Gift ideas for teachers at the end of the school year
At the end of the school year, in late June or early July, many families like to thank the teacher. It does not have to be big. A kind word or a drawing from the child is often what teachers remember most.
In Belgium and the Netherlands, it is common for parents to collect money together for one class gift. This is easier for everyone and avoids a pile of mugs and candles on the teacher’s desk.
Some schools have their own habits or guidelines about gifts, so it may be worth checking with the school or the class parent first. Then you can choose with confidence.
Ideas by type
Price guide: € = up to about 20 euros · €€ = about 20 to 60 euros · €€€ = more than 60 euros. Prices vary by shop and change over time.
Class collection
One class gift, with everyone giving what they can, is often the nicest and fairest option.
- Voucher for a bookshop or a garden centre€€–€€€Lets the teacher choose; ask the class parent if anyone knows their interests.
- Experience voucher€€–€€€A dinner or a day out for the summer holidays.
- Something for their hobby€€Only if someone knows the teacher’s interests well.
- Card or book signed by all the children€Add it to any class gift; it is often the part kept longest.
Personal from the child
Teachers often value a personal touch from the child above anything bought.
- Handwritten note from the child€A few sentences about a favourite moment from the year mean a lot.
- Drawing or painting€Let younger children draw the teacher, the class or the playground.
- Note from the parents€A short, honest thank-you, especially if the teacher helped your child settle in.
- Small handmade gift€Painted stones, a bookmark or a jar of homemade jam.
Small consumables
Small things that get used up never clutter a house. A nice choice if you want to give something on your own.
- Flowers or a small plant€–€€Choose a plant that survives the summer holidays.
- Local chocolates or biscuits€A classic thank-you; check for allergies if you can.
- Good coffee or tea€Many teachers keep going on coffee and tea.
- Hand cream or lip balm€Choose an unscented one if you are unsure.
For the classroom
Some teachers love something that benefits the whole class. It is worth asking first.
- Book for the class library€–€€Write the child’s name and the year inside the cover.
- Quality pens or stationery€Teachers often buy these themselves.
- Board game for wet playtimes€€Good for classes where children stay inside in bad weather.
- Craft materials€–€€Useful in younger classes where craft is part of every week.
For other staff
Teachers are not the only ones who help children. A small gesture for other staff is often very welcome.
- Card for the classroom assistant€Assistants often do a lot of the daily care and are easily forgotten.
- Treats for the after-school care staff€A box to share works well for a whole team.
- Thank-you for the school bus driver or caretaker€A small card or treat shows the child notices them too.
🚫 What to avoid
- Expensive individual gifts: they can make other parents feel uncomfortable.
- Mugs, candles and ornaments with “best teacher” on them: most teachers already have plenty.
- Strongly scented products or alcohol, unless you know the teacher well.
- Gifts that put pressure on other families to match.
- Forgetting the teaching assistant or second teacher in a shared class.
A note on timing and customs
The last day of school differs: in Belgium it depends on the language community, and in the Netherlands on the region, but it usually falls between late June and mid-July. The last week is often busy, so organise any class gift a few weeks before.
Some families also give a small gift at Christmas or for Saint Nicholas, but this varies a lot between schools and classes. If you are new to a school, asking another parent is the easiest way to find out what is usual.
If English is your home language, a thank-you note in English is perfectly fine. Older children may enjoy writing a few lines in the language of the school instead, which teachers often find touching after a year of learning together.
💡 How to avoid duplicate gifts
- Talk to the class parent or other parents before buying, to see whether a collection is planned.
- If the class organises a group gift, a shared list on Huglist shows what is chosen and how much has been pledged.
- If you give something small on your own, a personal note or drawing from the child never clashes with the class gift.
- Agree with other parents who handles gifts for staff such as assistants, so nobody is forgotten.
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