15 Free & Budget Ways to say Thank You to Teachers

Christmas is a time of huge expense for most families. In recent years it has become customary to buy gifts for teachers. As a former teacher myself, I can assure you that it is not expected or necessary. It doesn’t have to cost anything to show gratitude so I have listed 15 free and budget ways to say thank you to teachers. I hope it helps your Christmas budget.

thank you text on a blackboard with vintage phone in background — 15 Free & Budget Ideas for Teachers’ Gifts

15 Free & Budget Ways to say Thank You to Teachers

Free Gifts

A hand made card from your child
A thank you note from your child
A thank you note from you as a parent
A picture or note from your child saying what they like best about school
A picture or note from your child saying why they like their teacher
A hand drawn or painted portrait of the teacher (by the child) on a card or poster
A hand drawn or painted self portrait by the child on a card or poster
Plants that you have grown yourself
Your child could decorate a pebble/rock
Your time – with school budgets stretched they always need help with reading, gardening, baking, PTA, school trips, etc.

Gifts on a Budget

A small box of sweets, chocolates or biscuits to the staff as a whole (from £1)
A pot plant for the staff room or washrooms (poinsettias are usually only £1.50)
A Christmas bauble or hanging star * (£1 or less)
A new storybook for the class (can be bought from a £1 shop or better still a charity shop)

Gifts on any Budget

A group collection from the parents to all the class staff. Passing an envelope around in the playground takes the pressure off as people can add in whatever amount they would like to without feeling judged.

The Cost of Giving at Christmas

I am a member of a couple of frugal forums and each year I see literally hundreds of parents getting really upset and worried about what to buy.

Firstly I’d like to assure you that teachers do not expect anything and certainly wouldn’t want to cause you any additional upset at what can already be a stressful and expensive time. I won’t pretend that we don’t enjoy the odd treat but a heartfelt thank you is just as welcome.

Too Many Teachers?

Have you noticed how children have more and more teachers now? Your child may be in a pre-school or nursery where there are 6-8 teachers who all interact with your child. Even in an infants school, there could be up to 6 teachers and assistants.

Having lots of staff is lovely for your children as they get to interact with lots of different personalities which builds their confidence. But as parents, it can add additional stress and expense at Christmas time or at the end of the school year.

With the shops already stocking Christmas items, are you trying to decide what to buy, who to buy for and where you are going to find the extra budget? Then I hope my 15 free and cheap gift ideas of what to give teachers, friends or family when you’re on a budget will help.

* I have received Christmas baubles as gifts in the past. It is really lovely to think of the giver each year when we put our tree up, and this is something that I’ve given to friends too as alternatives to Christmas cards. It’s so nice to be a part of each other’s Christmas traditions and I can honestly say these have been amongst my favourite gifts to receive.

And of course, if you’re a savvy shopper you could buy these in the sales after Christmas for the following year for less than 50p each or even 50p for a whole box of plain ones which your child could then decorate.

Of course, you can say thank you to your teachers at other random times when money is not as tight as at Christmas. Maybe on World Teacher’s Day which is on 5th October every year, a day set up to value the work that the world’s teachers do in educating our children. Or just on a random day as a surprise. It will be unexpected and very much appreciated.