The 12 Days of Christmas Teacher Gift Ideas

thoughtful gift

It’s that time of year again—the holiday season! Teachers do so much for our kids all year, and Christmas is the perfect opportunity to show them how much they’re appreciated. But here’s the thing: finding the right thoughtful gift can feel a bit overwhelming. What do teachers actually want? What will make their holiday brighter without being another “apple for the teacher” type of present?

Whether you’re a parent looking for something special for your child’s elementary school teacher or middle school teacher or a student wanting to surprise your high school teacher with something thoughtful, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to sleigh the holidays with these 12 days of Christmas gift ideas that will make any teacher’s season merry and bright!

Day 1: Gift Card to a Favorite Store

gift card

Let’s kick things off with a simple but always-appreciated option for the first day of Christmas: a gift card! While it might seem basic, gift cards are a lifesaver for teachers. They spend so much money on classroom supplies, so why not give them something they can spend on themselves? Whether for their favorite coffee shop, a bookstore, or a general retailer like Amazon, this is a great way to say “thank you” without the guesswork.

Pro tip: Personalize it! Write a note that says, “For all the extra caffeine you’ll need after the holiday break!” Teachers will love that extra touch of humor and thoughtfulness. Order a pack of 6 gift card holders here.

Day 2: Classroom Supplies Care Package

Teachers live for new school supplies, but they often don’t have the budget to get all the fun stuff they want. Why not treat them to a care package filled with colorful markers, fun sticky notes, and stylish desk organizers for the second day of Christmas? This gift is perfect for elementary school teachers who always need more resources to keep the classroom running smoothly.

Ideas for the package: Add a personalized mouse pad or notepad for a cute idea that will brighten up their desk. It’s practical but with a fun twist!
Check out this option on Amazon personalized notepad here and get it just in time for the holidays! Or a personalized mouse pad for male teachers or female teachers here.

Day 3: Sweet Treats for the Sweetest Teacher

sweet treats

On the third day of Christmas, there’s nothing like a sweet treat to warm up a teacher’s day, especially during the chilly holiday season. Homemade goodies always go a long way, and if you have a signature recipe that you make every year, why not share it? Baking is a personal and heartfelt way to give a gift, and it’s perfect for teachers who spend their days giving so much of themselves. Sweet treats are a guaranteed hit, whether it’s your famous gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, or a classic batch of holiday fudge.

This idea works particularly well if you’re trying to give gifts to multiple teachers without breaking the bank. You can whip up a big batch of your favorite treat and package it in festive tins, cellophane bags, or mason jars with a bit of ribbon. Not only does it look adorable, but it also shows you put effort into crafting something homemade just for them.

If your child has more than one teacher—think specials teachers, Sunday school teachers, or even a staff member like a librarian or counselor—this gift can be scaled easily. Who wouldn’t love a delicious holiday snack during the busiest time of year?

Bonus idea:
For a more personalized touch, include a little note with a fun pun like, “Because teaching is sweet, and so are you!” or “You’re the icing on the cake of this school year!” Your teacher will appreciate both the thought and the tasty treat.
Pro tip: If you know your teacher’s dietary preferences, you can cater to them by making gluten-free or dairy-free versions of your recipe. This adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness that will not go unnoticed.
Why it’s great for Sunday school teachers: Often overlooked in the gift-giving process, they would love a homemade treat that shows they’re appreciated for all the care they pour into their lessons and the kids. Need a set of gift boxes to put those sweets in? Check out this set of treat boxes to purchase here.

Day 4: Handwritten Notes from Students

best gifts

This one might be simple on the fourth day of Christmas, but it’s also one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give. Have your child (or several students) write a handwritten note about their true love for their teacher. Bundle these up and present them in a pretty envelope or a decorative jar. Trust me, these notes will probably be more valuable to a teacher than any store-bought gift.

Pro tip: This works for any teacher—from classroom teachers to Sunday school teachers and even special staff members. It’s a priceless gift that’s straight from the heart.

Day 5: Movie Tickets for a Much-Needed Break

Teaching can be exhausting, especially as the year winds down. On the fifth day of Christmas help your teacher unwind with a fun idea gift of movie tickets! Whether it’s for the latest blockbuster or a cozy holiday film, this gift will allow them to relax and enjoy a night out (or in, if you go for a streaming service gift card instead!).

Pair it with: A bag of gourmet popcorn or their favorite candy for a full “movie night” experience. This is the perfect mix of relaxation and fun!

