Christmas Gift Ideas for Daycare Educators & Teachers
While our daycare educators and teachers make our children feel comfortable in their learning environment, they also offer continuous support to us parents when we need it most and I can confidently say that there is absolutely no denying how much hard work, love and patience they give our children throughout the year, which is why choosing the perfect gift come Christmas time can be hard.
That's why I have put together this list of ideas that will hopefully help.
Whether you're gifting for one person or 5, the ideas below can be tailored to suit all budgets and qty of people.
Just remember, while this isn't mandatory they appreciate anything they receive!
Custom Glass Tumblers
Glass tumblers are a fun way to have your favourite beverage. I mean who hasn't seen a picture on your socials of one filled with ice cubes and some sort of delicious looking drink. 🤤
Whether they're into smoothies or a much needed iced coffee, these cups will have them covered.
These can be customised with the teachers name or maybe just a cool design.
Coffee Vouchers
Raising children of any age is tiring work so why not purchase a gift card to your favourite coffee shop!
Here are some popular places to try otherwise reach out to your local coffee shop and ask them if they offer vouchers.
- The Coffee Club
- Zarraffa's
- Merlo Coffee
Personalised stickers or stamps
You might be thinking (wtf?) but hear me out.
This idea might be better for a teacher then an early educator but these stickers or stamps can be personalised to have their name on it and used for the following year! I know I love all things arty so this one would actually be such a great thing to receive. And of course the kids would think its hilarious getting a stamp that says " Mrs S thinks your soy amazing" or " Mr T says donut give up"
There are so many options if you look on Etsy or just google personalised teaching stamps (some are very cute and funny) or you can keep it simple and don't personalise it if your buying for a few different people.
Christmas Ornaments
Staying with the sentimental gifts, ornaments are one of those ones that are a heartfelt and personalised gift no matter what kind of design you go with. while they are seasonal, they are a lovely reminder every year when the tree goes up of all the little souls they have helped along the way.
Here are some ideas that you could try with a clear ornament ball (easily found in spotlight or online)
~ Add all the children's names who were taught by that teacher that year. You could then add a sticker on the ball that says class of 2024.
~ Trace your Childs hand on one side of a piece of paper and get them to write their name and on the other side you could write a thank you message. Then fold it up so it fits inside the ball. And if you're feeling extra crafty, look up how to fold it in a cool origami way!
~ Ask your child to draw a picture of their teacher. No one expects it to be perfect so let their imagination go wild! Who knows, maybe they will surprise you with their drawing skills. And like the above ideas, fold it up nicely and pop it into the ball. You could even put a sticker on the ball that says Mrs/Mr portrait for 2024.
A drawing from the child they taught (pending their age)
Custom drawings on mugs are personal, really fun to make and are an affordable gift no matter how many you plan on making.
All you'll need:
~ A white mug
~ rubbing alcohol
~ oil based paint markers from your craft store (they must be oil based, regular sharpies won't work)
~ Cotton balls
Instructions:
- Clean the mug to remove any stickers
- Rub the areas that will be drawn on with rubbing alcohol.
- Decorate the mug however you wish and once finished, let it dry for at least 24hrs.
- Then place your mugs on a baking sheet and place them in a cold oven.
- Turn the oven to 375 degrees and once it reaches temp, let them bake for 25 mins.
- After this time turn the oven off and leave the mugs in until they cool down.
- Once cool, wash in soapy water and their ready to use!
If this seems like one too many steps then another idea is to use a cute pot plant instead.
Choose an all while ceramic pot or a terracotta one and paint/draw your design. Just make sure they are oil based and not water paints. Let dry and put a small plant inside. That's it!
Cookies/ Cupcakes
There are so many talented small businesses that offer sugar cookie and cupcake packs which is a fantastic idea no matter how many people you are gifting to.
They come in many different shapes and designs and can look almost too pretty to eat!
But no matter if you're needing 2 or 24, this is a great option if you're looking to gift a team of educators.
Movie Voucher
Now who doesn't like going to the movies!
The popcorn, the frozen coke or cocktail and the quiet from noisy children 🤣 its a win win!
While this might not be something that's in your budget, you could consider teaming up with a few other mums in your Childs class so that the cost is spread over a few people.
Then you could get a cute gift box and with some chocolates and a nice ribbon.
Snack Hamper
This is an option that you could purchase already made or you could get your little one involved and do a DIY version for the staff to either share in the lunch room or to take home to enjoy.
All you'd need is a big enough basket/hamper box or cane basket, some filling for the bottom, cellophane if you're going to wrap it up at the end and of course your favourite snacks!
Head to the shops and get your little one to help you pick out some goodies to add...
Here are some ides:
~ chocolates
~ coffee sachets
~ fudge (home made if you love cooking)
~ biscuits
~ tea bags
~ fruit
~ fun size candy packs (such as skittles or mars bars)
Over all, it doesn't matter what you gift. It's the thought that counts and even a big hug and a thank you is enough.
I hope you find these ideas helpful in choosing what to gift your Childs educator/teacher.
If you do go with one of these ideas, I would absolutely love it if you took a photo of the end product and tagged me in it so I can see!!
Aimee x
