When it comes to gifts it’s of course the thought that counts.  But I’ve organized enough teacher’s homes to know the last thing they need is another mug!  This year, try these clutter-free holiday gift ideas instead.

Why I LOVE Clutter-Free Gifts for Teachers

Teachers on average have between 20-25 students in their class each year, which means between the holidays and end-of-year, they likely receive a LOT of gifts from students alone.

Just think about how much “stuff” that means comes into their homes; stuff they must find homes for, clean, and maintain. Every. Single. Year. 😮

That’s why although I’m a fan of clutter-free gifts generally, when it comes to the teachers in our lives (and coaches, daycare providers, school bus drivers, school admin staff, janitorial staff, and all other role models), I believe clutter-free gifts are an especially great idea.

So, let’s get to the clutter-free teacher gift ideas!

1) Gift Cards 

Always the right size and colour, it’s hard to go wrong with a gift card!  Worst case scenario, if the gift card is for a service, store or experience that doesn’t interest the teacher, they can easily re-gift it to someone in their own life who it would appeal to, and you’ve saved them the time and money of having to get the gift themselves!

Some ideas include:

• a coffee shop
• a restaurant
• the movies,
• a bookstore
• the LCBO
• Amazon
• gas and/or car wash
• a local giftshop
• a local bakery or donut shop
• ice-cream shop

2) Flowers or a Plant 

If you know the teacher or other role model to enjoy flowers or have a green thumb, a beautiful floral arrangement, a seasonal poinsettia, or easy-to-care for house plant are all great ideas.

3) Themed Gift Baskets

If you know the interests or likes of your child’s teacher or other role model, a gift basket filled with their favourite consumables is a very thoughtful option.  A few possibilities include:

• coffee
• tea
• self-care
• sweet treats
• charcuterie
• baking
• BBQ
• crafting supplies

3) Boxed Kits:

If you know the interests of your child’s teacher or other role model, but putting together a gift basket isn’t your thing, there are boxed kits for almost everything!  Here are a few ideas:

• cookies
• healthy snacks
• meat
• bacon
• cheese
• jams
• BBQ
• baking
• flowers
• beer
• wine
• coffee
• tea
• hot sauce
• spices
• herbs

5) Classroom Supplies:

I don’t know a single teacher who doesn’t spend their own money on supplies for their classroom.  A care package of supplies saves them from spending their own money AND time having to shop for the items before the school starts up in the new year again.

The items to include will vary depending on the age of your child, but here are some ideas:

• Kleenex
• sanitizing wipes and sanitizer
• pencils
• markers
• pencil crayons
• crayons
• glue
• construction paper
• scissors
• erasers
• play-doh and/or clay

6) A Handwritten Thank You Note:

A thoughtful handwritten thank you card or picture (if your child is too young to write) is ALWAYS a hit.  Even if you’re gifting any of the above clutter-free ideas, this will be a meaningful addition.

Conclusion

With these clutter-free gift ideas, you can give an amazing holiday gift to all the teachers, coaches, care providers and other role models in your children’s lives that won’t become unwanted clutter!  Bookmark this post to return to at the end of the school year, as these ideas are great for that time of year too!

For clutter-free gift ideas for everyone else on your list, click here.  For clutter-free stocking stuffer ideas, click here. And, for a free printable holiday planner to help keep track of your gifts and everything else holiday-related, click here.

Do you have a favourite gift you give to teachers?  Let me know in the comments below.  And, if you enjoyed this post, please share it!

Happy gift-giving!