School Secret Santa: Ideal gift ideas for every staff member

It’s nice to jump into the Christmas spirit whole-heartedly, and a staff Secret Santa is a great way to show some love across the school. But it’s not always the easiest to pick out a gift, particularly if you get someone you don’t know really well.

Fear not! We have collated a list of gifts perfect for each member of the school team, so you’re prepared no matter who you're buying for.

You got the headteacher

It’s common for the headteacher to hit the school gates in the morning and afternoon to see the safe arrival and departure of the pupils. Why not buy them a nice and cosy scarf? You can never have too many when you spend as much time outside as they do!

Depending on your budget, you might also want to throw in some gloves for freezing fingers.

You got a teacher

Teachers are often avid readers and what better way to provide them with a knowing laugh than with The Secret Teacher: Dispatches from the classroom. If you want to steer clear of work-themed presents, A Poem for Every Night of the Year could provide a lovely daily escape for any teacher.

You got an NQT

There’s a well-known thought in teaching that if you can make it to Christmas, you’re good. Never a truer word spoken than for NQTs. It’s tough to take on a full timetable, get to know a new school, class and staff, all whilst managing the usual workload of a teacher. Treat your NQT to a book that will help them through the tough times with Teacher Wellbeing & Self-care by Adrian Bethune and Emma Kell.

You could also create a care package of pamper-type products to help them relax over the festive period. Comfy socks, hot chocolate, and a personalised mug helps encourage a frazzled NQT to truly take a break.

You got a cleaner

Cleaners are often unsung heroes of schools, but without them, the school would not run. With the extra levels of cleanliness needed this year, cleaners have definitely earned their money.

All that scrubbing and wiping down will definitely have taken its toll on their hands. Why not get them an extra-special hand moisturiser? Or you could get them a voucher for your local beauty salon – the festive break probably means they can get a manicure and enjoy it for the entire of the Christmas holiday: a rare treat. 

You got a member of the catering staff

If you drew a member of the catering staff, why not give them a break from the day job and put together a lovely food hamper, leaving them to put their feet up.

You could source some local produce to really provide them something special, and don’t forget to include some festive-themed treats like mince pies or a yule log.

You got a teaching assistant

Teaching Assistants have to be super organised and prepped for all the different groups of children they work with each day. Treat them to a special organiser with journal stickers to help jolly up their organiser and make their lives easier. There are some gorgeous organisers and planners on Etsy, as well as fun and helpful stickers to go alongside the planners.

You got a member of the maintenance staff

Maintenance staff are the literal gatekeepers of schools and that is A LOT of keys. You could get them a personalised key ring or key organiser.

Caretakers also spend a lot of time outside, ensuring the entire grounds of school are up to scratch. In the cold winter months, a hat and gloves would almost certainly go down a treat. It might be helpful to get them fingerless gloves so that they don’t get in the way of the job!

You got a school business manager

School Business Managers – the silent conductor of the school. They can find themselves doing a huge range of jobs all around the school and they need the energy to do it. Gift them a personalised travel mug that means their tea or coffee stays hot for longer than 10 minutes.

SBMs should also be encouraged to put their feet up and properly relax over the festive period. It can be difficult to jump off the hamster wheel when you’ve been on it for the previous term. Get your SBM luxury bath salts, candles and chocolate for the ultimate bath time relaxation.

You got a member of the administration team

A lot of the people on the list often have a love for stationery, and anything to make the busy job of administration easier is always going to be welcomed. Consider getting your administration member personalised or special stationery.

A gorgeous pen, some fun highlighters, or perhaps even a stationery organiser make great gifts for a member of any admin team. These magnetic stationery pots help to free up precious desk space, too.

Ideas for anyone working in a school

Every single person working in schools works extremely hard to ensure the education of children is done the best and safest way possible. That can take its toll and a secret Santa gift is the perfect opportunity to show you care.

Below is a list of presents you could get anyone at school and know it would be enjoyed:

• Chocolate – you just can’t lose!
• Smellies – safe and guaranteed to be enjoyed.
• A voucher – give the gift of guilt-free shopping.
• Socks – might seem boring but comfort, when you’re on your feet all day, is priceless.

We hope we’ve helped to inspire your gift buying experience! If you’re looking for more festive fun, read our blog, 7 ideas for books to read over Christmas.