Budget-Friendly Christmas Gifts for Teachers They Will Actually Love (From Kindergarten Teacher)

Christmas gifts for teachers don’t have to be expensive. Many people are struggling to afford gifts for their own family and it can be hard to find extra money for your child’s teacher. If you choose to get a Christmas gift for your child’s teacher, I have put together a list of gifts you can get your teacher that she/he will love (and won’t break the bank).

This post is all my opinion. I am not getting paid to write anything and I am not set up to get affiliate income if you purchase from my links.

1. A Christmas card with a handwritten note
   
   I wanted to start out with the most inexpensive and easy gift of them all. As a teacher myself, I have received a few Christmas cards with heartfelt notes from the parents/student. I will never forget I had one parent write in the card “Thank you for being so much for ____ this year. Thank you for loving our child like your own, we appreciate you.”
   
   In my opinion, feeling appreciated by your efforts in the classroom is better than any gift you may receive.
   
2. All the pens and markers
   
   Teachers love to write with fun, colorful pens. Think of fun, colorful pens teachers can’t find in the workroom and have to buy with their own money. Here are some favorites among teachers that are sure to be a hit:
   • You can’t go wrong with Papermate Flair Pens. They are always a favorite among teachers.
   • FriXion Erasable Gel Pens are pens that write so smooth and you can erase your mistakes without a trace. I was gifted these once and I used them for almost everything, I loved them! Also, there are smaller packs available at Walmart for cheaper.
   • Mr. Sketch Scented Stix Markers are fun to grade papers with. The paper smells after you write and kids love smelling their star or smiley!
   • I was just gifted these Papermate InkJoy Gel Pens and they are another great option teachers will love.
     
3. Lunch Crock Pot
   
   This is the most expensive gift on this budget-friendly list, but boy would a teacher love you to pieces for this one! A lunch crock pot is like a mini crock pot big enough for a single serving that heats your food just in time for lunch.
   
   Teachers hardly have any time to eat lunch and standing in line for the microwave can take forever. This will save your teacher so much time during lunch and they may even have an extra minute to run by the copier.
   
4. Amazon wish list item
   
   Many teachers already have an Amazon wish list full of things they would love for their classroom. Ask the teacher if he/she can share the list with you and purchase something off of that.
   
   It will still be a surprise since you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, and the gift will likely benefit your child’s learning as well!
   
5. DIY canvas art
   
   Purchase a blank canvas (they sell inexpensive ones from Walmart or Michaels) and have your child paint something for the teacher.
   
   The photo above is a picture of canvas art gifts from students from years past and I still have them hanging in my classroom!
   
   As a teacher, I think this gift is special because it is from the heart. The teacher will most likely keep it forever too! I have kept things like painted canvases from previous students and they are still hanging on my wall today!
   
6. Electronic whistle
   
   Get the teacher an electronic whistle and say goodbye to germs!
   
   Kids are notorious for putting their grubby hands all over teachers badges and whistles. An electronic whistle makes a whistle sound with just a button. It is a total game changer for recess time and most teachers don’t want to spend the money on it (which makes it a perfect gift!)
   
7. Christmas decor for the home
   
   This can be a little tricky if you aren’t sure of the teacher’s style, however, I have had rave reviews from teachers when I have gifted home decor items. I have had great luck shopping at Aldi in the special buy section. I’ve found some ADORABLE Christmas decor items for $10-15 there and you would never know because the quality has been great.
   
   Here are some examples of home decor items that I have found to be great gifts:
   • Ceramic light up gingerbread houses
   • Wax warmer – I have found the cutest and most unique wax warmers at Tractor Supply Co. during the holidays.
   • Ceramic Christmas cookie jar
   • Christmas/winter wreath
     
8. Ornament
   
   I have received a lot of Christmas ornaments from students and every year put them up on my tree at home!
   
   With that said, I feel like there is an ornament criteria to follow when buying for a teacher. Get a neutral, pretty ornament that they will enjoy for years. If you really want to get an ornament related to teaching, that is okay, but I would suggest getting one that does not say “best teacher” or “#1 teacher”.
   
9. Fluffy blanket
   
   Blankets are not very expensive and I don’t think you can ever have enough of them in your home. Pair it with some snacks and a Christmas movie to make the gift extra cozy.
   
   
   There you have it! I hope you found this list of inexpensive Christmas gifts for teachers they will actually enjoy helpful! Are you getting anything for your child’s teacher this year? If so, I’d love to hear it! Comment what you will be gifting your child’s teacher this year!