TL ; DR : Download my Free Teacher’s Favorite Thing Survey below!

As Teacher Appreciation Week approached last year, I spent countless hours scouring Pinterest for the perfect teacher gift ideas. This year, I crowdsourced recommendations from my teacher friends on Facebook, asking: “What kinds of gifts do you actually like to receive from students?”

One suggestion really resonated – having students’ parents send a simple questionnaire at the start of the year to learn the teacher’s favorite things. 

The questionnaire was an inventory of all their favorite things— favorite coffee spots, restaurants, places to shop, and flowers. Getting that insider knowledge makes gift-giving so much more personal and thoughtful.

I created a free printable “Favorite Things” questionnaire template in Canva that I plan to use for years. Just download it below!

I sent my daughter to school with copies of the teacher’s “favorite things” survey, and they sent it back that day. Scanning over the answers, I was so happy I decided to get to know them better:

• One teacher said she doesn’t drink coffee (that would have been my go-to gift card) but that she LOVES Dr. Pepper.
• Both teachers listed their favorite restaurants as local spots around where we live in Decatur– Kimball House and Victory Sandwich Bar. It’s a chance to support local businesses and love our teachers well!
• Another teacher mentioned her favorite flowers were lilies, so we had some fun chances to surprise her throughout the year!

I no longer have to bite my nails over Teacher Appreciation Week, holiday gifts, or “just because” gifts for the teachers we love. I have everything I need from the teacher’s “favorite things” survey to be thoughtful and intentional with our teachers this year!

Download the free printable teacher favorite things questionnaire below. It will be emailed to you! If you have any issues receiving it, email info@hannahbrencher.com.

Happy new school year!

p.s. Some lessons I’ve learned since becoming a mother and the mindset shift I had to make around motherhood.