Great Gift Ideas for Moms, Dads, Grandparents & Teachers
This post is a part of the Gift Ideas Series and contains affiliate links and sponsored listings.
Kids can be easy to shop for since they make their interests and hobbies known – plus they change every five minutes.
Adults, on the other hand, can be more challenging. What do you get for someone who doesn’t seem to need anything more?
Never fear, we’ve got a great list to get you started. Read on to find great gift ideas, local shops and experience gifts for moms, dads, grandparents and teachers.
Gift Ideas: Moms
Giving mom a gift this year? Whatever you end up gifting mom, add a dash of rest and relaxation and I’m sure she’ll appreciate it.
Stuff Moms Want
Send a fun activity to family and friends this winter!
The hot cocoa bomb board from Nibble + Nosh is the perfect way to bring the family together while staying warm this holiday season.
Other boards such as cheese + charcuterie, candy and brunch boards are available as well.
Cocktail kits to infuse your booze using dehydrated fruits, spices and herbs!
InBooze® is owned by Ashleigh Evans, a mother of 4 and cocktail lover.
In 2018, she wanted an easier (and healthier!) way for everyone to enjoy drinks at home. By infusing with simple fruits, spices and herbs, you know exactly what is in your cocktail!
The 100% natural body oils, soaps, and more are locally made in Grand Rapids.
These are non-toxic, vegan, effective skin care products to help heal your skin from everyday troubles.
Snag a piece of natural wooden jewelry. No stain or dye - the wood speaks for itself.
Always something new and interesting!
Bramble's Woodwork is a weekly drop website. Items ship the same day.
Since 2014, Maggie Ann Soap Co. has been practicing the art of clean.
Each product is made with love, care, and respect – for my craft, for my customers, and for our planet.
1 Jar of Sleeping Bear Farms Jam (Raspberry, Cherry, or Lemon Creme depending on inventory)
1 Small Leaf Container of Michigan Maple Syrup
1 Package of Michigan Cherry Scone Mix from Motown Soup (all sales go to charity)
1 Small Honey Bear - 2oz (May be replaced with the a 2oz cherry honey bear if options is sold out)
1 Package of Traverse City Cherry Pancake Mix
1 Great Lakes State Sticker from Big Moods
Handmade in Milan, Michigan.
Hand-made, glazed, kiln-fired, and ready to place in your home. Dishwasher, microwave, and food-safe glazes.
Each carefully wrapped Made in Michigan Gift Box comes with:
- one 8oz glass jar of raw honey
- one wooden honey dipper
- one hand-poured beeswax Just Bee candle, (no scents added, just pure MI beeswax)
- a Sister Bees matchbox
- two lip balms, (Michigan Cherry & Apple Cider)
- one Michigan Honey goat's milk soap
Lots of designs and styles to choose from.
Matching Christmas Pajamas are a cozy treat everyone in the family, including Fido, can enjoy.
Clay pins are made with lots of love, and perfectly imperfect.
Hand made + painted, so every pin is different. Made in Grand Rapids, MI.
Turn your word or short phrase (limit 12 characters) into a beautiful snowflake engraved and cut out of acrylic.
In the picture, you will notice that each 'arm' of the snowflake is a word or short phrase and its reflection.
Taco Slippers are the ultimate attire for taco lovers the world over!
These MI-based stickers on Etsy show our pride, humor, and appreciation of the Mitten state.
This kit allows you to make your own candles or soaps using essential oils, soy wax and cocoa butter.
YakTrax slip over your normal shoes to provide extra traction for walking through the snow and ice.
Perfect for a quick walk or running errands on slippery days.
They are also great for walking through trails when there isn’t enough snow for snowshoeing.
An easy, economical way to get your gloves dried, faster.
The EcoDryer goes over your forced air register, no tools or electricity needed.
Put gloves, mittens, hats, or even boots over each nozzle and the hot air dries them from the inside out.
COOL: Made in the USA and founded by a Michigan mom!
If your more of one-cup-at-a-time kind of coffee drinker, Keurig has you covered.
