Let’s be real for a second. Most parents have at least one ceramic mug gathering dust in the back of a cabinet. It’s the one with the faded "Number 1 Teacher" apple on it, probably gifted by a well-meaning second-grader three years ago. Teachers don't hate mugs, but they definitely don't need twenty of them. Honestly, the disconnect between what we think teachers want and what they actually use is massive. That’s why a teacher favorite things list is basically the secret weapon for any classroom parent who doesn't want their hard-earned money to end up in a Goodwill donation bin.
Teachers are tired.
They are managing thirty different personalities, navigating state standards, and probably haven't had a hot cup of coffee since 7:15 AM. When you give them something they actually like—whether it’s a specific brand of felt-tip pen or a gift card to the local taco shop—you aren't just giving a gift. You're giving them a "hey, I see you" moment. It matters.
👉 See also: Another Word for Divergent: How to Choose the Right Synonym for Every Context
What Actually Goes on a Teacher Favorite Things List?
If you've never seen one of these forms, it's pretty straightforward. Most Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) or organized "Room Parents" send out a questionnaire at the start of the school year. It asks the basics. What's your favorite color? Do you like coffee or tea? Are you a salty or sweet snack person? But the best lists—the ones that actually help—go deeper than that.
They ask about hobbies. Does the teacher garden? Are they into local sports? Maybe they spend their weekends hiking. Knowing these bits of info turns a generic gift into something personal. I once knew a teacher who was obsessed with 90s nostalgia. Instead of the standard chocolate bar, a parent found a pack of vintage-style stickers and a Retro Nickelodeon shirt. She wore that shirt every Friday for a month.
The School Supply Secret
Don't overlook the boring stuff. Seriously. Most teachers spend hundreds of dollars of their own money on classroom essentials. A teacher favorite things list should always have a section for "Classroom Needs."
You’d be surprised how many teachers prioritize Ticonderoga pencils. Ask any veteran educator; they will tell you that cheap pencils are the bane of their existence. They break, they jam the sharpener, and the erasers just smear gray lead all over the paper. It's a whole thing. If the list says "Ticonderoga only," believe them.
Other high-demand items often include:
- Dry erase markers (specifically the black ones, which always run out first)
- Post-it notes in the "super sticky" variety
- Hand sanitizer that doesn't smell like industrial floor cleaner
- High-quality cardstock or those specific Flair pens that don't bleed through paper
Why Direct Communication Beats Guesswork
We’ve all been there. You’re standing in the aisle at Target, staring at a wall of candles. You think, "Everyone likes Lavender, right?"
Wrong.
Some people get migraines from floral scents. Some teachers are allergic to certain nuts in "gourmet" chocolates. Without a teacher favorite things list, you’re basically playing Minesweeper with your kindness.
According to a survey by Edutopia, one of the top stressors for teachers during the holidays and Teacher Appreciation Week is the "guilt of the unused gift." They feel bad that you spent money on something they can't use. By having a list on file, you remove that awkwardness entirely. It’s efficient. It’s thoughtful. It’s just better for everyone involved.
Gift Cards: The Unsung Heroes
There’s a weird stigma that gift cards are "impersonal." Let’s kill that idea right now. For a teacher, a gift card is a ticket to a guilt-free lunch or a book they’ve been wanting to buy for their personal collection.
Common favorites often include:
- Amazon (obviously, because they can get anything from books to bulk tissues)
- Target (the holy grail of teacher shopping)
- Starbucks or a local coffee roaster
- Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) credits
Wait, let's talk about TpT for a second. If you aren't an educator, you might not realize that many teachers buy their lesson plans and classroom decor from other teachers online. A gift card for TpT can save a teacher five hours of work on a Sunday night. That is the greatest gift of all. Time.
How to Get the Info Without Being Weird
If your school doesn't have a formal teacher favorite things list system, don't panic. You don't have to stage an intervention.
Just send a quick, polite email.
Keep it casual. "Hi [Teacher Name], I’m starting to think about end-of-the-year gifts and wanted to make sure I get you something you actually like! Do you have a list of favorites or just a few things you’re always running low on in the classroom?"
