As parents, we all try to do our best for our children. But what about the times we can’t be there? Daycare teachers are second parents to our tots when we can’t be. They kiss their booboos, cuddle them, and make sure all their needs are met. Show how much you appreciate the love and affection they give your little ones by giving them special thank you gifts for daycare teachers that will have them remembering your little tike long after he goes off to college.
1. Bath Tray
Best thank you gift for daycare teachers
Calgon, take me away! As a former preschool teacher I can vouch for the need to soak in a hot tub after a long day of wiping noses, cleaning up messes, and changing diapers. Not only do daycare teachers need to wash away germs, they also need to get away from the noise and unwind.
If you are a classroom parent trying to put together a gift from the class, you can combine a few gifts to create a spa for your teacher at home. In addition to the bath tray, get a bath pillow to cradle their head. Find out your teacher’s favorite scents and get a spa basket full of goodies like lotions, bath salts, and a loofah.
2. Electric Lunch Box
Useful thank you gift ideas for daycare teachers
Did you know it is against regulations in many states to have microwaves in preschool classrooms? The purpose is to avoid children burning themselves on hot food. However, teachers only get a minimal lunch break. With an electric lunch box they can heat their food before they go on break. This way their break can be just that: a break. They won’t have to waste time heating their food.
Another useful gift is an insulated lunch box. They may need a snack or protein shake to help them keep pace with toddlers. Refrigerators in daycare classrooms are packed with student necessities, leaving no space for the teacher’s goodies. An insulated lunch bag keeps food fresh all day.
It’s easy to get dehydrated and forget to take a drink in between singing songs, jumping up and down, and chasing little ones on the playground. A smart water bottle will remind teachers to take a drink when the bottle glows.
3. Cookie Box
Thank you gift for daycare providers
Everyone needs a sweet treat. Drop a box of cookies in the front office. Cookies are the perfect gift because there are plenty to go around. Plus nobody can say no to a cookie.
If your daycare staff is more health conscious, you can have a fruit basket delivered instead.
Another alternative is to get them a giant snack basket for a mixture of salty and sweet.
4. Play-Doh Kit
Thank you daycare teacher gifts
It might seem strange to get your teacher toys as a way to say thanks, but believe me, they will appreciate it. Most budgets don’t cover many of the things teachers want for their classrooms. Often, they end up filling in the gaps by spending their own money. Play Doh is non toxic and great for building fine motor skills. Plus kids love the texture.
If they already have some play sets you can give them bulk packs of dough. This is a great gift to bring to the front office to disperse between teachers. Even younger tots can learn their colors while squishing the dough around in their hands. A tool pack with scissors will help teach kids the skill of cutting without injuring themselves.
5. Preschool Activity Book
Creative thank you gifts for daycare teachers
Even the most seasoned teacher can use some new ideas. Thank them by giving them ideas to keep inspiring their students.
You can even make a gift basket from the class by adding in some craft supplies and stickers. Just make sure whatever you get is age appropriate for your classroom.
6. Electric Foot Massager
Thank you daycare teacher gifts for sore feet
The only time daycare teachers get to sit is usually during storytime and nap. The rest of the time they are on their feet ready to avert a crisis. By the end of the day, their feet ache. An electric foot massager will show you understand how difficult their job is.
Cushioned athletic socks will help prevent discomfort during the day by providing extra support. You can also give them a foot lotion gift set.
7. Classroom Photobook
Sentimental thank you gifts for daycare teachers
Anyone with a preschool student knows how many events daycares host throughout the year. Recruit other parents from the class to share photos they took and put together a thoughtful album from the class. Older kids can even share what they love best about their teacher.
One of my favorite sentimental gifts is a thank you for helping me grow plant. Plants stick around long after the kids grow up.
A thank you candle with a kind sentiment also makes a thoughtful gift.
8. Classroom Incentive Charts
Helpful thank you gifts for daycare teachers
Kids love being acknowledged for good behavior. Incentive charts are a great way for teachers to monitor and praise good works, but they need to be replaced often. Help keep your classroom fresh with a supply of charts.
Early learning books can teach valuable interpersonal and behavior skills. If you have a young child you know books get chewed and ripped easily. Teachers always value new books.
Teachers often prepare lessons at home because there is little free time during the day. A monogrammed tote will be useful to lug all their teaching stuff back and forth.
9. Funny Wine Glass
More thank you gift ideas for daycare teachers
One thing you can count on, along with death and taxes, is finding a group of teachers getting together over a glass of wine. Give them a funny teacher wine glass to show off next time they are swapping stories.
Make opening the bottle easier with an electric wine opener. Or put together a gift basket by including a bottle of wine and a wine stopper with their initial.
10. Quick Dinner Cookbook
Thank you daycare teacher gifts to use at home
Some preschool teachers work until 6pm or later. A recipe book with quick and easy meals will simplify things once they get home. This way you can show your thanks for taking care of your kids by giving them more time with their own children.
You can even get them a meal planner shopping list to help them get organized. By planning ahead they won’t have to waste their hard earned money on take out.
For a funny gift to help with meals give them a singing pasta timer.
11. Educational Toys for 3-4 Year Olds
Thank you daycare teacher gifts for the classroom
Anyone with kids knows how easily toys get broken, pieces get misplaced, and books get torn. Imagine how quickly that happens in a classroom full of kids. One of the best ways to show thanks to a daycare teacher is by buying replacement toys for the class.
Make sure you pick toys appropriate for the developmental level such as educational toys for 1-2 year olds for toddler classes and educational toys for infants for babies.
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