5 Christmas Gifts Not to Give Teachers: Advice from a Former Educator

I was an elementary teacher for eight years. During those years I collected gifts of all types from my students. While I appreciated the thought behind all of them (OK, MOST of them - There was that "please give me an A" gift given right before final report cards that was highly suspicious ...), I quickly came to learn some gifts that teachers do NOT need more of.

5. Lotion. Now, I love lotion. It smells good. It keeps my hands soft. But - I don't need 5 bottles each Christmas season. And that's usually what I ended up with.

4. Mugs. I like a good mug of hot chocolate as much as anyone. However, during my eight years in the classroom I became the proud recipient of approximately 93 mugs. For awhile, I even had a shelf in my apartment devoted to a mug display (no snickering please; I was young). The worst offenders are "best teacher" mugs, of which I have maybe 27.

3. Homemade goodies that the child proudly announces "I made for you!". Okay, please don't call me a grinch. As I said before, I love the thought behind gifts and love the idea that a little crumb cruncher spent a Saturday morning baking up goodies for his beloved teacher. HOWEVER. Would you enjoy eating goodies that a seven-year old, in an unknown kitchen, made for you? Enough said.

2. Candles. This is similar to the lotion. Smells good, but don't need ten more each year.

And ... the Number One gift not to give a teacher ... drum roll please ...

1. TEACHER KNICK-KNACKS! Of any kind! Really, after a year or two in the classroom, teachers do not need anymore small wooden decorative apples, rulers proclaiming "world's best teacher", dollar store pins featuring apples with a smiling worm, etc. This even includes teacher-themed ornaments, often inscribed by a child "You're the Best!" (or, as I received more than one of, "You're the Beast!" - not sure if this was intentional or not). Actually, apple-themed ANYTHING is probably a bad idea. Not all teachers even LIKE apples!

Lest you think I'm a total sourpuss, let me give you a couple of ideas that teachers LOVE receiving.

1. I love getting notes and cards written by my students. Unlike knick-knacks, they don't take up much space. They are heart-felt and I have a folder of them I have kept for years.

2. Gift cards. Especially wonderful - have the entire class pitch in for a single gift card. I challenge you to find any teacher who would not enjoy this gift.

So, now you are armed with knowledge. Shop wisely for your favorite teacher this Christmas season!