Inexpensive and meaningful gift ideas for paras and classroom support staff… every year I see tons of posts on social media about what to get TA’s for the holidays.
Paraprofessionals aren’t paid well enough and we want them to feel appreciated. Buying just any gift isn’t really in the cards… no one wants a junk gift.
Below is a curated list from veteran teachers on an Instagram Story post, compiled into one list to help you with your holiday shopping and gift of appreciation.
- handwritten thank you card (this is ALWAYS appreciated!)
- Echo Dot
- baked goods (Chex mix, caramels, homemade hot cocoa mix, cookie buckets)
- Wristlet purses
- Gift sets from Bath and Body Works
- Gift cards (to their favorite places)
- Candles
- Special, customized mug or tshirt
- Alex and Ani bracelet
- Yeti or customized tumbler
- Coffee or breakfast
- Secret Santa exchange
- Blankets
- Ornaments
- Homemade gifts
- Wine and gift cards
- Bath kits (bath bombs, bubble bath and loofa)
- SPED Para Survival Kit (hand sanitizer, tissues, chapstick, lotion, pens, highlighters, and chocolate)
- Lottery Tickets
- Baggu bags
- Team shirts
- Succulent, poinsettia, plants
- Mani/Pedi
- Self care kit (cozy socks, lavender candle, face mask)
- Pyrex Winter dish set with homemade food inside
- Take them out to dinner
- Puzzle piece retractable badge lanyards
- Kitchen towels
- 5 days worth of inexpensive gifts
- Bundt cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Hand made soaps
- No gifts – just gifts for the kids
- No gifts – donate toys
- Fun holiday socks
- Movie bin (movie/redbox code, popcorn tin, popcorn)
- Team luncheon
- Secret Santa gift exchange / white elephant gift exchange
- Something personalized and thoughtful
- Custom clipboard
- Bella Buddha beads
- Something they need
- Holiday bags from Thirty-one
- Team gift
What gifts do you buy or make for your paras and classroom staff for the holidays?
