Gift Ideas for the Teachers Who Make a Difference
If you’ve never read Taylor Mali’s poem, What Teachers Make, I highly recommend it. One part always gives me goosebumps:
“I make kids wonder, I make them question.
I make them criticize.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them write.
I make them read, read, read…Here, let me break it down for you, so you know what I say is true:
Teachers make a difference! Now what about you?”
Teachers make a lot of things—lesson plans, anchor charts, bulletin boards—but most of all, teachers make a difference. And sometimes, educators lucky enough to be reminded of that through the sweet, simple gifts we receive from students and their families.
🎨 The Gifts That Stay With Us
Some gifts stick with you for life. I have found that all of these lifelong gifts are special not because of the price tag, but because of the heart behind them.
One of my all-time favorites is a small canvas that a kindergartner named Ava painted for me. She painted in my name and covered it in glitter. I loved that she and her family took time out of their day to create something for me. It hangs in my office to this day—loud, proud, and completely joyful.
Another favorite is a photo frame I received from Kylie, one of my second graders. Inside were two photos: one from Meet the Teacher, and another from our school fundraiser, months later, at the skating rink. My favorite part was seeing how much she had grown up throughout the school year captured in the photos. Her mom had labeled the photos, “Teacher of the Year,” because to her and her family, I was.
💡 Easy + Meaningful Gift Ideas for Teachers
If you’re looking to give a teacher something they’ll truly appreciate (and possibly keep forever!), here are some thoughtful, personal ideas:
1. ✨ Teacher Favorite Things Printable (CLICK HERE!)
This simple survey makes gifting easy! Teachers fill out their favorite snacks, drinks, stores, self-care items, and more. It’s fun to complete and makes choosing a gift a breeze. Great for PTO teams, room parents, or even coworkers planning something special. It also includes printable gift tags.
2. 📝 A Handwritten Note
Seriously—never underestimate the power of a sincere thank-you. I have a binder I call my “Thankful Binder” that is full of notes from parents and students, and I pull it out on tough days. Your words matter more than you know.
3. 🎁 Gift Cards (Paired With a Little Something)
A $5 or $10 gift card to Target, Starbucks, or a local bookstore tucked into a cute note, preferably completed by your child. It doesn’t need to be big—just thoughtful.
4. 🖍️ Supplies for the Classroom
Teachers often spend their own money on classroom essentials. Gifting dry erase markers, Post-its, or fun read-aloud books helps stock the classroom and shows your support. Ask your teacher if they have an Amazon wishlist to make your shopping choices easier!
5. 📸 Personalized Photo Keepsakes
A framed photo from a class event, a mini scrapbook, or even a digital slideshow can mean so much—especially for teachers who go above and beyond to build relationships with their students.
💬 Final Thoughts
At the end of the year, when backpacks are bursting with take-home folders and the scent of summer is in the air, teachers are often holding more than just classroom memories—they’re holding onto the deep belief that what they did mattered.
As Mali’s poem reminds us, we don’t just teach. We make a difference.
If you’re thinking about ways to celebrate a teacher this season, keep it simple and heartfelt. A little thought goes a long way—and sometimes, it ends up hanging on a wall or sitting on a desk for years to come.
🧡
With gratitude,
Ms. Burger