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It’s that time of year where we want to show our appreciation for all the people who positively impact our lives. Among that list are your kid’s teachers. You likely have several teachers to shop for — teacher assistants, fine arts teachers, librarians, coaches, etc. Buying gifts for all of them can really add up, especially if you have multiple children.
We asked Southern Savers readers to share some of their frugal gift ideas for teachers, plus many of our teacher readers let us know which gifts they have appreciated the most. It was unanimous that the amount of money you spend on a gift isn’t important. It’s simply letting the teachers know they are appreciated for all their hard work.
While gift cards are always a popular option, don’t feel as if they have to be for higher dollar amounts. A simple $5 gift card to any local shop will surely be appreciated and used to purchase something they need or want. If you’d like to stay away from gift cards, here are some frugal gift options that most teachers will be happy to receive.
Note: Product prices were accurate at the time of this post but are subject to change at any time.
Handmade Card or Handwritten Note
By far the most appreciated gift is a thoughtful handmade card or handwritten note from the student themselves. This goes for any age, preschool through high school. Students don’t generally take the time to stop and thank their teachers and coaches for all the hard work they put into a child’s education. So, taking the time to make them something or write them a simple thank you note means the world to any teacher.
Treats from Local Bakeries
Teachers don’t have a lot of extra time at home for baking this time of year. That’s why they are happy to receive some goodies from a local bakery shop. Be sure, however, to be aware of any allergies or dietary restrictions they may have. Also, while many readers mentioned homemade goods as a frugal option, it was suggested that you only do this if you know the teacher well enough to know they will enjoy them. Several teachers mentioned throwing out any homemade goods they received due to not knowing if they were made in a clean environment.
Classroom Supplies
Teachers often spend their own money buying things for the classroom. Grab a few highlighters, nice pens, markers and sticky notes and divvy them up among all the teachers. These are useful and show that you know they often purchase their own supplies. Check out some of the deals below!
12-Pack Highlighters – $6.74
14-Count Gel Pens – $11.29 (reg. $13.44)
12-Pack Sticky Notes – $6.95 (reg. $12.95)
36-Count EXPO Black Dry Erase Markers – $20.03 (reg. $30)
Favorite Snack and Drink
Sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most. Have your child find out what their teacher’s favorite snack and drink are. You can also do this by sending in a “teacher favorites questionnaire” at the beginning of the year so that you can surprise them at any time! Pick up their favorite items and attach a thank you note. Thoughtful and easy! Want to take it a step further? Make a movie night basket out of it by adding a bag of popcorn and candy.
Candy Bar and Lottery Ticket
Here’s a super frugal option that teachers really seem to enjoy. Find out what their favorite candy bar is and send that in along with a scratch off lottery ticket. If they win, great! If not, they had fun trying.
Jams, Jellies & Jarred Salsas
Jarred foods are another well-accepted gift option. These are items they can put away and bring out when they’re ready to try them. Add a small box of crackers and a thank you note.
Hand Soaps & Sanitizers
Other practical items that are sure to be used in the classroom or at home include hand soaps and sanitizer. Stock up on some nice scents during any sale. Teachers everywhere will be happy to wash away any germs! Here is an offer for one of my favorite soap scents and another for the famous Bath & Body Works holiday soaps.
6-Pack SoftSoap Warm Vanilla & Coconut Milk, 11.25 oz. – $14.88 (reg. $19.95)
Bath & Body Works Hand Soaps – 5 for $25
Succulent Plant
There’s no need for a green thumb with these adorable succulent plants. Just a little weekly water is all they need! These little plants make excellent desk décor in any classroom environment! Grab a set of nice pots to plant them in, and you have a frugal gift option any teacher can appreciate!
6-Pack Live Succulent Plants – $14.99 (reg. $17.17)
Set of 6 Mini Pots with Saucers – $21.96 (reg. $29.90)
Do you have any other great frugal gift ideas that teachers love?
