Hi everyone! It’s Chantelle here from Miss Jacobs Little Learners! 

I recently asked our amazing community of teachers to spill the beans on what’s at the top of their Christmas wish list—and what they’d happily pass on this year.

A massive thank you to everyone who participated in the survey and shared your honest thoughts (and a few laughs!). You all work so hard and deserve gifts that make you feel valued and seen. So, whether you’re shopping for a teacher or making your own list, here’s what teachers really want (and don’t want) this Christmas. 

Let’s get into it!

Just how many presents will teachers unwrap?

When you’re buying a gift for a teacher, you’ve got to keep in mind that you’re not the only one. So, how fierce is the gift-giving competition? Most teachers receive an average of between 1 and 5 gifts during the end-of-year period. Notably, very few (just 3.1%) teachers receive no gifts. 

The usual suspects: What gifts do teachers receive every year?

You want your gift to stand out from the crowd. During your hunt for something special, considering the most common gifts teachers receive is a must. Topping our list is mugs, with 67.5% of teachers saying this is a typical gift from students. Other common gifts include food and drink (66.2%), candles (60.6%), gift cards (58.1%) and stationery (46.2%). Surprisingly, only 22.5% of teachers reported that they receive classroom supplies so a Miss Jacobs Little Learners gift card could make a great gift.

Teacher gift hits and misses: what they love and what they want to leave behind

Since teachers receive so many presents from grateful students, you’ve got to put your thinking cap on when gift shopping. We found that many teachers appreciate receiving gift cards so they can purchase something they want or need. Some teachers noted receiving heartfelt but unusual gifts, like a child’s toy or handmade items, which were appreciated despite their impracticality.

But, sometimes, you can have too much of a good thing. A case in point is that 62.5% of teachers said mugs are the gift they receive most often but don’t particularly like or find useful. Many teachers felt the same way about personal care items like  makeup and lotions (39.4%), candles (34.4%) and food and drink (19.4%).

 

Examples of the best (and worst) teacher gifts

There are plenty of ways to flex your creative muscles and go beyond the simple gift card or the ever-present mug for your teacher gift. To spark your imagination, here are some examples of interesting or thoughtful gifts teachers have received:

• A kindle that parents all contributed towards
• A voucher for a spa day
• A ‘best teacher ever’ t-shirt with a class picture on the back
• A mind map of words students thought about the teacher
• Personalised decor, like classroom signs
• A large gift card to buy items for the classroom
• Personalised or handmade books, diaries, planners, plaques, photo frames, cards, ornaments, magnets and keyrings

Compounding our previous findings, teachers said that common gifts like mugs, keep cups, and water bottles are ones to avoid. One of each is practical, but 20 of each? Not so much. A few teachers expressed discomfort with receiving cash or monetary gifts, considering them inappropriate. Other gifts teachers think are bad or inappropriate include:

• Alcohol like wine and vodka, especially when they don’t drink
• Half-used or bad-smelling candles
• Half-used lotions 
• Pajamas and too-big clothing 
• Out-of-date food

Is it the thought or the gift that really counts?

We often say that it’s the thought that counts, but can the same be said when it comes to Christmas gifts for teachers? In short, yes! When asked to rate the importance of the thought behind a gift compared to the gift itself, 85% of teachers gave it 4 or 5 out of 5 for importance. Meanwhile, just 1.2% gave it 0 or 1 out of 5 for importance. Many teachers would prefer a simple thank-you note over gifts.

Class gift or personal presents?

One way to avoid students giving their teacher the same gift is to have the whole class pitch in the brainpower and funds to get a group gift. While 62.5% of teachers say they don’t have a preference between group or individual gifts, 23.8% said they definitely prefer class-wide gifts. On the other hand, 13.8% said they prefer individual gifts – perhaps so they have something special to remember each student by.

Tips for choosing the perfect gift for teachers

Getting a gift for your teacher is like giving them a piece of yourself – something special they can treasure for many years. Teachers said that if they could guide parents on the perfect gift, they would recommend getting to know the teacher and tailoring the gift to their needs. Scented items and alcohol assume universal appeal but don’t align with everyone’s tastes. 

Some teachers suggested choosing a handmade or sentimental keepsake that reminds them of their students, such as drawings, crafts and Christmas ornaments. Gift cards are appreciated for their flexibility, allowing teachers to purchase items they need or enjoy experiences. Massage vouchers, nail vouchers, and pampering items are appreciated for their role in self-care. While less sentimental, gift cards or snacks can also be winners when they are chosen well. After all, it’s the thought that counts.

Looking for more gift inspiration? Check out our top gifts for teachers blog for thoughtful and unique teacher presents that will make them smile!