Survey Period: November 2023 | Teachers Surveyed: 50 | Years of Combined Experience: 400+
After receiving her 47th "World's Best Teacher" mug, Sarah (a daycare teacher with 15 years experience) finally said what many think: "I love the thought, but I can't drink from 47 mugs."
So we asked 50 daycare teachers across Canada a simple question: What gifts do you actually want? Their answers might surprise you.
What Teachers Really Think (Anonymous Survey Results)
Top 5 Most Received Gifts:
- Mugs (average: 8-12 per year)
- Candles (usually vanilla)
- Chocolate (often forgotten in cars)
- Bath sets (re-gifted 80% of the time)
- Teacher-themed decorations
Top 5 Actually Wanted Gifts:
- Gift cards (coffee, Amazon, grocery)
- Hand care products (quality ones)
- Classroom supplies (specific items)
- Comfortable shoes/insoles
- Time off (babysitting offers)
The Under $10 Heroes
Coffee Shop Gift Cards
Why Teachers Love Them: "Coffee is life when you're up at 5 AM for early drop-off." Best Options:
- Tim Hortons: $10 (2-3 drinks)
- Starbucks: $10 (1-2 treats)
- Local cafe: $10 (supports community)
Teacher Tip: "Even $5 is appreciated. I save small cards for rough days."
Quality Hand Cream
O'Keeffe's Working Hands Prices shown are approximate. Current pricing: $8-10 USD / $10-13 CAD
- Survives 50+ hand washes daily
- Unscented (allergy-friendly)
- Actually works on destroyed hands
Teacher Quote: "After sanitizing 847 times a day, this saves my hands."
Nice Pens That Actually Work
Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens 14-Pack Prices shown are approximate. Current pricing: $9-12 USD / $12-15 CAD
- Don't smudge on sign-in sheets
- Comfortable for progress reports
- Pretty colors boost mood
Reality Check: "Good pens disappear. We hoard them like gold."
Flair Pens for Grading
Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens 12-Pack Prices shown are approximate. Current pricing: $10-13 USD / $13-16 CAD
- Perfect for newsletters
- Don't bleed through
- Make paperwork less terrible
The $10-15 Sweet Spot
Insulated Travel Mug (That Doesn't Leak)
Contigo AUTOSEAL Travel Mug Prices shown are approximate. Current pricing: $13-15 USD / $17-20 CAD
- One-handed operation (crucial when holding toddlers)
- Actually spill-proof
- Keeps coffee hot through morning chaos
Teacher Wisdom: "I need to drink coffee while preventing disasters. This helps."
Classroom Supply Bundles
Expo Dry Erase Marker Set Prices shown are approximate. Current pricing: $12-15 USD / $15-19 CAD
- Low-odor (classroom-friendly)
- Actually erase cleanly
- Last longer than cheap ones
Note: "We buy our own supplies more than parents realize."
Fuzzy Reading Socks
Dearfoams Memory Foam Slipper Socks Prices shown are approximate. Current pricing: $10-14 USD / $13-18 CAD
- For circle time comfort
- Machine washable
- Prevent frozen toes
Teacher Secret: "We often take shoes off during story time. Warm socks = happy teacher."
Emergency Snack Stash
KIND Bar Variety Pack Prices shown are approximate. Current pricing: $13-15 USD / $17-20 CAD
- For forgotten lunch days
- Allergy-friendly options
- Won't spoil in desk drawer
Truth: "We sometimes forget to eat. Having snacks saves us."
The $15-20 Favorites
Laminating Pouches
Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches 100-Pack Prices shown are approximate. Current pricing: $15-18 USD / $20-24 CAD
- For preserving kid artwork
- Creating lasting teaching materials
- Home laminating projects
Teacher Joy: "I laminate EVERYTHING. This saves me money."
Comfortable Cushion for Floor Time
Gaiam Meditation Cushion Prices shown are approximate. Current pricing: $18-22 USD / $24-28 CAD
- Saves knees during play
- Portable between rooms
- Washable cover
Reality: "We're on the floor 70% of the day. This helps."
Book of Coffee Shop Gift Cards
Tim Hortons $20 Gift Card
- Split into 4 x $5 cards
- Lasts multiple bad days
- Most universally appreciated
Wireless Charging Pad
Anker Wireless Charger Prices shown are approximate. Current pricing: $15-20 USD / $20-25 CAD
- For the constant parent photos
- No fumbling with cords
- Saves phone battery stress
The $20-25 Splurges
Foot Care Kit for Teachers
Dr. Scholl's Tired, Achy Feet Kit Prices shown are approximate. Current pricing: $20-24 USD / $25-30 CAD
- Compression socks
- Cooling foot spray
- Massage ball
Teacher Truth: "We walk 5+ miles daily in a classroom. Our feet hurt."
Premium Hand Sanitizer Set
Bath & Body Works Hand Sanitizer Bundle Prices shown are approximate. Current pricing: $20-25 USD / $25-32 CAD
- Actually smells nice
- Includes holders
- Doesn't destroy hands
Note: "We sanitize constantly. Nice ones make it bearable."