Most teachers will be relieved you asked. If they're too humble to give you a list, check with the front office staff. They usually know the "inside dirt" on which teachers live on Diet Coke and which ones are obsessed with a specific local bakery.
The Nuance of Dietary Restrictions
This is where things get tricky. We live in an era of keto, veganism, gluten-free living, and severe nut allergies. A box of assorted donuts used to be a safe bet. Now? It’s a literal minefield.
A well-constructed teacher favorite things list includes a "Dietary Restrictions" or "Allergies" line. This is crucial. Giving a vegan teacher a giant box of milk chocolates is just a bummer for everyone. It shows you care enough to give, but not enough to know who they are.
Beyond the Physical Gift
Let's be honest for a minute: sometimes the best thing on a teacher favorite things list isn't an object.
It's a note.
Ask any teacher who has been in the game for ten-plus years what they keep in their "rainy day" folder. It’s not the gift cards. It’s the handwritten letters from students and parents. When a parent takes the time to write, "I noticed how much more confident my daughter is in math since she started in your class," that stays with a teacher forever.
If you're on a budget, don't feel pressured to buy the fancy stuff. Use the favorites list to find out their favorite color, buy a $1 card in that color, and write a sincere message. It carries more weight than a $20 candle they'll never light.
Making the List Work for the Whole Class
If you're the Room Parent, your job is to make this information accessible. Don't just keep the list in your email.
- Upload it to a shared Google Drive.
- Post a screenshot on the class Facebook group or Bloomz/ClassDojo app.
- Print a few copies and leave them in the teacher’s "parent communication" folder.
When the whole class knows that Mr. Henderson loves spicy beef jerky and hates the color yellow, the collective gifting becomes much more meaningful. You avoid the "duplicate gift" syndrome. Nobody wants to receive four copies of the same "Best Teacher" desk plaque.
Things Most People Get Wrong About Teacher Gifts
There’s this assumption that more expensive is always better. It’s not.
Teachers see the effort. They see the intention. A $5 gift card to a niche bookstore they mentioned on their teacher favorite things list is worth way more than a $20 "generic spa set" that smells like fake cucumbers.
Also, seasonality matters. In August, they need supplies. In December, they need caffeine and sugar to survive the pre-holiday chaos. In May, they need a nap and maybe a gift card for a car wash because their vehicle is covered in playground dust.
The "No-Go" Zone
Even if it's on a favorites list, some things are just... risky.
Homemade food is a big one. Unless you have a very close relationship with the teacher, many are hesitant to eat things made in home kitchens they haven't seen. It sounds harsh, but it's a hygiene/allergy thing. Stick to pre-packaged treats or restaurant gift cards unless you know for a fact they love your specific sourdough bread.
Actionable Steps for Parents and PTAs
Stop guessing. Start asking.
If you want to be the parent who actually makes a teacher’s day, follow these steps:
- Create a standardized form: If your school doesn't have one, Google "Teacher Favorite Things Questionnaire." There are thousands of free templates. Use one that has a mix of "fun" and "functional" questions.
- Keep it updated: A teacher’s favorites in 2024 might not be the same in 2026. People change. Maybe they quit coffee. Maybe they started a new hobby like pickleball. Ask every September.
- Think about the "Specials" teachers: Don't forget the music teacher, the librarian, the PE coach, and the art teacher. They often get overlooked, and they have favorite things too!
- Focus on the "Classroom Wishlist": Ask for a link to their Amazon Wishlist or DonorsChoose project. Sometimes the best "gift" is just making sure the kids have enough glue sticks for the second semester.
- The "One Big Gift" Strategy: Instead of 25 small items, use the favorites list to coordinate one large gift from the whole class. If you know the teacher needs a new ergonomic desk chair or has been eyeing a specific high-end blender, pool your resources.
The goal of a teacher favorite things list isn't to force parents to spend more money. It's to ensure that the money they do spend actually brings joy to the person who spends eight hours a day shaping their child's future. It’s about moving away from the "stuff" and moving toward genuine appreciation.
Check your school's portal or reach out to the Room Parent today. If the list doesn't exist, be the person who starts it. Your teacher—and their overflowing cabinet of unused mugs—will thank you.