Gifts for those that make a difference: What to get a Middle School Teacher
Middle school teachers have a big impact on their students. Middle schoolers are going through a lot, and they spend a lot of time at school. Their teachers, while not necessarily people in whom they confide, are very important in their lives. And let’s not forget: middle school teachers have to deal with countless middle schoolers during their careers on good days and bad days. They deserve an awesome gift!
The value that teachers of all grade levels have in our society cannot be overstated. If you know a middle school teacher — whether your former teacher or a friend who has undertaken the profession — let Gift Card Granny help you find a gift to show your appreciation for them. This article will cover a list of fantastic gifts, including school supplies, gift cards, and more!
Earn Cash Back On Gifts for Middle School Teachers with Gift Card Granny
As a quick reminder, we’ve pointed out all of the retailers on this list that you can find on Gift Card Granny as of this writing. Gift Card Granny makes it easy to buy and send customized gift cards online and earn cash back while you do. Gift Card Granny carries thousands of local and national brands, including Visa gift cards, Mastercard gift cards, and gift cards for many of the awesome spots on this list.
Text eGift Cards on GiftYa
Another popular gift-giving site is GiftYa, which also offers customizable eGift cards! GiftYa lets you add custom photos or videos to all your gifts in the form of a virtual gift wrapper. A GiftYa can be sent by text or email, so the gift is always delivered within minutes. You can also schedule the gift to be sent on a specific date, such as a birthday or holiday.
Now that we’re on the same page, let’s jump right into our list!
Useful Materials for The Classroom
Teaching is one of the most important professions in the United States; millions of children find their role models in the classroom. Teachers spend hundreds of dollars out of their own pockets to provide pencils, markers, books, and other supplies to every child they teach. So when you’re thinking about a great gift for a middle school teacher, think about ways to save them a bit of money. Below are some of the basic supplies that teachers drop a decent amount of change on every year.
First Aid Kit Materials
Help a middle school teacher be prepared for any accident in the classroom.
Vendor: Target
Price: Around $15
One of a teacher’s most crucial responsibilities is to keep children safe. When accidents happen in the classroom, it’s important for the teacher to be equipped with bandaids, disinfectant wipes, and other common first aid materials. You can buy basic first aid kits at retailers like Target. If you know a teacher who already has a first aid kit but could use some extra antiseptic wipes, for example, stores like Target are good to check out.
Ring Binder
Because every child in the classroom should be organized.
Vendor: Walmart
Price: Between $2 and $6 each
Every middle school child can greatly benefit from a set of binders for class. Carrying around loose-leaf papers with important notes makes organization difficult and, therefore, can hinder the learning process. A middle school teacher who can provide ring binders to all of their students means they will all have uniform materials for that class. The parent’s won’t have to worry about buying class materials and the teacher can ensure all their students have what they need to succeed!
Notebooks and Looseleaf Paper
Paper is invaluable in any middle school classroom
Vendor: Staples
Price: $0.25 per notebook
Towards the beginning of the school year, Staples will have bins filled with notebooks on sale for around $0.25 each — an absolute steal. For note-taking purposes, a nice notebook is second to none in terms of reliability. There are, unfortunately, school districts that cannot provide all the basic materials to their classrooms, forcing some of the financial burden on their teachers. If you know a middle school teacher in this position then a gift card for notebooks and looseleaf paper is fantastic.
Gifts Any Teacher Would Love
Teachers come from various walks of life — some enjoy outdoor activities, eating out, quirky nick-nacks, etc. There isn’t really a wrong way to show your favorite teacher you appreciate them. Even the smallest gift, like a new placard or new wall decor, will mean the world to them. You can also think as if you’re getting your friend a gift — think about your teacher’s personality and what they like to do for fun!
Customizable Placard/Sign
When you need a more DIY-esque gift, Etsy’s got you covered.
Vendor: Etsy
Price: $16
This idea is a bit more DIY in spirit — it’s a gift that can be a bit more creative and personal. For teachers who greatly inspired you or with whom you developed a strong connection, check out these customizable signs like this one from Etsy that can decorate a classroom desk or wall. There are unlimited options on Etsy so we are certain that you will find the perfect gifts for middle school teachers.
New Tote Bag
For middle school teachers who have a strong sense of fashion
Vendor: TJ Maxx
Price: Around $30
Teachers have a lot of materials they bring to and from school. Planners, notebooks, and any other materials that are necessary for the day can be a lot to carry. A new tote bag from TJ Maxx would make a fantastic gift for your teacher. This is a hard gift, however, especially if you don’t know the teacher much outside of school. If that’s the case, a gift card can be an excellent gift for middle school teachers! Let’s talk about some of our favorite gift cards for middle school teachers.