Personalized Stamp for Papers
Custom Teacher Stamp Prices shown are approximate. Current pricing: $18-24 USD / $24-30 CAD
- Saves hand cramps
- Makes grading fun
- Kids love stamps
Classroom Book Set
Pete the Cat 6-Book Set Prices shown are approximate. Current pricing: $20-24 USD / $25-30 CAD
- Always need new books
- Popular with all ages
- Replace worn favorites
The Non-Monetary Gifts Teachers Treasure
Time and Service Gifts
- Offer to laminate at home (saves hours)
- Volunteer for field trips (desperately needed)
- Organize classroom library (always chaos)
- Wash dress-up clothes (usually forgotten)
- Sharpen pencils (mindless but necessary)
Heartfelt No-Cost Options
- Specific thank you note mentioning real impact
- Kids' artwork framed (not just handed over)
- Video of child saying thanks (guaranteed tears)
- Offer to supervise during lunch (so they can eat)
- Class photo in nice frame (they'll keep forever)
Group Gift Ideas That Make Impact
Spa/Massage Gift Certificate ($20-25 per family)
Coordinate with 5-10 families for substantial gift:
- Local spa day pass
- Massage therapy session
- Mani/pedi certificate
- Reflexology treatment
Classroom Wishlist Raid ($10-20 per family)
- Teacher creates Amazon wishlist
- Parents claim items
- Deliver as surprise
- Actually helps classroom
Experience Gifts (Group Funded)
- Movie theater gift cards
- Restaurant certificates
- Escape room tickets
- Museum membership
Gifts to Skip (According to Teachers)
The "Please No More" List
- Teacher-themed anything ("I'm more than my job")
- Homemade food (allergy concerns, dietary restrictions)
- Strong perfumes/lotions (sensitivities in classroom)
- Decorative items ("I have no space")
- Clothing ("You don't know my size/style")
The "Sweet But Impractical" List
- Live plants (die in classrooms)
- Fancy chocolates (melt in cars)
- Wine (can't bring to school)
- Delicate jewelry (breaks with toddlers)
- White anything (stains immediately)
Timing Your Gifts
Best Times to Give
- December holidays: Expected, appreciated
- Teacher Appreciation Week: May, less crowded
- End of school year: June, most meaningful
- Random bad day: Unexpected joy
- After difficult week: Shows awareness
Times to Skip
- First week of school (overwhelming)
- During outbreak/illness (they're exhausted)
- Parent-teacher conferences (too busy)
The Art of Gift Presentation
What Makes It Special
- Include child in giving (they remember kindness)
- Add specific note about teacher's impact
- Don't make it public (avoid comparisons)
- Remember assistants (often forgotten)
- Skip elaborate wrapping (simple is fine)
Budget-Friendly DIY Options
Coupon Book Ideas
- "Good for one coffee delivery"
- "Free classroom organizing session"
- "Will cut out 50 shapes"
- "Emergency snack drop-off"
- "Playground duty coverage"
Practical Crafts
- Sanitizer bottle holders
- Pencil cups from tin cans
- Decorated clipboards
- Laminated class rules
- Name tag organizers
Real Teacher Quotes on Gifts
"A parent once gave me a 'survival kit' with Advil, chocolate, and good pens. They GET IT." - Jennifer, infant room
"My favorite gift was a dad offering to fix our broken easel. Took him 20 minutes, saved us weeks of frustration." - Mark, preschool
"A mom noticed I always had the same lunch. She gave me a gift card to the sandwich shop next door. So thoughtful." - Amy, toddler teacher
"Honestly? The thank you note that mentioned specific things I did for their child. I still have it." - Patricia, 20-year veteran
The Ultimate Gift Formula
Best Universal Gift = Coffee Card + Hand Cream + Thank You Note Total Cost: Under $20 Success Rate: 100%
Cultural Considerations
- Some teachers can't accept cash (check policies)
- Religious considerations for holidays
- Dietary restrictions for food gifts
- Scent sensitivities increasingly common
- Always include gift receipt
The Bottom Line
Teachers surveyed were unanimous: it's genuinely the thought that counts. A $5 coffee card with a heartfelt note beats a $50 generic gift set every time.
Most Important Message from Teachers: "We don't need gifts. But when parents notice our efforts and acknowledge them - whether with a gift card or just a genuine thank you - it reminds us why we do this job."
Quick Reference: Top Picks by Occasion
Holiday Gifts
- Coffee cards ($10-25)
- Hand care sets ($15-20)
- Warm accessories ($10-20)
End of Year
- Spa/relaxation gifts ($20-25)
- Summer reading books ($15-20)
- Restaurant cards ($20-25)
Teacher Appreciation Week
- Classroom supplies ($10-20)
- Comfort items ($15-25)
- Practical organizers ($10-15)
Just Because
- Snack stash ($10-15)
- Nice pens ($8-12)
- Thank you note (free)
Remember: The best gift shows you notice and appreciate the daily miracles these teachers perform. Sometimes that's a gift card. Sometimes it's just saying "thank you for loving my child."
Have a great teacher gift idea we missed? Share in the comments - teachers are reading!