10 Daycare Teachers Gifts They'll Actually Love

It's safe to say that going through a pandemic showed us, more than ever, how absolutely vital childcare centers and workers are to the fabric of society. Without childcare workers and childcare for our children, working parents are not able to do their jobs, contribute to the economy, and perform essential functions.

It's clearer now more than ever just how hard daycare owners and teachers work. That's why it's a good idea to consider more heartfelt gifts this year to recognize the daycare educators in your life. Not sure where to start? Don't worry, we've rounded up some ideas to give you a little inspiration.

1. Breakfast on You

When my toddler's daycare opened back up, my husband and I sent over bagels, muffins, and fruit for all of the staff to enjoy. You can treat your daycare center to a holiday breakfast—or lunch!—complete with goodies from your favorite local spot and, of course, lots of coffee. Just don't forget to check in with the center's owner ahead of time to make sure you schedule it at a convenient time.

For an extra special touch for your child's teacher, buy a coffee tumbler—we love this insulated one from Hyrdo Flask that can keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 6. Bonus points if you fill it with a sweet note from you or your child!

2. Opt for a New Mask

If face masks are required at your childcare center, why not lean into that and give your child's teacher a little more variety with their choice of masks every morning?

These cotton face masks by Kitsch are soft and comfortable for prolonged wear, plus they come in a variety of patterns. And these adjustable face masks by Joah Love will fit every face shape and have a strap to keep them right around your neck when not in use.

3. Give the Gift of Relaxation

A full day at the spa might be hard to swing on a budget, but you can still treat teachers to some R&R—which they could surely use after wrangling the under 5 crowd every day.

Give the gift of relaxation to your daycare teacher with this highly-coveted back and neck massager—seriously, it's got rave reviews on Amazon—that'll have them unwinding in no time. And throw in a fizzy bath bomb full of essential oils by Lush to make their post-massage bath even more soothing.

4. Stock Them up on Hand Sanitizer

Pandemic or not, these teachers are around our germy little kids day in and day out—and let's not forget all of those poopy diapers—so hand sanitizer is a must-have. The mini hand sanitizers from Bath and Body Works are always a hit, plus they have super cute sanitizer cases for under $10. Adorable: check. Practical: check.

5. Treat Them to a Manicure

Frequent hand-washing is the root of many a chipped nail—not to mention über dry, cracked hands. Treat your child's teacher to a new manicure, either with a gift certificate to your favorite salon in the area, or gift a shade or two of Sundays nontoxic, long-lasting polish. Don't skip out on a moisturizing hand lotion too. Target lovers (aren't we all though) swear by the Smartly unscented Hand & Body Lotion, and for $2.29 it's a no-brainer.

6. Help Them Prioritize Self-Care

Create a little basket to help your child's teacher make some time for self-care. Add in a Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask to help treat skin congested from all that mask-wearing and Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum to help bring moisture back into the face. These products will help your teacher feel luxurious, but you can also opt for some of your favorite drugstore buys to really load the basket up.

7. Keep It Personal

It's time to really get to know your child's caretaker. Take note of a color they wear often, ask them about the smell of their perfume or lotion, or a favorite drink. When it comes time to shop, keep those things in mind and buy that perfume they told you about or that box of tea they love. If you aren't sure, purchase something that reminds you of them or that you just can't get enough of—like a rich candle. Include a note about why you chose that gift and express your gratitude.

8. Consider Cozy

The top cozy gift perfect for all types of weather? Ugg Scuffette II slippers. But if you aren't sure of their shoe size, an oversized scarf in a luxe fabric—like this J.Crew oversized cashmere wrap—will do the trick.

9. Make It Homemade

The past few years have been rough on families, with career stability and finances really taking a hit. There's no reason you have to spend more than you're able to show your gratitude; opting for something homemade can be just as meaningful as spending the big bucks.

Your child's teacher will love freshly-baked holiday cookies—just print out the recipe or place them on a plate they can reuse!—or opt for a special creation made by your kid.

10. Can't Go Wrong With a Gift Card

Still not sure what to get? A gift card will allow your child's teacher to get exactly what they want this year. Try a gift certificate to a local restaurant you think they'll love or treat them to dinner at home with an Uber Eats gift card.

For the beauty lover, a Sephora gift card is just the answer. For the entertainer, a gift card for Williams Sonoma will be much appreciated. Want to leave it a little more flexible? Go with an Amazon or Visa gift card.

Whatever you decide, your child's daycare teacher will know just how much you appreciate them.