With this deluxe machine, you can froth your own milk right on the side of the brewer – plus it makes lattes and cappuccino as well as coffee and hot chocolate.
The frother is top rack dishwasher safe.
A subscription box for coffee?!? Yes, please!
Sign up for a monthly coffee-themed subscription box with Crate Joy and have something to look forward every month.
Some coffee crates also come with snacks or treats, and others help support a good cause.
No time to go to the salon? Give yourself your own manicures and pedicures.
These tools are stainless steel and includes everything you could possibly need for amazing nails.
Or treat yourself to something from Olive & June.
Part slipper, part sandal, all amazing.
The downy sheepskin feels amazing and the durable rubber sole means they can be worn outside.
It also has Ugg’s signature platform heel – which is also wrapped in fluff.
Wake up to a more natural sunlight rather than a jarring alarm buzzer.
The wake up light gradually increases and changes from a gentle red to a bright sunlight.
This clock has many adjustable settings – plus a USB charging port.
Made in Michigan! This puzzle includes both the upper and lower peninsula and has the major highways and interstates on it, along with a star at the major cities.
Local Shops with Gifts for Moms
Your go-to family owned store for unique gifts, home decor and more.
6504 28th St SE Suite E, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Grand Rapids' oldest and largest used book shop, including new and used Comic Books.
1405 Robinson Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Board games, toys, and puzzles for all ages.
Probably the most extensive board game selection in West Michigan.
5212 S Division Ave, Kentwood, MI 49548
This popular local independent bookstore has an expansive selection of new and used books for all ages.
You can also find interesting gifts galore, from toys in the children's section to the kitchen items, office items and other gifts throughout the store.
2660 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Horrocks is an independent market with unique groceries, gifts and everything in between.
You'll find food, gifts, home decor, a garden center... the list goes on and on.
Plus specialty beer, wine, and cheese, and an incredible deli with fresh pizzas and more. They've even got outdoor dining where you can enjoy them.
4455 Breton Rd SE, Kentwood, MI 49508
Although women's clothing is the main focus, jb and me also specializes in vintage finds, home goods, and gorgeous accessories.
The charming mix of trendy fashions and comfortable appeal will keep you spellbound for hours.
36 W 8th St, Holland, MI 49423
Koeze specializes in artisanal nuts and chocolates.
Get your cashews, pistachios, almonds and peanuts plain or chocolate covered.
Don't miss a best selling gift basket!
1971 E Beltline Ave NE Ste 101, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
The DeVos-Keeler Gift Shop at Frederik Meijer Gardens has all kinds of unique gifts, including original and handmade items.
You'll find jewelry, accessories, and gifts for both home and garden.
Plus fun and educational books, toys, and baby items.
And of course exhibition-related gifts and Meijer Gardens-branded items, too!
1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Guelaguetza Designs aims to help build cultural bridges through the sale of beautiful handmade items from Mexico.
In addition to shoes and clothing for the whole family, you can also get handmade Mexican dolls and toys, clay pieces, accessories, jewelry, home decor and more.
2727 De Hoop Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509
Jade specializes in contemporary women's clothing and accessories for stylish women of all ages.
17 Squires St NE, Rockford, MI 49341
gather-d is an inviting and well curated space filled with home decor, clothing and gifts for everyone. We also offer a small rental gathering space.
46 E. Bridge St., Rockford, MI 49341
Over 100 years and five generations strong, the Fabiano family invites you for an old-fashioned friendly experience while shopping for homemade chocolates, fresh roasted nuts and famous Fabiano ice cream Nutty Paddle Pops. Nostalgic to current, choosing a gift is easy at The Holland Peanut Store!
46 East 8th St, Holland, MI 49423
Lee & Birch offers a personalized shopping experience to every customer that walks in. They help every woman shopping to leave feeling better and more confidant than when they walked in. They stock high-quality clothing and accessories that will be a staple in your closet, as well as modern styles that hit the most up-to-date trends.
4 locations - Grand Haven, Rockford, Grand Rapids & Kalamazoo.
759 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Nestology Shop & Studio is a boutique featuring handmade items, home decor, and accessories. Unique handmade gifts.
