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.
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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.
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Download the Teacher’s Favorite Things Survey
The Teacher Survey printable is a PDF file that you can download and print over and over.

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Printable FAQs
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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.
What a great idea! I am forwarding this along to our PTO so maybe they can start something like this next year!
What a great idea. Will do this when Ava reaches school age.
That’s a smart idea to ask those questions for a prompt on gift ideas!
My son just started kindergarten this year. the “teacher’s favorite thing” idea is great. thank you for sharing =)
What a great idea! I never would have thought to ask my daughter’s teachers what they would like for Christmas. I wish I would have. You have shared some great ideas and I love the printable!
Thanks for sharing my Teacher Gift Candy Bar. And we knew my son’s favorite teacher thanks to an idea sheet just like yours. It’s a big help for the parents and for the teacher.