5 things teachers want (and don't)
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Every back-to-school season, I see this question pop up on social media: What do teachers want as gifts?
First off, mama, thank you SO MUCH for thinking of us - every gift, card, and thank you note warms our teacher hearts - and secondly, don’t stress about what to get. I’m here with a decade’s worth of teacher knowledge to help you out!
Here’s what to buy (and not) for teachers:
We want:
Pencils, preferably Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga brand is by far more durable than any other, and pre-sharpened is appreciated! If you’re buying for a kindergarten or 1st-grade teacher, check to see if they would prefer the larger “my first” pencil or the standard size. Is your child in 6th-12th grade? Buy all the pencils. Buy cases worth. As a middle school teacher, I’ve used hundreds this year! Want to take this gift to the next level? Add a dispenser!
Tissues and cleaning wipes
Some schools provide these supplies for teachers, others do not - but either way, it’s nice to have a few of each tucked away in your classroom for when you inevitably run out in the middle of class.
Dry erase markers
Again, some schools provide these and some don’t, but we love having extra markers on hand!
Pens
Teachers adore pens, and popular pens include PaperMate Flair and InkJoy, or Pilot G2. (Most of us grade in a variety of colors, so don’t feel limited to black and red!)
Something off our wish list, donors choose, or favorites list.
If your PTO doesn’t gather favorite and wish list info from each teacher, suggest that they start! These options let families support each teacher’s unique classroom needs and wants - for example, my wish list includes supplies for our class pet rabbit and math games for enrichment.
We’ll pass on:
Mugs, tumblers, and wine glasses
We appreciate the thought, but we have been gifted enough drinkware to open up our own restaurant. The exception: if you know your child’s teacher has an affinity for a particular brand of cup. My students know I love my Owala water bottle!
Candles and lotions
Many of my coworkers can’t use scented products due to allergies. Again, the exception is if your teacher specifically mentions that they love a particular scent or brand.
Prepaid debit cards
Gift cards are great in general, but prepaid debit cards (like Visa gift cards) can be difficult to use at online retailers or as partial payment in store. If your school allows, cash is a great alternative, or try a Target gift card - it allows them to get almost anything they need but it’s much simpler to use. (Bonus: You can email a Target gift card directly to them and save a trip to the store!)
Teacher totes, pins, artwork, and ornaments
Like the drinkware, we often have enough items to open our own home decor store, and I can guarantee there is something else we need more!
Alcohol
Choosing whether or not to drink is a highly personal and sometimes difficult choice, and unless you know the teacher well, skip this gift. Also, check your school’s rules - you don’t want them (or you!) to get in trouble for having it on campus, even just for a short time until they take the gift home. If you’re sure they drink alcohol, consider a gift card instead to a local store like Total Wine or Bevmo.
Pro Tip: We CityMoms looooove Naked Wines, a wine subscription service that connects wine lovers with independent winemakers, offering high-quality wines at discounted prices. Deal: Get $100 off the first subscription - that’s 6 bottles for only $39.99.
No matter what you choose to gift, thank you for thinking of us, and thank you for entrusting us with your child - we love the connections we build with our students most of all!
Teachers, did we miss a key school supply or favorite gift? Let us know!