Teacher Favorite Things Questionnaire: what to ask and how to use it

Teacher gifts are thoughtful, but guessing can create waste. A short questionnaire gives parents, room parents, PTO groups and school teams a practical reference for birthdays, Teacher Appreciation Week, holidays and end-of-year gifts.

What should the questionnaire include?

• Drinks and snacks: everyday choices and anything the teacher would rather avoid.
• Restaurants and stores: useful when a gift card is the sensible option.
• Colours, scents and flowers: small details that can make a gift more personal.
• Hobbies and interests: enough context for a thoughtful choice without collecting intrusive information.
• Classroom wishlist: optional supplies or extras that would genuinely be useful.

When should you collect it?

The beginning of the school year is useful because the answers can support several occasions. Keep the completed form somewhere the relevant parent or school group can find it instead of repeatedly asking the teacher the same questions.

How should the answers be used?

1. Choose one or two preferences that fit the occasion and budget.
2. Use classroom-wishlist answers for practical contributions when appropriate.
3. For group gifts, use a preferred store or restaurant rather than guessing.
4. Treat the form as a guide, not a shopping list.

Favorites form or classroom wishlist?

They solve different problems. Favorite-things questions support appreciation for the teacher as a person. A classroom wishlist focuses on materials or extras for the class. A combined form is useful when families want both options in one place.