5 Teacher Gifts Teachers Really Want

Michaels is celebrating every occasion this summer with gifts for Moms, Dads and teachers, and parties to celebrate birthdays, graduation, and the 4^th of July!  As a toast to the last Michaels Makers post of the season, we created gifts, baked treats and threw parties for each of the six holidays this summer.  Giggles Galore loves teachers so we’ve rounded up 5 Teacher Gifts Teachers Really Want and created free printables to help you make those special teacher appreciation and end of year teacher gifts!

If you’ve been around Giggles Galore for a while you know how much we love and appreciate our teachers.  I have a special appreciation for everything they do because I see first hand a teachers dedication from my parents and sister who are all amazing teachers. Over the years they have given me great gift ideas for things that teachers really appreciate. So I’ve put together 5 fun, practical and appreciated gift ideas for under $10.  And because I love my readers so much I’m sharing the free printable teacher appreciation tags for each gift idea!

Here are the top 5 gifts teachers really want:

5. Favorite Treat

After a long day of wrangling students or answering the same question a gazillion times who wouldn’t want to take a moment and indulge in their favorite treat.  Find out what your teachers favorite treat is and use cute containers like printed popcorn boxes from Michaels to send it to school.  Of course, we think every teacher is a STAR so download and print our free “You’re a STAR Teacher” tags, add some Starburst and you are all set with a sweet treat for teacher!

4. Classroom Supplies

Teachers always need supplies for their classrooms.  Did you know that most of the supplies like post-it notes, note cards, markers, pens and more are items that the teachers usually have to supply for themselves?  Teachers supply our kids with so much, so why not help them out and replenish some of their supplies.  There is “NOTE Doubt About It, Teachers are Great” so grab a package of pretty note cards, a notebook for jotting down notes, some colorful pens and our free “NOTE Doubt About It” teacher tags and give your teacher supplies they can use.

3. Personalized Gift Basket

Teachers get lots of things like lotion, candles and crayon art, but getting a personalized themed gift basket is a great way to show your appreciation.  My sister once mentioned that while she loves getting her favorite treat or supplies she often wishes that she would get gifts that she can use or do with her own kids.  She spends all day watching after and teaching other people’s kids and at the end of the day she just wants to be a mom and enjoy her own kids, which is why we though an Ice Cream themed gift basked was a great teacher gift that not only the teachers can enjoy but their family can too.  Grab some ice cream sundae supplies, make it pretty with cheerful scrapbook paper and don’t forget to add our free “Here’s the SCOOP…You’re the Best!” teacher tags too!

2. Gift Cards

Teachers love getting gift cards and according to my family of teachers it doesn’t even have to be a big amount.  Teachers like having the option to treat themselves.  I love giving gift cards, but I’ve always felt like handing over an envelope with a piece of plastic is boring.  So, of course we decided to turn an ordinary gift card into an Extraordinary gift that will keep on giving long after the money on the gift card is gone.  Put a pretty flower pot in a white embellished berry basket, print the “I Couldn’t Have Picked a Better Teacher” teacher tags and add a gift card to their favorite store for a pretty and personal gift every teacher would love!

1. Heartfelt Letter or Thank You

It’s no surprise that the #1 gift that teachers really want is a heartfelt letter or thank you note.  Teachers pour their heart into their jobs and work hard to make a difference in each of their students lives.  There is nothing more satisfying than hearing that you are doing a great job and that you are appreciated.  Sure all the gifts are great, but the gift of gratitude goes a long way!  My mom still has a letter she received from a student over 20 years ago tucked away in a special spot and when she is discouraged or having a rough day on the job she will read that letter and is instantly reminded of why she teaches. For our final gift my daughter wrote a note to her teacher and we attached it to a hand lettered chalkboard with the perfect sentiment, “Teaching is a Work of Heart.”

There you have it, 5 Teacher Gifts That Teachers Really Want for under $10.  Whether you are showing your appreciation with your teachers favorite treat, classroom supplies, a personal themed gift basket, gift cards or a heartfelt letter of thanks you can guarantee that your teacher will feel celebrated and loved.

It’s never too early to get started on your next party or celebration – Michaels.com has more project ideas and instructions for you and your kids to make this year – check out projects for Mother’s Day , Father’s Day, graduation, birthday and even summer. Let’s celebrate!