10 Christmas Gifts that Teachers Actually Want

Teachers often face a number of obstacles when attempting to deliver life-changing Bible messages to their students. Some things teachers face regularly are limited budgets, difficult children and the ever-present, surprise element. (Surprise! I need you to teach this week!)
A few times a year, students, parents and fellow teachers have the opportunity to shower these tireless workers with gifts of appreciation. In the spirit of the season, let’s offer Christmas gifts that teachers actually want, not just what’s on sale.
I’ve got a few teachers on my list too and I’m determined not to give a coffee mug or reindeer hat this year. Let my list give you a head start or at least some inspiration on good teacher gifts for Christmas.
Gift Certificates: It’s hard to know every teacher’s likes and dislikes and once you start asking questions—there goes the surprise. Some teachers won’t tell you what they like and don’t feel they need anything. When I’m unsure, I go with a gift certificate from Amazon or eBay. Other cool sites to get gifts certificates from are Walmart, Kohl’s and Macy’s. Print the certificates right at home and tuck them inside a Christmas card.
Concert Tickets: What teacher would object to two tickets to a Christian concert? Consider selecting tickets to a Christmas symphony, play,  a teacher’s retreat or a pair of movie tickets this holiday. (And all the teachers said, “Thank you!”)
Candles: You can never have enough candles. Candlelight adds beauty to home holiday celebrations. Try a new spin on candles by surprising the teacher with a Yankee Candles 6 pack of Balsam and Cedar Christmas Icicles. These scented icicles make even a fake tree smell fabulous. You can find these inexpensive gifts right on the Yankee Candle website.
Study Supplies: As teachers, we know nothing is more important than staying in the Word. To give, we have to receive! Try offering study supplies like e-Sword for digital study or the latest devotional book by an author teachers like. A set of highlighting pens, a stylish, refillable ink pen and new journals are always welcome gifts.
Spa Time: Yes, even teacher like some TLC. Buy her a gift certificate for a pedicure, manicure or a special spa treatment. Select a set of Bath and Body Works lotions and place them inside a Christmas stocking. She’ll love it! (By the way, Marshmallow Fireside is the most delicious scent ever!)
Comforting Gifts: Keep your favorite teacher’s nose and toes warm with a pair of fleece socks, a warm hat and gloves. Even Coach will like a wide scarf that could double as a head wrap. RedEnvelope has beautiful Cashmere Scarves that you can have monogrammed. They are a little pricey but make the perfect gift for a large class or group to chip in on.
Family Games: Remind teacher that home is where the heart is with Christmas gifts that will bring his or her family together. Classic games like Scrabble, Yahtzee and Clue are excellent choices. Surprise him with a Trivial Pursuit board or the digital version.
Cookie Goodies: Your teacher may not want to load up on cookies right now, but nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a set of cookie cutters. Buy long-lasting metal cookie cutters with angels, wreaths and star shapes. A book of cookie recipes will inspire your favorite teacher to bake–and share.
Photo Albums and Scrapbooks: Once the holidays are over, teachers will have loads of photos that need storing. Buy cool photo albums or a digital photo album to display photos at home or in the classroom.
Volunteers: Give the gift every teacher needs, help! Gather some volunteers and work out a schedule to help teacher during the month of January. If everyone took one day, or a week, so much could be accomplished. Just being there with an open hand and heart is a gift every hardworking teacher will treasure. (Don’t make this an extra project that Teacher has to manage. Do it yourself!)
Read more from Mimi by visiting her blog, “Encouragement for Christians.”