141 Diamond Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Dime & Regal is a fine jewelry shop & studio supporting women designers, artists, and makers. It's located on the Wealthy Street Corridor in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 100% women-owned & run.
656 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Grand Rapids' proudly progressive, consciously curated, and fiercely independent neighborhood bookstore featuring books, gifts, accessories, cards, and stationery.
966 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Bettie’s Pages features a great selection of high quality, pre-owned, new, and bargain books as well as a selection of vintage inspired gifts and locally made goods. They have a selection of teas and coffee to sip and enjoy while you hang out and lots of comfy seating.
216 E Main St, Lowell, MI 49331
A specialty boutique featuring cute unique gifts for children, home, and her.
703 Bagely Ave, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Your one-stop-shop for stationery, greeting cards, Grand Rapids-themed items & unique gifts for anyone.
40 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Wine merchant and gourmet grocer focused on procuring the finest beverage and food products. Global wine selection, boutique and small batch liquors, local craft and imported beers, locally sourced and specialty groceries, cut-to-order cheese from small farms and dairies around the world, and freshly prepared delicious deli items.
200 Union Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Featuring a variety of specialty cheese from around the world. Customers can sample from a list of cheddar, asiago, havarti, swiss, provolone, gouda, brie, mozzerella, manchego, goat cheese and many more. Also providing gourmet specialty foods and handmade goods.
315 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Specialty kettle corn where every batch is made by hand with a secret recipe over a flaming kettle.
435 Ionia Ave SW suite 121, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Specialty beverage store stocked with Craft Beer, Worldwide Wine and Premium Spirits with approachable, knowledgeable and unpretentious hospitality.
3835 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Old World Olive Co is a specialty extra virgin olive oil & aged balsamic tasting room. In addition to their awesome oils and vinegars, they also have Tapenades, Jams, Dips, Mustards, Aiolis, Seasonings, and Michigan-made Pasta.
108 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Blue Bridge Games is a local game store in the city of Grand Rapids that offers a great selection of analog entertainment - board games, role-playing games, sealed Magic items, jigsaw puzzles and more.
954 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Woosah is a naturally inspired art and apparel brand with a printshop and retail store based in Grand Rapids.
738 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Art of the Table is a beloved specialty gourmet shop that provides delicious products for entertaining and makes the big and small moments of life more memorable. They pair personal taste you can trust with a unique range of food, libations, and table accessories to delight customers from around the corner to across the country.
606 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Gemini Handmade is a handcrafted shopping destination, a crossroads for makers and their community, and collective studio, featuring functional art and craft from West Michigan-based, independently operated designers and artists. They offer shopping, workshops, and handcrafted experiences for all ages and types of participants.
963 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
The store with a conscience focusing on holistic health, wellness and spiritual growth.
1430 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Rebel is a homegrown, modern gift shop on the West Coast of Michigan. Our products come from all over the world and are meant to inspire, challenge, cheer up and change the conversation.
1555 Wealthy Street SE Suite 101, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
A full-service florist, gift shop, and home decor store dedicated to high standards of quality and exceptional service.
4665 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
They transform ordinary clay into extraordinary pottery. All their pieces are hand made and hand painted in Grand Rapids.
7199 Thornapple River Dr SE, Ada, MI 49301
Home Decor boutique in East Grand Rapids.
1409 Robinson Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
They are passionate about supporting a natural, healthier life through continued plant education and carefully curated products.
1059 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
The Found Cottage is an eclectic mix of vintage and new home accessories, clothing, jewelry, decor and furniture.
2460 Chicago Drive, Suite B, Hudsonville, MI 49426
Reinspired Treasures is Grand Rapids' favorite store for an eclectic mix of vintage and new home décor, farmhouse finds, boutique clothing, artisan creations and more.
2417 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Concrete goods for your space, to make space.
With minimalistic design always in mind, we create pieces by hand, with purpose out of concrete.
From trays to candles and all the in-betweens, we are creating for your home.
