With the end of the school year fast approaching, it’s time to think about end-of-year teacher gifts.

But if you are like me, finding the best teacher gifts can feel like walking in a minefield. On one hand, you want to provide a monetary praise for someone who has nurtured, mentored, and loved you kiddo(s) for the last nine month. (And taught them multiplication.)

On the other hand, trying to buy the right gift for someone you barely know is freakin’ hard!

Caveat: No matter what you purchase, teachers are always happy to be acknowledged. They appreciate everything and anything they receive…with that being said, if you are going to spend some of your hard-earned money, it would also be awesome to know you gave one of the most appreciated and best teacher gifts ever.

So here are some tips and ideas for Best Teacher Gifts (as well as how to avoid some pitfalls) from my friends, neighbors and family members who also happen to be teachers.

Best Teacher Gifts Tips

1. Money is no object. Most teachers don’t expect a gift. But like any human being, they are touched when there is thought that goes into the one they receive. Keep in mind, sometimes a handwritten card and $5.00 gift card may mean more than a $20.00 candle.

2. If you child has been influenced by others than a teacher, think about thanking them too. Others might includeL Assistant teacher or para, reading or math specialist, PE teacher, music teacher, bus driver, principal, school secretary, nurse, crossing guard or art teacher.

3. Avoid items that are too personal or create clutter. While another coffee mug with “#1 Teacher” or photo frame with “#1 Teacher” is appreciated, it also isn’t very practical. Also, just because you LOVE those peacock feather and turquoise earrings, doesn’t mean she will. Try to choose gifts that are practical and less personal.

4. Work with other families. If you have 20 kids in the class and they all chip in $5.00, you are able to give a $100 gift card (which would make any teacher smile). Or work with other moms and bring in Sonic Route 44s to all the teachers. They might not remember a $20 Yankee Candle , but they will remember their slushy that arrived at 2:00 on a Thursday afternoon.

Best Teacher Gifts

Items Teachers Need
Office Supplies (Post-it Notes, Dry-Erase Markers, Paper Clips, Notebooks, Pens, Paper, Scissors)
School Supplies (Markers, Paper, Pens, Pencils, Erasers, Colors)
Cleaning Supplies (Wipes, Sprays, Paper Towels, Washcloths)
Age-Appropriate Books (Chapter Books, Learn To Read Books, Non-Fiction Books)
Personalized Labels (This belongs is TEACHER’S CLASSROOM)
Gift Cards to stores like Staples, Office Depot, Office Max, Walmart, or Target

Items Teachers Want
Hand-Written Letters or Notes
Higher-end Personal Care Items (Burt’s Bees, Aveeno, Philosophy, Aveda, Bath & Body Works)
Personalized Stationary
Colorful or Large-Sized Desk Calendars
Gift Cards to iTunes (as more and more schools get iPads)
Gift Cards to Grocery Stores
Gift Cards to Restaurants
Gift Cards to Gas Stations

Items Teachers Would Rather Not Have
Candy
Coffee Mugs
Photo Frames
Homemade Snacks and Goodies
Home Accessories
Candles
Perfume

What about you? What is the are some of your ideas for best teacher gifts? Leave a comment and share the wisdom!