Since we do a few homeschool co-ops, we have teacher gifts to consider this Christmas. My youngest son has 5 teachers. Yes F.I.V.E. 5 teacher gifts, plus 2 more for the ladies who run the school. So we’re looking at SEVEN “teacher gifts” this Christmas.
I’d like to be a bit responsible and think about our Christmas budget since our own presents are getting more expensive as the boys get older … Guitars, Wii Switches, etc. aren’t cheap.
I could just go throw $35 on the Starbucks checkout and give 7 gift cards … but really, I’ve done that every single year! Granted there are days I just want the gift card. Can someone send me a gift card?! But after teaching last year and receiving some gifts … I decided to do an actual “homemade gift” for his teachers.
Teacher Gift Ideas on a budget
* homemade ornaments. I know, they’ll probably just toss them because their tree is so much prettier without our craft mess. If I was craftier then I would want them to keep them, but I’m still burning finger prints off with my hot glue gun. But let me tell you something …
This darling student gave me a handmade ornament last Christmas. It is such a treasure, and the first ornament a student ever gave me. EVER!
Guess where it is this Christmas?
ON MY TREE !! I adore it! It reminds me what a great year we had plus how much I really really loved teaching.
* homemade food. You know the way to my heart? Banana Bread. Add chocolate chips and you’re my new favorite person. I love fresh homemade cookies too. So why not make a bit extra because you are already holiday baking !! Wrap it up and send it to a teacher who can’t wait to dig in during her next break. Teachers get hungry, feed them!
* teacher resources. I’m not sure about you but I love Office Depot, Staples, etc. I like pens, markers, and sticky notes. These are easy things to grab in the Less than $5 bin near the check out and they will be used.
* movie night. I recently received a Redbox code for one free movie and an individual microwaveable popcorn bag inside a cute pouch. Such a simple gift and perfect for me to indulge on a chick flick one night!
* flu fighter. For my Essential Oils friends – samples are perfect. I think a sample of thieves, lavender, and lemon screams: STAY HEALTHY WE LOVE YOU!
* homade self care. Sugar scrubs, lotions, lip balms, and other personal self care items are so sweet. They smell sweet, they feel sweet, and they are a nice treat. Again, if you’re making your own and using essential oils – grab some jars at Hobby Lobby.
A note about MLM’s and gifts … I love MLM’s. I’ve joined and been part of a few. None of which I have been successful making a home business or enjoying free trips and cars. I just like discounts on products. But make sure you’re giving this Christmas without the intenion of hoping for a future sale. Don’t leave a business card or your member number.
See, wasn’t that weird?!
It no longer feels like a gift. If you want to do that with the mail carrier, new neighbor, or trash guy – knock yourself out. But it just feels awkward being your kid’s teacher and having to say no (probably again) to a parent’s sale. By now if you haven’t already hit them up … they aren’t interested. But if they love the smell of their lemon sugar scrub … they just might ask how you made it and then consider buying from you.
If you’re making, baking, or buying teacher gifts get creative! Stay within your budget and give something. I promise they will be far more excited to recieve something than judge how much you did/didn’t spend!
Teachers, church helpers, and coaches work so hard helping shape our children – don’t forget them this Christmas.