21 Best Christmas Gifts for Daycare Teachers to Show Your Appreciation

Molding Young Minds

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Teachers can either be super easy to shop for or kind of difficult. It depends on how well you know them and if they’re really outspoken about their passions and interests. But when Christmas rolls around, finding something to show that hard-working educator in your life how much you appreciate them is likely on top of the to-do list. To help solve your teacher shopping woes, we’ve developed a versatile list with a wide selection of gifts that can be totally neutral for anyone. Keep reading for the best gifts to give daycare teachers at Christmas time.

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Food and Drink

Teachers might like apples, but we know for sure they will likely enjoy a platter of chocolate-dipped strawberries and pineapple with a chocolate-dipped apple doughnut on top! The donut looks like a Christmas wreath, and the surrounding fruit makes the entire piece look like one big edible wreath as well. Edible Arrangements are both fun to get, and a little less sugary than the typical Christmas treat.

David‘s Cookies are renowned for their quality flavor and impeccable texture. The company has also branched far beyond, creating other decadent desserts such as dreamy, chewy brownies. The teacher life can be hectic, so send them home for the holidays with a bundle of cookies to enjoy with their family. This signature box has a lineup of David’s signature chocolate chip cookies, double chocolate chip cookies, and red velvet cookies.

Daycares usually open early, which means your teacher is probably out the door early and grabbing breakfast on the go. Give your teacher a fabulous breakfast to start their day off right with this breakfast box from Wolferman’s. Scones, muffins, breads – you name it, it’s in here!

Waffle makers can do so much: make paninis, French toast, or, dare we say, actual waffles! A compact device that can make tasty treats would likely be a solid choice for those who may not know particular interests of their teacher. But who doesn’t like to pull out the waffle maker on Sunday morning to whip up a basic batter and have a low-key brunch with a mimosa in hand? Basically, you can give the gift of brunch for years! Consider including a really good waffle mix with the gift, such as one from Birch Benders or Simple Mills, along with maple syrup!

Lesson planning is undoubtedly one of those daunting aspects of being a teacher. Developing intricate learning paths for students is certainly a major job to tackle. This is exactly what makes this tumbler humorous and accurate at the same time. So while doing all of that prep, they can grab some “lesson planning juice” while at home, of course, whether that be wine, whiskey, and ice, or just some apple cider. The insulated cup can keep beverages cold for hours.

What do most people do when they go home for Christmas break? Well, one activity we can certainly think of is baking. Whether gluten-free, paleo or even on a keto diet, they are likely whipping up some version of cookies or treats for the holidays. Help them make their baking session even more holiday-themed with detailed gingerbread cookie measuring spoons, frosting detail, and adorable scarves. Keep in mind that these should be hand-washed.

Insulated tumblers can be essential for teachers who may desperately need to keep a bit of iced tea nice and chilled or their coffee hot for an extended period of time. Made of stainless steel, this cup is BPA-free. The construction is like that of a coffee mug, with a handy, easy-to-grab handle. The top helps prevent spillage when used around a computer or other electronics. Toss in a hot chocolate spoon stirrer for a festive touch.

Apparel and Accessories

Tote bags are handy and can be great for teachers to carry around books, lesson plan binders, and all the other essentials they may need throughout the day. Take things up a notch with a specially-designed tote that looks like a library card! While still being somewhat subtle, the design can be used for everyday life activities or exclusively at school. It’s a fun twist on what could’ve been an average product.

Ties are like candles or boxes of chocolate — there are so many variations that you could give someone a different style, scent, or flavor every year. Have you noticed that your teacher likes an assortment of fun and out-of-the-box ties? Sending a bold red selection with words from the Constitution elegantly scribed in black would be both a gift he would enjoy and would be surprised you even found.

When looking closely, these dangling solar system earrings are intricately detailed glass beads that have been beautifully set in shiny small plates. The colors are vibrantly beautiful, and the earrings are both a novelty and something that could be worn to a dinner party. That science teacher in your life may truly appreciate this thoughtful, out-of-this-world gift. Looking to take it to the next level? There’s also a necklace that coordinates with the earrings.

Owls, in many instances, are noted to be symbols of knowledge and wisdom. At some point in your life, there’s a good likelihood you owned a school book with an owl on it so that owls can be incorporated into your teacher’s gift. These adorable fluffy yet refined decorations are truly stunning while being able to blend into a variety of decor styles. Remind them of the impactful knowledge they continue to spread to their students.

Books and Office

Maybe it’s just an assumption that teachers like to read beyond school hours. Maybe some do, maybe some don’t. If you know that your teacher particularly likes to delve into adventurous stories or even more practical literature in his or her free time, then this lovely, quality bookmark would be an ideal pick. Designed to clip around the page readers are on at the time, it can really be useful when falling asleep while reading.

Plants can do wonders for an office or classroom. This polar bear planter with succulents is the perfect way to spread holiday cheer with plants that are low-maintenance enough to be left behind over holiday break.

A pencil holder might seem a little bit too practical to give, but the gift of organization is definitely one that should not be overlooked. Adding far more flair than the average desk organizer, this holder is shaped like a globe, which can also be great for reading glasses and other knickknacks. It comes in a powdery blue color, and a more vintage brown, and either will look neutral and super cool on the desk. The product is made of resin, giving it a lovely appeal.

Even those who are teachers would appreciate this book full of incorrect but totally hysterical answers. You will not believe the things kids come up with when they don’t know the answer or are just answering in the most honest way. The book features incorrect test answers from elementary school kids up to high school students. No matter the age, these jokesters really know how to make us laugh.

For Relaxation

Does anyone else get super excited seeing the festive holiday Burt’s Bees displays debut during Christmas? Burt’s Bees is universally loved because of its largely natural ingredient lists, ultra-nourishing products, and fun packaging. This holiday lip balm set comes with staple Christmas flavors, like vanilla bean, peppermint, hot cocoa, and decadent salted caramel. You don’t have to be eating a cookie or drinking an eggnog latte to get the essence of holiday flavors.

An elegant blanket is a universal gift for teachers, coworkers, in-laws, and so on! Everyone needs to be warm, and you might as well do it in style. The inner lining is the softest faux fur that is visually appealing as well. On the other side is a heavy, warm flannel material that feels totally luxurious when draped over your back. When not in use, these blankets add a chic yet homey touch to a living room or bedroom.

Coloring is a therapeutic activity for adults for many reasons. Maybe it takes us back to the carefree nature of being a child, while the mindless detailed work helps the brain disconnect. Maybe you should make sure you know the teacher to whom this is gifted, as it can be a little out there! But we can certainly see how coloring – on top of laughing at swear words – can be a great way to unwind after a day dealing with rowdy kiddos.

Miscellaneous Ideas

Sometimes, shopping for a specific gift can seem impossible. Maybe you don’t know your teacher well enough yet, or perhaps they are just really hard to shop for. Either way, it’s hard to go wrong with an Amazon gift card. But no worries, you won’t just be handing over a basic piece of plastic – it comes in a super festive Santa tin that can later be used for storage or as a decoration. They are bound to appreciate being able to jump on Amazon to do a little “me time” shopping.

We all know sanitizing is key to staying healthy throughout the school year – especially with the little ones in daycare. Why not outfit your favorite teacher with an adorable personalized holder for their hand sanitizer? This one on Etsy comes in one-ounce or two-ounce sizes that you can pair with your favorite scented sanitizer.

Want to get your teacher a classy gift set but don’t have the time to assemble yourself? Try out options like this one on Amazon that includes a wine tumbler, bookmark, pen holder, and a teacher pouch bag.


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