1111 Godfrey SW, Unit N-230, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Experience Gifts for Moms
GIVE memberships or passes FOR:
- The Mud Room
- Legacy Stables & Karin’s Horse Connection
- Spa Day. Massage, facial, mani / pedi – Mom deserves it all
- Explore downtown Grand Rapids on a horse-drawn tour of the city with Classic Carriage Rides
- Show at the Civic Theatre
- Grand Rapids Symphony performance
- Murder Mystery Dinner. Someone else will make her three-course meal and she’ll be part of the show.
- Cooking class. If Mom isn’t a chef, she can learn to be one. If she’s already amazing in the kitchen, she can learn something new.
- Eastern Floral. Make a beautiful arrangement.
Gift Ideas: Dads
Dads like things other than beer and ties. Who knew? Check this list to find some new ideas for him.
Stuff Dads Want
Men's Sorel Slippers- These are durable, manly slippers.
They have enough heel coverage to stay in place, but low enough to be able to slip off and on without bending over.
Snowshoes- Snowshoes are great for continuing to hike the trails in the winter without sinking into the snow.
Choose snowshoes that have a heel lift to assist with incline climbing in order to avoid blisters.
Snowshoes are for everyone, from little kids to adults, although little kids will have a hard time keeping up with everyone.
Michigan License Plate Mug, Handmade- Michigan License Plate Mug - Handmade in Milan, Michigan.
Hand-made, glazed, kiln-fired, and ready to place in your home. Dishwasher, microwave, and food-safe glazes.
Meat Smoker- Popular with BBQ lovers, a smoker creates mouthwatering meals via indirect heat (smoke).
A smoker cooks food low and slow for the ultimate flavor experience.
Customize flavors and enjoy a longer shelf life.
Beer Brewing Kit- Make your own beer, right at home, without a lot of big expensive equipment.
It only takes 30 minutes to brew your beer and is ready to drink in 3 – 4 weeks.
Why Shop Here?
Hides and Stitches- High quality, hand-made heirloom leather goods constructed with careful thought - each piece is constructed by hand including cutting, punching, dying and sewing.
Whenever possible, we source our materials from producers in the United States, including leather from Horween Leather Company and thread from Maine Thread Company.
Gin Making Kit- Create your own gin with this kit.
This kit comes with a variety of spices and all the tools you'll need. You supply the alcohol.
Made in Michigan Breakfast Gift Box- 1 Jar of Sleeping Bear Farms Jam (Raspberry, Cherry, or Lemon Creme depending on inventory)
1 Small Leaf Container of Michigan Maple Syrup
1 Package of Michigan Cherry Scone Mix from Motown Soup (all sales go to charity)
1 Small Honey Bear - 2oz (May be replaced with the a 2oz cherry honey bear if options is sold out)
1 Package of Traverse City Cherry Pancake Mix
1 Great Lakes State Sticker from Big Moods
YakTrax- YakTrax slip over your normal shoes to provide extra traction for walking through the snow and ice.
Perfect for a quick walk or running errands on slippery days.
They are also great for walking through trails when there isn’t enough snow for snowshoeing.
Michigan Counties Wooden Puzzle- Made in Michigan! This puzzle includes both the upper and lower peninsula and has the major highways and interstates on it, along with a star at the major cities.
Local Shops with Gifts for Dads
Horrock's- Horrocks is an independent market with unique groceries, gifts and everything in between.
You'll find food, gifts, home decor, a garden center... the list goes on and on.
Plus specialty beer, wine, and cheese, and an incredible deli with fresh pizzas and more. They've even got outdoor dining where you can enjoy them.
4455 Breton Rd SE, Kentwood, MI 49508
Koeze- Koeze specializes in artisanal nuts and chocolates.
Get your cashews, pistachios, almonds and peanuts plain or chocolate covered.
Don't miss a best selling gift basket!
1971 E Beltline Ave NE Ste 101, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Rishi's International Beverage- Specialty beverage store stocked with Craft Beer, Worldwide Wine and Premium Spirits with approachable, knowledgeable and unpretentious hospitality.
3835 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Dorothy and Tony's Gourmet Popcorn- Specialty kettle corn where every batch is made by hand with a secret recipe over a flaming kettle.