Day 6: Personalized Gift Basket

Want to go all out? A personalized gift basket is the way to go for one of the best gifts ever on the sixth day of Christmas. You can fill it with all sorts of goodies based on your teacher’s interests. Maybe they love tea—pack the basket with fancy teas, a cute mug, and some honey. Or maybe they’re into self-care—think bath bombs, lotions, and candles. Tailor it to the teacher, and they’ll appreciate the thought behind it.

Pro tip: Include something small and personal, like a keychain with their name or a little holiday ornament. It’s those thoughtful touches that make a gift basket stand out.Need a quick, thoughtful and personalized gift? Check out this option on Amazon here and get it just in time for the holidays!

Day 7: A Good Book for Relaxing Holiday Reading

good book

If you know your favorite teacher is a book lover, there’s no better gift than a good book to cozy up with during the holiday break on the seventh day of Christmas. Choose a bestseller or something in their favorite genre. Fiction, non-fiction, mystery, or biography—whatever you pick, a great book is always a welcome escape after a long semester.

Bonus idea: Add a handwritten note inside the front cover that says, “Thank you for all the lessons this year—here’s one for you to enjoy!” A little personal touch goes a long way. Here are a few good books to purchase: Teaching the Ms. Abbott Way: Lessons in Learning, Leadership, and Life, or Wait, Don’t Quit!: True Stories to Empower and Encourage Teachers, Millionaire Teacher: The Nine Rules of Wealth You Should Have Learned in School

Day 8: Gift Certificate for a Local Experience

Teachers love unique experiences just as much as tangible gifts. On the eighth day of Christmas, a gift certificate for a local restaurant, spa, or a cooking class can give your teacher something to look forward to after the holidays. It’s a nice way to treat them to a special outing without them having to spend a dime!

Idea: If you know a group of parents, you could pool resources for a higher-value certificate. Maybe a weekend getaway or a full spa day—your teacher will feel the love!

Day 9: Custom Teacher Coupons

Think outside the box with this one on the ninth day of Christmas! Create a booklet of custom teacher coupons that offer help in small but meaningful ways. For example, you could offer “30 minutes of classroom help,” “Free lunch duty,” or “An extra pair of hands-on field trip day.” These coupons are cute and practical and show you understand what makes a teacher’s job easier.

Why they’ll love it: Sometimes, the best gift you can give is a little less work! Plus, these are great for both elementary and middle school teachers.

Day 10: Festive Classroom Décor

On the 10th day of Christmas, help your teacher decorate for the holiday season with fun and festive classroom decorations! Think holiday-themed banners, bulletin board kits, or twinkling lights to brighten up the space. This is a great gift to keep the classroom cheerful through the long winter months.

Extra idea: Pair this with some classroom supplies or stickers for the students to enjoy the fun too! Teachers love a bit of holiday magic in their classroom, especially if it helps engage their students.

Day 11: Personalized Teacher Gear

cute idea

For the 11th day of Christmas, everyone loves something with their name on it, and teachers are no different! Personalized teacher gear makes for a special and useful gift, like a coffee mug that says “Best Teacher Ever” or a tote bag with their name. Whether they’re carrying papers to grade or their favorite coffee gift card, personalized gifts show that you think about finding something unique just for them.

Ideas: Water bottles, journals, or a cozy blanket, a sweatshirt with their school logo are all great options.

Day 12: The Ultimate Holiday-Themed Gift Basket

Finally, on the 12th day of Christmas, give your teacher the ultimate holiday gift basket. Pack it full of all the goodies they’ll love—gift cards, cozy socks, gourmet snacks, and maybe even a few classroom supplies to start the new year off right. Add a holiday-themed ornament or candle to get into the season’s spirit.

Bonus idea: If you’re stumped on what to include, go for a variety of smaller items so they can enjoy a little bit of everything. Teachers love thoughtful and fun gifts, and this will be the perfect grand finale! Here are your sticky notes 4×6, markers, and a unisex teacher kit.

Conclusion: Celebrate Your Teachers with Thoughtful Gifts

There you have it—12 fun and creative gift ideas to make your teacher’s winter break brighter during Christmas! The good news is whether you go all out with a personalized gift basket or keep it simple with a heartfelt handwritten note, the important thing is that your teacher knows just how much they’re appreciated. The holidays are the perfect time to give back to those who give so much throughout the year. We have days of Christmas gifts to choose from to spread some holiday cheer and make your teacher’s Christmas one to remember. After all, they deserve the best!

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