Teachers work tirelessly to set up the next generation for future success. Before school lets out for the summer, honor and thank the educator in your life with a gift. To make the most out of your gift-giving experience, consider the following tips on buying a teacher a gift.

Consider Their Interests

If the impactful teacher in your life has talked about a pastime they enjoy, consider supporting it through a gift. For example, a teacher who’s a nature fanatic may appreciate a new pair of binoculars, while the history pro likely loves many types of gifts for history buffs. Supporting an interest with a present expresses that you listen to and recognize their interests outside of their influential career.

Go in on a Class Gift

A class gift is a win-win situation. It makes gift-giving more affordable for more classroom peers while maximizing a gift’s impact. Receiving a gift from several of their students will also mean a lot to the teacher.

Avoid Commonly Given Gifts

When getting a teacher a gift, avoid giving a stereotypical one, as they likely already have several of them. While gifts such as tumblers, mugs, and lanyards make for kind gestures, your teacher likely already has a comprehensive supply at home or school.

Go the Homemade Route

A handmade item showcases extra time and effort into supplying a gift. Often, DIY gifts are budget friendly and allow you to flex your creativity. A homemade gift carries significant sentimental value and is very memorable.

Default to a Gift Card

Topping off our tips on buying a teacher a gift is opting for a gift card. Many people steer away from giving a gift card or certificate out of the fear they’re too impersonal. Though a gift card might not feel as sentimental as something homemade, it’s a super convenient and thoughtful present for a teacher.

Think about whether they’ve mentioned their favorite coffee shops, restaurants, or school décor stores to get an idea of what type of gift card they’d most likely love. You can always add a well-written card to make it a bit more personal.