Holiday Gift Ideas for Teachers and Caregivers

Every December I am stumped on what to gift my children’s teachers with. Last year, with one child in daycare for the first time I was doubly stumped. Knowing just what to buy and how much to spend (or not spend) is always a hot topic among my parent groups. As the Parent Teacher President at our school, I’ve gained a bit of insight as to what our staff enjoys.

It is important for the children to be involved in the decision making and gift creation, I enjoy gathering the kids around the table for a gift giving huddle. Together, we brainstorm. What does each teacher/caregiver like? It always amazes me how many artists & crafters are found among the school staff and doesn’t shock me one bit how many drink coffee all day long. Once we’ve decided, the kids get to work assembling and creating their gifts.

Here are some ideas, please feel free to add yours in the comments. If you are a teacher, what gifts do you especially enjoy?

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• A reusable mug with organic coffee, tea and cocoa
• Prettily displayed stack of hand crafted soaps
• Basket of goodies (fair trade chocolate, natural popcorn & pretzels)
• A handmade apron
• A gift card to a resale bookstore with a kid made bookmark
• Gift card for local coffee shop, deli, small shop
• Photograph of child and teacher in a handmade frame
• Donation to their favorite charity or cause
• Craft basket (do they love to draw, paint, knit, sew? Stock them up on supplies)
• A plant in a pot decorated by child
• A knit scarf (even 7 or 8 year old children can learn this simple project)
• A beaded necklace, bracelet or set (this is another projects kids can do with a little help)
• Make a Recycled Journal, include a set of fabulous (recyclable) stainless pens

Most of these ideas will help you stick with a Handmade (and eco-friendly) Holiday Pledge. I’ve found that no one is immune to a special handcrafted gift, having the children work on the projects make them doubly special. Let’s remember that the Holidays are NOT about money (or who can buy the biggest/most expensive gift).

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