It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Right? This year has been so wild. I feel like we just finished The Longest Spring Break Ever and now it’s December. DECEMBER, y’all. If anyone deserves a treat this December, it’s teachers, right? I took a stroll around Target, both in person, and virtually, and picked out a list of last-minute, budget-friendly gifts you could grab for your kids’ teachers this holiday season. And if you are your kids’ teacher, kudos. All the more reason to grab a couple of things off this list and treat yourself! I asked a teacher friend what her best advice was, and she basically said this: no to mugs, yes to wine! Target drive-up is your best friend, so let’s do this!
Board or Card Games
These will make a great addition to their family night or classroom stash! A couple of my personal favorites are Bananagrams or Rummikub. Or you could try Scattergories, since it can be played with friends over Zoom!
Snuggly Blanket
Who doesn’t love a new cozy blanket? I am partial to these Hearth & Hand throws with subtle holiday colors that can totally adapt for the coming seasons!
Organizational Pouches
If there’s one thing I know about teachers, it’s that they almost always have a giant bag they use to schlep all their stuff from their house to their car to their classroom and back again on repeat. Help them organize with these functional and cute pouches!
Trendy Letterboard
A letterboard is one of my favorite decor pieces for a mantle, TV stand, or bookshelf. I think these would be so cute as a gift if you add your own note to the board (or let your kiddo choose a phrase) and pop a bow on it!
Club Pick Book
Everyone needs a good school break read! If I didn’t have three kids, I would be snuggled up on the couch every day with an actual physical book and a mug of coffee. Since I do have kids, I mostly do my reading in the audiobook format while I’m washing dishes or folding laundry. For a really fun read, I highly recommend One to Watch. For historical fiction with lots of acclaim (including a Pulitzer Prize and #1 New York Times Bestseller), try The Underground Railroad.
Spa Night Goodies
It’s time to pamper those teachers! Personally, I love a good sheet mask, and Essie makes the best nail polishes. If you happen to be making an in-person Target run, stroll by the cosmetics section and grab a self-care item or two.
Cozy Sweater
There is nothing better than a cozy sweater. And classrooms are always cold! When I was wandering Target, I noticed some gorgeous one-size sweaters (I might have even treated myself to one), and some incredibly soft oversized sweatshirts. Trust me, your kid’s teacher needs these. And for less than $20? That’s a steal! Just be sure to get a gift receipt in case size, color, or style isn’t just right.
Reusable Snack Containers
Maybe I’m getting too specific here, but I love practical gifts. Like if someone bought me fancy silicone snack bags, I’d be ecstatic. Scroll on by if this one seems weird, but I can picture giving one or two of these with some of the favorite snacks off that “Favorite Things” list you got in your email the first week of school from the room mom. Just an idea!
Baking Accessories
I’ve been obsessed with my silicone baking mat. I use it for cookies and roasted veggies the most. I think it would be so cute to gift a new set of mixing bowls, a silicone baking mat, and your favorite cookie recipe printed on a cute card!
Bluetooth Speaker
You know what they say, “one can never have too many bluetooth speakers.” Well, I don’t know who says that, but someone should! This one can clip on to your bag. Perfect for those spontaneous dance parties you’ve always wanted to have!
I also really believe in the power of a good gift card. You can’t go wrong! Maybe tape that gift card to a bottle of wine and meet the teacher in the parking lot to give them their gift! Teachers are working so hard to make sure our kids are thriving in these strange times, and we are so appreciative of them.
