Teachers, pastors, neighbors, babysitters, your mail carrier, and friends – at Christmas time, we want to bless all the people with all of the significant gifts. However, our budgets and our time simply don’t allow for us to give something to everyone. And if we’re not careful, we end up purchasing items that only add to the clutter in someone else’s home.
Odds are good that these folks have way too many coffee cups and holiday ornaments already. This year, if you want to amp up the generosity but reduce the frivolous purchases for the people you appreciate, consider these teacher gift ideas great for friends and community helpers, too!.
Subscribe
You may not be able to wrap it in a box, but a subscription could be the answer to your child’s teacher’s prayers. Whether it’s to a learning website to enhance the classroom or the delivery of books or even a music streaming platform, you can choose from a wide variety of options. Your gift won’t collect dust on the shelf. Instead, it will inspire the lives of both the teacher and her or his students. Here are a few to consider:
- The Teacher’s Crate $34.99/month
- Spotify Premium Gift Card
- W.O.W. in the World Educator’s Subscription $40/year
- Amazon Prime $39/3 months
Go Homemade
While we typically associate homemade Christmas gifts with baked goods and hand crafted items, take another angle this year. Consider making a practical item like homemade laundry detergent or a multipurpose cleaner. Buy a durable container and be sure to include instructions for use with each item. Your special someone will think of you each time they tackle a less than pleasant task. Don’t miss last week’s post 5 Amazing D.I.Y. Christmas Gift Ideas.
Books
Books of any variety are always a thoughtful gift. If you can pair the reading selection with a special memory or a passion of the recipient, you’ve hit that sweet spot. If the individual rarely has time to sit down, consider an audiobook instead. Whether you choose a volume with significance in your shared history or a practical read to encourage their jobs, you can give a gift that counts when you give the gift of reading. If you’re not sure which book to buy, a gift card for books is always great, too! A few great books include include:
- Answers from the Teacher’s Edition: God’s Word, to Encourage and Equip Educators
- Because I Had a Teacher – less than $10
- Today I Made a Difference: A Collection of Inspirational Stories from America’s Top Educators
- Amazon Gift Cards
Practical Classroom Supplies
Lift the burden many educators face. Purchase an assortment of daily use items to stock up their classroom. Tissues, markers, crayons, pencils, hand sanitizer, paper towels – by mid year supplies of these items begin to dwindle. Arrange your collection in a basket or tote that can be easily stowed away until it’s time to use each item.
Gift Cards
Do a little snooping to discover what gift cards would be the most useful and kind for the receiver. Whether you purchase a gift card from their favorite carryout restaurant, coffeehouse, or even grocery store, you show how much they mean to you by getting specific. Even a small amount like $5 can make a big difference.
A Shared Meal
Rather than purchasing a gift, extend some hospitality. Invite your neighbor, teacher, babysitter, or pastor over to share a meal or a cup of coffee. Perhaps you could even ask their entire family to join in the fun. Give the gift of truly listening. As you serve a delightful meal, ask great questions. Find out what makes the recipient come alive. Discover something you didn’t know about their childhood. Learn where you might be able to help and encourage them.
Since the holidays are a busy time of the year for everyone, you may need to schedule a date later in January or February. Don’t let this amazing opportunity slip by.
Car Washes
Trekking back and forth in the cold snow causes cars to become a mess. Give the gift of a cleanly splurge. Look for car wash gift card or coupon booklets on sale. Don’t forget to check out a warehouse store like Sam’s Club where often gift cards like these are sold under face value.
A Supply of Duct Tape
I know it seems strange, but a handy item like Duct Tape could help your gift recipient from falling apart. You could even include a personalized pun filled note that says something like “Thanks for sticking with us!” or “You hold us all together!” Double sided mounting tape also helps those who educate to keep visuals firmly on the walls without tearing off paint, too.
This year, skip the predictable gifts and surprise the people in your life you couldn’t live without. Put together a gift that won’t end up hidden in a cabinet or donated at the end of the year. Make a difference by being considerate, kind, and intentional. After all, the individuals dedicate their lives to serving. The least we can do is help make that job easier.
Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage is now available! Be sure to check out videos on managing money together on Facebook.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