435 Ionia Ave SW suite 121, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The Cheese Lady- Featuring a variety of specialty cheese from around the world. Customers can sample from a list of cheddar, asiago, havarti, swiss, provolone, gouda, brie, mozzerella, manchego, goat cheese and many more. Also providing gourmet specialty foods and handmade goods.
315 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Martha’s Vineyard- Wine merchant and gourmet grocer focused on procuring the finest beverage and food products. Global wine selection, boutique and small batch liquors, local craft and imported beers, locally sourced and specialty groceries, cut-to-order cheese from small farms and dairies around the world, and freshly prepared delicious deli items.
200 Union Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Gemini Handmade- Gemini Handmade is a handcrafted shopping destination, a crossroads for makers and their community, and collective studio, featuring functional art and craft from West Michigan-based, independently operated designers and artists. They offer shopping, workshops, and handcrafted experiences for all ages and types of participants.
963 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Art of the Table- Art of the Table is a beloved specialty gourmet shop that provides delicious products for entertaining and makes the big and small moments of life more memorable. They pair personal taste you can trust with a unique range of food, libations, and table accessories to delight customers from around the corner to across the country.
606 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Sweetland Candies- Specialty coffee and handmade chocolates.
9 North Main St, Rockford, MI 49341
The Plant Parlor- They are passionate about supporting a natural, healthier life through continued plant education and carefully curated products.
1059 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Old World Olive Co.- Old World Olive Co is a specialty extra virgin olive oil & aged balsamic tasting room. In addition to their awesome oils and vinegars, they also have Tapenades, Jams, Dips, Mustards, Aiolis, Seasonings, and Michigan-made Pasta.
108 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Spirit Dreams- The store with a conscience focusing on holistic health, wellness and spiritual growth.
1430 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Woosah Outfitters- Woosah is a naturally inspired art and apparel brand with a printshop and retail store based in Grand Rapids.
738 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Schuler Books- This popular local independent bookstore has an expansive selection of new and used books for all ages.
You can also find interesting gifts galore, from toys in the children's section to the kitchen items, office items and other gifts throughout the store.
2660 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Out of the Box- Board games, toys, and puzzles for all ages.
Probably the most extensive board game selection in West Michigan.
5212 S Division Ave, Kentwood, MI 49548
Argos Book Shop- Grand Rapids' oldest and largest used book shop, including new and used Comic Books.
1405 Robinson Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Bettie's Pages- Bettie’s Pages features a great selection of high quality, pre-owned, new, and bargain books as well as a selection of vintage inspired gifts and locally made goods. They have a selection of teas and coffee to sip and enjoy while you hang out and lots of comfy seating.
216 E Main St, Lowell, MI 49331
Books & Mortar- Grand Rapids' proudly progressive, consciously curated, and fiercely independent neighborhood bookstore featuring books, gifts, accessories, cards, and stationery.
966 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Blue Bridge Games- Blue Bridge Games is a local game store in the city of Grand Rapids that offers a great selection of analog entertainment - board games, role-playing games, sealed Magic items, jigsaw puzzles and more.
954 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Experience Gifts for Dads
GIVE memberships or passes FOR:
- BattleGR
- Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center
- West Michigan Whitecaps game. Plus give him the chance to throw the first pitch of the game
- Grand Rapids Griffins game
- X-Golf. Golf simulator
- Guided fishing trip with Betts Guide Service in Newaygo
- Beer. Home brewing class, brewery tour or the Grand Rapids Beer Tour
- Celebration Cinema + restaurant
- Escape Room
- Axe throwing
Gift Ideas: Grandparents
It can be hard to find a gift for the amazing grandparents in our lives. We’ve found some cool ideas to get your gears turning.
Stuff Grandparents Want
Personalized Family Ornament- This thoughtful gift is perfect for grandparents!
This ornament measures about 4 inches around.
May include up to 10 names.
Family Wood Direction Sign- Customize these signs with the names and distance to your family members. Any color available to match your desire. You may choose your favorite sayings to write on your custom sign.
