Giving Gifts To Teachers For the Holidays

BY Lorna Gilmore

Issaquah School District Equity and Family Partnership Specialist

As the holiday season approaches, parent friends often ask me for suggestions for gifts for teachers or staff The main takeaway is that there is no expectation for a gift during the holidays. A heartfelt note or card from the student are often the favorite gifts. Many teachers save all those notes or post them in the workspace as reminders of the difference they are making with students. Gifts from students during the holidays or Teacher Appreciation Day in May is a way for students and families to show gratitude and appreciation for the care and support from teachers. There is never an expectation that teachers will get a gift or the dollar value of the gift. Gifts can range from homemade items, candy, snack mix, or baked goods. Small storebought gifts such as candy bars or box, stuffed animals, mugs, tea, lotions and candles are also common.

Giving a gift to a teacher does not have any expectation attached to teacher behavior; no favoritism or additional time spent with the student is to be expected or intended. It is simply a show of appreciation and gratitude during the holiday season. Gifts or gift cards range from $1 to $20 for elementary school teachers. For middle and high school teachers (since there are many), the range is usually lower – from $1 to $10 each. Gift cards for $5 so the teachers can buy themselves a treat is very common. Students often don’t want to give middle and high school teachers a gift, so it is very much dependent on the student. Office staff and building administrators are also recognized and shown appreciation if the family worked much with the school counselor or other staff. In elementary schools, a class parent will often organize a class gift, and parents can contribute what they are comfortable donating. Elementary, middle, and high school PTSAs may also organize gifts or other ways to show staff their appreciation – breakfast buffet or lunch, snacks, etc. Parents can donate treats or other items for those staff parties.

Do you know…

National Principals Month: October

National Education Support Professionals Day: Wednesday, November 20th, 2024

School Counseling Week: Monday, February 3rd – Friday, February 7th, 2025

Paraprofessional Appreciation Day: Wednesday, April 3rd, 2025

Teacher Appreciation Week: Monday, May 5th – Friday, May 9th, 2025