Gift Cards for Middle School Teachers
1. Barnes & Noble
Maybe it’s a stereotype, but most teachers are avid readers.
Buy a Barnes and Noble gift card
Barnes & Noble is a book lover's paradise. Most teachers are well-read and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to buy some new books. If you’re not sure what new book your teacher is eager to read, giving them a gift card to Barnes & Noble would be a lovely idea. Even if they don’t have a specific book in mind, just having an excuse to go to Barnes & Noble can make somebody’s day.
Buy a Barnes and Noble gift card
2. Dunkin’ Donuts
Free coffee and donuts? Yes, please
A gift card to Dunkin’ Donuts is a superb gift for middle school teachers. Coffee and donuts are unbeatable treats to grab on your way to school. A gift card to Dunkin’ lets the teacher splurge on some sweet treats to start their day off right. This is a low-risk, high-reward gift card in that you can be sure they will enjoy every order on your card at Dunkin’. There are so many coffee drinks and specialty donuts nowadays that a handful of free orders are always appreciated.
From coffee to pastries, Dunkin’ Donuts lets them get a variety of sweet treats when the mood strikes. Start earning cash back when you pick up a Dunkin’ Donuts gift card today.
3. Cheesecake Factory
A celebratory meal never tasted so good
Buy a Cheesecake Factory gift card
Oh, food. Food is one of the greatest gifts. It has been for many years and will be for many years to come. There are a plethora of amazing restaurants to give as gifts for middle school teachers, but our favorite has to be the Cheesecake Factory. Delicious meals, a nice drink list, and, last but not least, all of the cheesecake in the world. A Cheesecake Factory gift card is a great gift because there are no strings attached. They can choose which day to celebrate, who to celebrate with, and whether they want lunch, dinner, or just dessert.
As with most of these gift cards, we recommend asking around and doing some research before purchasing them. The Cheesecake Factory is a pretty safe option, but you can also look around the area for other popular restaurants you think they might enjoy.
The destination of your gift card will depend on where you are located. Something nice but close by is a great way to go. If you’re lucky, there might be a Cheesecake Factory nearby and you can head to Gift Card Granny to earn some cash back on your purchase! It’s a win-win.
Buy a Cheesecake Factory gift card
4. Office Depot
A gift card for school supplies
If you are planning on getting your kid’s teacher a gift card this holiday season, we’d wager that teacher is pretty amazing. Teachers who go the extra mile in their classes often purchase some of their own supplies, and a gift card to an office supply store is a great way to show your appreciation. A gift card to a store like Office Depot lets teachers use the money to purchase items that were already on their shopping list, making these the closest gift cards to money that you will get.
A gift card that more or less equates to money is a very thoughtful gift, especially to younger teachers. It carries more thoughtfulness than a crisp $20 while taking just a little weight off of their monthly budget.
If you are looking to get a gift card for your teacher this holiday season, start earning cashback on your purchases of Office Max gift cards at Gift Card Granny!
5. Macy’s
The perfect gift card for affordable seasonal shopping
Macy’s is an affordable department store with tons of amazing clothing from various retailers. Their whole store is full of fun and fashionable items, making it a great place to browse and pick out a new fun outfit for the classroom. Macy’s has a large range of brands and clothing options, almost guaranteeing that your wife will find some new and exciting items for her wardrobe.
Macy’s is a great store to shop around when you don’t have a specific item in mind. There are so many colors and styles laid out in a way where inspiration can strike at any moment. Macy’s is a good gift for middle school teachers, as everyone needs a new outfit every now and again. This card could be the inspiration they need to go to the store and pick out the new clothes they’ve been talking about recently.
6. Old Navy
A gift card for fashionable teachers
It is hard to keep up with all the latest fashion trends, but Old Navy has an excellent selection of professional clothing that’s perfect for middle school teachers. Old Navy has a lot of great options that are affordable, which is always a nice change of pace from shopping at a high-end clothing store!
These are our favorite gifts for middle school teachers!
So when shopping for your favorite middle school teacher, think of ways you can save them money or show appreciation. These gestures, no matter how small, will show that their dedication to the classroom doesn’t go unnoticed. If you are uncertain which gift is perfect for the teacher, feel free to reach out to them or other teachers in the school. You may lose some of the surprise factor, but that’s always better than getting them a gift that doesn’t quite fit right.
Remember: All of the gift cards on this list are available at Gift Card Granny. And don’t forget that no matter the gift, Gift Card Granny is here to help!