Teacher’s Favorite Things Survey

Last Updated on April 18, 2025

This Teacher’s Favorite Things survey will help you be able to choose gifts that your child’s teacher actually wants and can use.

Although my children are great about letting me know what they want for Christmas, birthdays, etc., they are clueless when it comes to helping me figure out what to buy for their teachers. I don’t know how they can spend more waking hours with their teacher than they do with me and have no idea what his/her interests are, but this is always the case.

So, when it comes to certain times of year like Christmas, Teacher Appreciation Week, and the end of the school year, I usually have no idea what to get for their teachers. However, when I asked my child’s teacher to fill out this survey, my problem was solved.

Why is a Teacher’s Favorite Things Survey Important to Have

Several years ago, I read an interesting idea in an article for PTA and PTO boards suggesting that the volunteers draft a Teacher Survey to keep on file for teacher appreciation events. We adopted this idea at the elementary school where I volunteered and it was also immensely helpful to all the parents in choosing appropriate gifts for teachers on their birthdays and holidays.

• Knowing a teacher’s favorite snacks, beverages, hobbies, or classroom supplies allows for more thoughtful gifts that the teacher will actually enjoy and use, reducing the risk of unwanted or unhelpful items.
• The ideas listed on the survey can be used as small gestures of appreciation throughout the year, not just during Teacher Appreciation Week. 
• The survey eliminates the guesswork involved in choosing gifts, so it’s less stressful for the parents when trying to decide what to give the teacher.
• Sharing this information with other parents can create a stronger connection between teachers, parents, and students, fostering a sense of community and belonging. 

Creative Ways to Use These Printables

A Teacher’s Favorite Things survey is such a goldmine for thoughtful gestures. Here are some creative ways to use it:

• At the start of the year, make a kit with favorite snacks, drinks, pens, etc. to keep in their drawer for long days.
• Put together a personalized birthday basket with snacks, drinks, and small gifts based on their favorite things.
• Use their favorite color, flower, drink, or snack as the theme for each day of Teacher Appreciation Week.
• For Christmas, give them a cozy gift box tailored to their preferences—favorite candle scent, treat, tea/coffee, etc.
• Surprise them randomly throughout the school year with their go-to coffee order or a treat they love, just to brighten their day.
• Coordinate with parents from other classes using the surveys to keep the lounge stocked with snacks or drinks teachers actually like.

Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools for Printables

Printer: This one is a great budget printer. If you’re willing to spend just a little more though, this is a better option. And if you’re looking for an all-in-one home office machine, this one does it all, has high reviews and includes 2 years of ink.

Ink cartridges: Speaking of ink, this is where the cost of using printables can really add up! To save BIG on ink, buy it from CompAndSave.com. It’s substantially cheaper than anywhere else and they carry ink for all major printer brands and models.

Printer paper or cardstock: If you’re printing for one-time, quick use, print on regular printer paper. If you need the printout to hold up to being handled often, choose cardstock.

Binder or Folder: If you’re using page protectors for your printables, binders are such an easy way to keep them together and organized. I love this colorful set. If you prefer to stick with standard white though, this set is highly rated and very affordable. And if you need larger binders, this set is terrific. If you go with folders, I like these.

Hole punch: If you don’t use page protectors but want to use binders to organize your printables, a hole puncher will be your best friend. This is the one you want if you’ll be punching holes in several pages at a time and want to do so easily. And this bargain option is ideal if you don’t mind limiting your hole punching to 2-3 pages at a time.

Download the Teacher’s Favorite Things Survey

The Teacher Survey printable is a PDF file that you can download and print over and over.

Fill in the form below to have the PDF sent to your inbox.

Printable FAQs

Additional Teacher Gift Ideas

If you want some additional ideas about what to give your child’s teacher, consider some of these gift ideas:

• One Smart Cookie Teacher Gift: Giving a One Smart Cookie Teacher Gift is the perfect way to show your child’s teacher you appreciate them. Grab a printable gift tag and attach it to some cookies.
• Notebook Teacher Gift: A fun teacher notebook gift with a free printable is a great way to encourage your child’s teacher with a useful gift.
• Highlighter Teacher Gift: A Highlighter Teacher Gift is easy to make with this free printable gift tag. Attach the tag to some highlighters and you have a great teacher gift.
• Hand Sanitizer Teacher Gift: This Hand Sanitizer Teacher Gift is quick to make with a cute printable tag. Give hand sanitizer gifts to teachers and all school staff to show you care.