Inspiration #85: Teacher Wishlist – Gift Ideas

Posted on by Erin

As we get into the holiday season, we get into the gift giving mood. This year, I have created a teacher wish list so that when we are asked what we want or need, we have some ideas already generated to share. Educators are not the best at asking for things because we are used to taking care of things ourselves or buying what our students need. 

This year, I suggest we embrace the gifts from our students (whether they cost nothing or are under $25) and realize that someone took the time to think of us and, in their own way, say thank you.

TEACHER WISHLIST

1. Notes

Honestly, nothing beats a note of thanks. I keep all my notes and homemade cards from my students. When I am having a tough time or need some motivation, I look at these and remember the gift of being an educator. 

2. Positive Affirmations

This can be strips of paper with notes of positive affirmations written by colleagues, students, parents, and community members. Roll up these little pieces of paper with affirmations and stick them in a mason jar so that teachers can pull one at random whenever they need a little extra positivity.

3. Gift Card for a Favorite Beverage

Let’s face it, most educators need a lot of caffeine to get through their long and busy week. And even if an educator does not drink coffee most love tea, sodas, or even energy drinks. So get a gift card and buy them a drink (non-alcoholic, of course) for those days when they really need it. 

4. Magnetic Box of Poetry

I bought a magnetic box of poetry for our teacher’s lounge so that when a colleague just needed to do something fun or therapeutic, they could create phrases of poetry or whole poems by arranging these magnetic words on the community refrigerator. Keep it up there for a while because you never know who might need a fun laugh or inspiration.

5. Games

I have always kept games and coloring books in my classroom for those days when the schedule has the kids in my classroom for 3 hours because there is testing going on or an event. Even if the game doesn’t stay in the classroom, teachers like to play games with family and friends like Punderdome. 

6. Pens

I am a sucker for a good pen. And I find that most teachers have things for pens – the way it feels in the hand, the way it writes, the way the ink tip makes thin or thick markings. Having a nice pen that you enjoy writing with may seem silly, but it is the simple joys in life that make each day special. The best option is always to get a collection of colors. I love the pack of colorful Paper Mates gel pens.

7. Amazon Gift Card 

Amazon is probably the most common store/application educators use to order things from whether for work or home. A gift card lets the teacher order what they want or need. If you get this gift, my suggestion would be splurge on yourself with this kind of gift.

8. Books, Books, and Books

This might need to be a gift that is specific to the person. If you don’t know what a teacher enjoys reading or has a passion about, you might want to go to #7 and buy an Amazon gift card so they can pick a book. I bet that if you ask a teacher’s student what their teacher likes, they can give you a great answer. Maybe they love to travel (get a travel book), love to build on their leadership skills (get a book about leadership), or maybe they just love to read fiction for fun (get a book from the New York Times best sellers list). Here are a few ideas of books that I find never go wrong as gifts:

Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance by Erica Dhawan 

Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger

Dare to Lead by Brene Brown

9. Photo Memories

If it is possible, a group photo or collage of the teacher with their students is always nice. Print it out as a canvas print so teachers can hang it proudly in their room. Even better, see if the students can sign it. 

10. Swag

Teachers are a tribe. We love to share our love for education in fun swag. For this reason, I think it would be nice to add to their collection with fun teacher swag that you could order from TeePublic or The Teacher’s Crate. 

Regardless of whether or not we get a gift of thanks from our students and community, there is so much to remember to be thankful for at this time of year. Afterall, a long winter break is coming! I hope you get the gift of time during the holidays. Look back at all that you have done and give yourself the gift of grace and love this season. 

See You Real Soon,

 

ErinÂ