Made in Michigan Breakfast Gift Box- 1 Jar of Sleeping Bear Farms Jam (Raspberry, Cherry, or Lemon Creme depending on inventory)
1 Small Leaf Container of Michigan Maple Syrup
1 Package of Michigan Cherry Scone Mix from Motown Soup (all sales go to charity)
1 Small Honey Bear - 2oz (May be replaced with the a 2oz cherry honey bear if options is sold out)
1 Package of Traverse City Cherry Pancake Mix
1 Great Lakes State Sticker from Big Moods
Personalized Snowflake Ornament- Turn your word or short phrase (limit 12 characters) into a beautiful snowflake engraved and cut out of acrylic.
In the picture, you will notice that each 'arm' of the snowflake is a word or short phrase and its reflection.
Michigan Bee Gift Set - Made in Michigan- Each carefully wrapped Made in Michigan Gift Box comes with:
- one 8oz glass jar of raw honey
- one wooden honey dipper
- one hand-poured beeswax Just Bee candle, (no scents added, just pure MI beeswax)
- a Sister Bees matchbox
- two lip balms, (Michigan Cherry & Apple Cider)
- one Michigan Honey goat's milk soap
State of Michigan Handmade Pottery Mug- Handmade in Milan, Michigan.
Hand-made, glazed, kiln-fired, and ready to place in your home. Dishwasher, microwave, and food-safe glazes.
Gift Ideas: Teachers
Teachers like mugs, but they have enough. What they don’t have enough of is time, money, coffee, and parents that help in the classroom.
If you want to spoil your teacher this year, gift cards are greatly appreciated. If you want to do something extra, see the list of ideas below.
- Gift Cards or Cash: Gift cards are always a hit. You can’t go wrong with Target. Teachers can buy something for themselves or for the classroom. You can also opt for cash. Cash always says, “You’re Wonderful!” and it can be spent anywhere.
- Mini Poster of Appreciation: Create a mini poster of what kids love about their teacher. Have each student write down their favorite thing about the teacher to make this list.
- Notes and Drawings From Your Child: If you don’t have time to gather the whole classroom’s thoughts, you can still have your child write a meaningful note for the teacher. I still have the “love” notes students gave me ten years ago.
- Give the Gift of Your Time! Ask the teacher what he or she needs the most help with right now. I recently repaired books from my son’s classroom library and his teacher was so grateful. If you’re available to go to school, you can offer to help with centers, listen to kids read, sharpen pencils, change bulletin boards… the list is really endless.
- School Supplies: You can’t go wrong with a pack of Expo markers or Post-It Notes. For early childhood teachers, send glue sticks or crayons.
- Go Local! Check out beautiful gifts at Art of the Table, Reinspired Treasures, Rebel Reclaimed and Roeda Studios.
Open to See Favorite Gifts, According to Teachers
Need more inspiration? We asked teachers around Michigan what their most memorable gifts have been. Check out what they had to say and get some more ideas about what will make your kids’ teachers smile.
- “A painted canvas. He used my favorite colors and his mom said he worked on it for days. It’s still hanging in my classroom years later.” – Brittni-Kae DeWitt
- “A bar of Ivory soap from a little boy who had just arrived from a Cambodian refuge camp. 36 years ago and I still choke up thinking about it.” – Jenny Klueter, Battle Creek
- “My most memorable weren’t the most expensive or even the most useful, but the ones chosen by the student. A dollar store Christmas ornament chosen because it was my favorite color (red) and one time I got a lemon! He knew I ate fruit everyday. They had lemons at home and he wanted me to have one.” – Liz DeVries, Hudsonville
- “I love my Christmas tree ornaments. Every year as I hang them up, it brings back memories.” – Mandi Nielson, Wayland (Good thing Mandi has a 12 ft tree!)
