Teacher reveals which Christmas gifts educators appreciate the most

Jody Coffey

As we dash from shop to shop to find Christmas gifts for our loved ones, finding one for your child’s teacher most likely lands somewhere on the list.

After their parents, it’s teachers who spend the most time with kids, so many mums and dads will want to show their appreciation for their work through a small token before the Christmas break.

One teacher has narrowed down the search for parents and revealed which gifts they dread seeing coming their way.

The best part? According to the teacher, what they really want is a lot less effort to find, likely less expensive, and comes with a 100% guarantee for putting a smile on your kid’s teacher’s face.

In a video posted to TikTok (@twinkl_resources), the teacher explains that there are some gifts that teachers really have no need for, starting with unscented candles.

“Sadly, I’ve got more than one of these in my time; I really do not need a giant, unscented candle. If every teacher pulled every candle they’ve ever received as a gift together, we could light the country for 100 years.

After unscented candles, coffee mugs are a close second when it comes to gifts at Christmas.

“I know teachers drink a lot of coffee, but we don’t drink that much coffee,” he says. Bonus marks if it’s got an apple on it somewhere and some motivational message that we’ve read 100 times before.”

If you were about to put yourself through the labour and clean-up of baking brownies or cupcakes, you may want to reconsider.

While the effort that goes into making baked goods is recognised and even appreciated, they can go to waste for a number of reasons.

“specifically when a child has taken the lead on the project. We’ve spent three months watching this child put everything under the sun in their mouths and practice, maybe, the worst hygiene ever.

@twinkl_resources the 4 worst Christmas gifts for teachers – and 2 gifts you should give instead #christmasgifts #giftideasuk #teachergifts #ukteacher #holidaygiftsideas #christmasgiftguide #teacherhumour ♬ Chill Vibes – Tollan Kim

“And now they’re handing us some very dodgy-looking, slightly squashed brownies. I’m sorry, but they probably will end up in the bin. We do value our health.”

Money also doesn’t go down well with teachers, as this educator says a cash exchange can bring about feelings of awkwardness.

“I know what you’re thinking: ‘Money? No thanks!’ It’s not like that. This was literally just money in an envelope—no card and no gift card.

“It was essentially, or it felt like, Christmas blackmail. I know it wasn’t like that; it was very kind, but I’m sure teachers have had money before in the past and just felt slightly wrong for taking it.”

What To Get Your Child’s Teacher

Luckily, after sharing what teachers don’t want gifted to them, the TikTok user revealed a sure way to make your child’s teacher smile from ear-to-ear, and honestly, it’ ranges from relatable to heartwarming.

It turns out that alcohol or store-bought food are the ticket.

“Here are the two gifts that teachers do like, and these should ensure that you don’t stress too much and don’t spend too much either.

“Wine, a bottle of beer, some Christmas treats—you can’t go wrong with those,” he says.

However, this may be difficult if you are unsure of it your child’s teacher drinks alcohol or has allergies.

After this, something homemade by their student means more than anything to a teacher.

“I know what I just said about baked treats… but a child’s handmade Christmas ornament, trinket, or even just a handwritten card or note
means so much more than a candle or money. I don’t know if I speak for most teachers, but I’ve kept so many notes and cards in the past.”

This particular teacher’s reasoning for loving a homemade gift reminds us why teachers are so amazing.

“They’re a great thing to look at when you have had a sleepless night or are tired from planning and all the work you put into teaching, and you need reminding why it is the best job in the world.”