5 Budget-Friendly Purim Gifts Teachers Will Love

With Purim around the corner, you sit down with a pen and paper to make your mishloach manot list. Not the mitzvah packages given on Purim day, but the small thank you gifts many families prepare for teachers and preschool staff to show appreciation for their work throughout the year. These gifts do not need to include two types of food. They are usually a few quality chocolates paired with a small token that simply says thank you.

You look at the list again. It is long. And the question comes up naturally. Is it really possible to give a respectful, thoughtful gift on a reasonable budget for every teacher and preschool teacher?

What Teachers Actually Care About

Let’s start with something reassuring. Teachers and preschool teachers, many of whom are parents themselves, know how long these lists can be. They do not expect expensive gifts. What they truly appreciate is a thoughtfully put together package and a warm, sincere note.

One wonderful preschool teacher I spoke to for this piece put it simply. “I honestly do not care how much someone spent on the gift. What moves me most are the notes parents write from the heart. I keep them.”

And of course, anyone with children in school knows there is usually a whole team involved. Add the usual Purim expenses, with Pesach right around the corner, and the question becomes unavoidable. How do we show appreciation without stretching the budget beyond reason? We went looking for answers.

Simple Gift Ideas That Work

1. A small plant

A small, attractive plant like a succulent or cactus makes a lovely gift that lasts. Faux plants are also a great option and require no care at all. Add some nice chocolate and a nicely designed card with a personal note. As always, the words matter most.

2. A useful everyday item

A pretty bowl, storage container, cutlery set, or wooden cutting board is often a better choice than a cardboard tray that gets thrown away as soon as it is opened. Use the item to hold the chocolates, and it becomes a practical gift that stays. Discount shops often carry stylish, well made pieces at very reasonable prices.

3. A coffee or tea kit

Put together a small set with a large ceramic mug, a bag of quality coffee or tea, and a nice spoon. You can add brown sugar or bite size cookies. If you want to add a special touch, tie a small bottle of milk with a colorful ribbon.

4. Scented candles or natural soap

Scented candles are almost always appreciated. Look for small, quality candles in pretty glass jars. There is no need for anything large. Even a small candle feels thoughtful. You can pair it with a handmade natural soap, or give the soap on its own with a good chocolate. And remember, the warmth of your note will last far longer than the candle.

5. A group gift

Many parents choose to pool funds and give a shared gift. This makes it easier to stay within budget while offering something more substantial. It is often the simplest solution for everyone.

A Final Note to Keep in Mind

In every preschool, beyond the lead teacher and assistant, there is usually a wider team that includes aftercare staff, substitutes, and specialists. In some settings, especially those with additional support, the team can be quite large. It is often better to give a small gift to each staff member than to give a larger gift to only one or two. Coordinating with other parents can help ensure everyone feels included.

Above all, the note matters most. This is your chance to say thank you in your own words. Share what you appreciate most, whether it is the dedication, the daily smile, or the warmth and care your child receives. Those few lines are often the most meaningful part of the gift.

Happy Purim.