- “The first student I had with ASD (autistic spectrum disorder) found a couple of leaves that looked like Michigan. He put them together to make an art project and gave it to me. It was his first exposure to the classroom and my first student with ASD. It is still up in my room.” – Kim Converse, Zeeland
- “My most memorable gift was from a student who never had his homework done, missed class a lot, had a hard time simply being in school. For Christmas, he put a single red bulb ornament in a old check box and gave it to me. When I opened it, it was clear that he had taken that ornament off of someone’s tree and sourced a box from who knows where so he could give me a gift. A boy who had nothing was so thoughtful and so loving that he figured out a way to give me, his math teacher, something for Christmas. My heart warms now just thinking about it, 16 years later.” – Michelle Mixa, Holland
- “I have cherished everything given by a student or parent. My favorites are the letters, drawings, cards, and photos. I keep them together and, if I need a pick-me-up, I look at them and remember the fun I had with those kids.” – Meredith Jackson, Lansing
- “I had a student knit me a handmade scarf. The fact that she spent time outside of class and thought to make it for me was so special.” – Sabrina Lynch, Royal Oak
- “For my birthday (that I hadn’t broadcasted), one of my 3rd graders made me one of those huge posters with the candy bar sayings. She spent a lot of time creating it!! Best gift ever…especially because it wasn’t for Christmas or an end of the year gift when it might be more expected.” – Melissa Nimtz, Battle Creek
- “Best gift ever for me was a tin of homemade cookies a student and her grandma baked for me. I don’t even remember if the cookies were good…I really remember her grandma and I shared similar political views and grandma and student felt a connection with me because of this! It was so very heartfelt.” – Heather Lewis, Grand Rapids
- “I have received some very memorable gifts. From a tea pot from a 2nd grader when I was a long term sub, to dragonfly earrings, and several paintings from a very special student.” – Lorie Nierman, Battle Creek
- “A book my students made.” – Jessica Smith, Kalamazoo
- “A letter from one of my student’s father, thanking me for everything I had done for his son throughout the year. It was one of the few I got throughout my entire career.” – Susan Krolik, Lansing
- “In general, I appreciate the gifts from “the outside” – a Coke from a kid coming back from a mid-day appointment. A few warm homemade cookies at the end of the day. Really just the random, thoughtful things.” – Kim Converse, Zeeland
- “A delicious luncheon arranged by caring parents just before a long afternoon and evening of conferences. The dishes were homemade and parents were there to serve and thank us personally for teaching their children.” – Paula McPhee, Battle Creek
- “One of my students wrote a very kind essay about me for his freshman writing class at MSU. That one stands out against many other amazing gifts because he was murdered not long after he gave it to me—it was my last contact with him.” – Will Jurkiewicz, Lansing
- “I have received several very cool gifts over the years, but two kind of stand out. One was a wooden cut out apple sign with every student’s name from that year painted on it. I still have it hanging in my room and that student went on to become a teacher! The other was from a special young man, who periodically would bring me a single rose for no special holiday or reason. His mom worked at a store that had fresh flower arrangements. I joked with him that he had given me more roses than even my husband. The rose was always accompanied with a “God Bless you, Mrs. Ivens”. Sadly, he was killed in an automobile accident his jr year in high school.” – Karen Ivens, Battle Creek
- “One of my kindergarteners made me a Christmas card at home. She wanted to attach some peppermint candies, but didn’t have any tape or glue at home. She unwrapped the candies, licked them, and then stuck them to the card. I still have it!” – Patty Burnham, Battle Creek
- “Seeing them succeed and being contacted to say I impacted their life and decision to teach. It doesn’t get better than being remembered! Even being recognized in the grocery store being called out, hugged and thanked rates right up there (after they get over the shock that I’m still alive!). ” – Marta Onofrio, Battle Creek
Featured Gift Ideas & Experiences
West MI Gift Ideas Magazine
More Gift Ideas by Age
More Holiday Fun
THANK YOU for taking the time to recognize all the amazing TEACHERS!! LOVED reading the teachersBoth my parents are teachers, my mom (recently retired) from first grade where she would get all the things from all the kids, but my dad is a high school teacher where parents/kids don’t always think to remember their teachers on special days.
I encourage any parents out there with older kids to have them write a thank you card to a teacher that’s made a difference in their life….maybe just a side hug or a high five, maybe a silly joke to make them smile, maybe an ear to listen, OR maybe a safe classroom to visit and receive encouragement.
Fist pumps and high-fives to all those wonderful teachers out there, pouring into our kiddos lives all the good stuff!