You need teacher gift ideas, stat. Good news: What teachers really want takes little-to-no effort. (Hint: It’s gift cards. We asked.)
That’s it. That’s the story. The easiest last-minute gifts are also the best teacher gifts overall. But just like we’ve gotten to know what educators want, we’ve also gotten to know you — and you want to make those last-minute gifts look, well, a little not-so-last-minute.
We’ve got some ideas for stepping up the gift card game, and a way to pull it together in 5 minutes.
Grab a Group
Nothing says “put together” like a group gift. Whether you have one week or one day, Cheddar Up helps you collect quickly. Build a collection page in less than a minute, and specify a per-person amount to make it extra easy. (You can also let people choose their own contributions.) Text the URL immediately, and people can pay right away.
Choose a Gift Teachers Will Use
When it comes to teacher gifts, we’ve coined a “short shelf life” rule — opt for gift cards and items that won’t go unused or clutter up a cabinet. (We’ve heard their cabinets are full of mugs and lotions.)
Unless you know your teachers’ likes and dislikes, pick a gift with a broad use. These fast, last-minute gift-card ideas will likely work for anyone, regardless of preferences. They work for your timeframe, too — grab each in only one stop or less!
One big check + flowers
Yes, it’s really that simple! Consolidate all gift money into one check, and give your teacher the final say in how to use it. (We love this collection for inspiration.) Grab a vase of flowers, and sneak the check into the card for an added surprise.
Supplies + resources
Print a Teachers Pay Teachers gift card, and give it with a bundle of school supplies. Some ideas that most teachers use (and use and use): printer paper, dry-erase markers, red pens, paper clips.
Groceries + snacks
Load a gift card for a local grocery store, and if you want a little something else, grab a few snacks. Instead of a basket, consider a reusable grocery tote.
Gas + tunes
Buy a local gas station gift card, and send off your teachers for breaks with a full tank. As a fun add, throw in a gift card for a music streaming service.
Movie + a meal
When school’s out, teachers may really want to unwind. Gift them a few months to a streaming service, as well as meal delivery.
Finish With a Note
The teachers we’ve talked to insist that a note really is enough. And it’s a simple, last-minute gift with a long-time sentiment. For group gifts, you can actually collect messages right here on Cheddar Up — but there’s something extra special about kids writing their own. We found some great free printables to make it easy! We love this fill-in-the-blank thank you and this coloring page for the littlest learners.
