and includes a pair of socks. There’s a version for a male teacher and a version for a female teacher too.
#7. A Fruit Basket
Ask your local fruit and veg shop to put together a basket, and have your child draw a little card with a “Happy Munching” message on it.
“They make them up to whatever price you can afford, and it’s a healthy option too!”
#8. An Angel
For something a little different, a handmade angel is a lovely thank-you gift — “from your angel to a teaching angel.” These also make a nice gift for SNAs, bus drivers, or lollipop people. Check availability and current ordering details directly with the maker before you commit to this option.
#9. Club Together For a Gift
It can be tricky to find something meaningful at a reasonable individual cost, so consider clubbing together with a few other parents. With everyone contributing a small amount, you can put together a larger, more memorable gift.
“A few of us are putting in a fiver each and getting a voucher for the local shopping centre. She can choose what she wants to buy.”
#10. Pass Along Some Magazines
Save up any magazines you’ve bought over the term and hand over a bundle — they’re perfect material for the next batch of arts and crafts projects.
Have another idea? We’d love to hear it — share your suggestion in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a thoughtful, low-cost gift for a teacher?
Home baking, a home-made card, or a small plant like lavender are all warmly received and don’t need to cost much. It’s the thought and effort that matter most to most teachers.
Is it appropriate to give a teacher a personal or hand-made gift instead of buying something?
Yes — many teachers say home-made gifts, especially ones made by the child, mean more than shop-bought presents. A card, drawing, or batch of treats is always a lovely gesture.
Should parents club together for a bigger teacher gift?
It’s a popular option. Pooling a small contribution from several families means you can put together something more substantial, like a shopping voucher, without any one family having to cover the full cost.
Can I offer my time instead of a gift?
Yes, and many teachers appreciate it. If you’d like to help in the classroom in Ireland, keep in mind you’ll need to be Garda vetted first, so raise it with the teacher in good time.
You Might Also Like
Never Miss an Idea
Want more simple, thoughtful ideas like these delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our free monthly newsletter for seasonal gift ideas, activities, and parenting tips throughout the year. And if this list gave you an idea, why not save or share it so it’s handy the next time you need it?
