Teacher Gifts That Don't Add to the Clutter

I’m a firm believer that when it comes to gifting, it’s NOT the thought that counts. A gift is only truly a gift if it brings joy, usefulness, or some other good thing to a person’s life. When we give a gift that someone doesn’t really want/need, or that adds stress or clutter, we’ve brought a burden onto that person, and I know that’s not what you want to happen when you’ve given a gift. No one deserves a more thoughtful and useful gift more than your child’s teacher. We ask a lot of our teachers, and many of us really enjoy giving them a gift at the holidays or the end of the school year to thank them for all that they do, but remember: the gift is only truly a gift if it adds value to their life.

Tara had a teacher-friend reach out to her recently, and she shared that so many gifts she gets from students or their families simply create clutter for her, so I’ve compiled a list of clutter-free gift ideas for the teacher in your life that he or she will really love.

These drawer organizers can be arranged to fit any size drawer in your teacher’s desk. They’re handy for separating small office supplies so that the drawer doesn’t become a soup of rubber bands, pencils, and paper clips.

Lidded stackable bins like these are perfect for educators of younger children who use a lot of manipulatives, flash cards, or other small items that need to be separated and stored.

If you’ve spent time in the classroom and know there’s cubbies or other open shelving that could benefit from some baskets, these add a simple and streamlined look to visible storage for blocks, art supplies, books, etc.

These zippered pouches take the place of Ziplock bags. They’re easy to label and won’t fall apart after being handled by 15-20 kids on the regular.

Speaking of labeling, a label maker makes keeping any space organized so much easier, especially because once kiddos are old enough to read, they know exactly where everything goes and can do the cleanup on their own!

Here in NYC, elementary students go on a lot of field trips. Fanny packs are a really practical gift for the teacher who is often on the go with their classroom and needs a place for their phone, personal items, and the ever-important emergency bandaids.

These sunglasses could also come in handy for field trips or recess duty.

These travel containers are so beautiful and they’re perfect for a gift because they’re something someone often won’t splurge on for themselves.

I can’t let this gift guide end without addressing gift cards. I love giving a gift card that supports a local business (we have a great ice cream shop in our neighborhood where I sometimes buy gift cards), or if you’re 100% certain the teacher in your life will want and use the card (one of my daughter’s teachers got herself a coffee every morning from the same place - easy gift card opportunity), but outside of those two instances, it’s my personal opinion that giving a gift card can feel impersonal, and like an after-thought to the recipient. Your teacher will likely receive a handful of gift cards from others, so let your gift stand out!

— Colleen

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