DANCE RECITAL GIFT SEASON IS UPON US!

In addition to a gift for your dancer its also time to plan for the end of year dance teacher gifts!

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For those of you going…“Wait…Im supposed to give the Dance Teacher a gift?!” No, its not obligatory. In fact I had an instructor tell me they have never received an end of year gift (gasp)!

However, many students/families DO give a little something to show appreciation and love to their instructor after spending the year together!

BUT WHAT TO GET THEM?!

I am in about 47 “Dance Mom” Facebook groups. It is a question I have seen asked MULTIPLE times recently!

SO HAVE NO FEAR! I went straight to the source…..DANCE TEACHERS.

I asked SEVEN of our studios fabulous instructors to give me their BRUTALLY HONEST version of the perfect gift to receive from a student/family.

Let me tell you, we’ve all been overthinking it!

THESE ARE THE GIFTS DANCE TEACHERS REALLY WANT!

COFFEE COFFEE COFFEE.

Did you catch that? THEY WANT COFFEE.

Here in Eastern Washington we have no shortage of coffee companies to choose from. Starbucks, Dutch Bros, Roasters etc.

If you know your instructors favorite coffee stand, hit it up for a $5 or $10 gift card. If you don’t know the favorite, just pick one and I’m sure it will be appreciated no matter what!

And coffee makes sense! Instructors spend countless hours outside of class preparing music, curriculum and choreography. This is in addition to the time spent in classes with your children and several others. I only have 2 kids and they make me tired. Most of our instructors have children of their own. They are tired too. Give them coffee.

THANK YOU CARDS AND HUGS

Did I mention we’ve been overthinking this?

Almost every single instructor I asked responded with this (in addition to coffee…). A simple, personal little thank you note and a hug.

These instructors get to know your children. They laugh with them and face challenges with them and care about them. Just a little “Hey, we love you too and appreciate everything this year” means a TON. You can include a photo of your dancer with the instructor so they have a lifetime memory.

You can include the $5 coffee gift card. A flower. Just give the card all by itself with your 3 year old baby ballerinas un-readable signature. It will be cherished no matter what. 

DANCEWEAR GIFT CARDS

Think you buy a lot of dancewear and dance shoes? So do your instructors!

While every instructor would be happy with a hug and a thank you and wouldn’t expect anything else, if you are struggling with an idea for something to buy them this is a safe bet!

Discount Dance, Dancewear Solutions, etc. “Hey here’s $10 towards a pair of new ballet shoes” will put a smile on their face. Practicality goes a long way. A gift card to a dancewear or dance supply company helps in those situations where you just aren’t sure what they need or want.

Trust me, they will find something they love.

SOMETHING SMALL AND FUN

Typically dance teachers are full of life and personality, at least all of ours are.


Silly socks, sparkly cups, a bunch of cake pops (by the way, these items are all directly quoted from our instructors 😉 ) something something small and handmade like a hand drawn picture.

A couple years ago we made mini glitter canvases

Not feeling crafty? Head over to Etsy and check out these awesome Dance Teacher gifts made by people who were.

Personalized Dance Teacher Keychain With Rhinestone Initial

Dance Teacher Candle – Choose from several scents

Coffee Before Choreography Mug

Dance Teacher Thank You Necklace

Worlds Best Dance Teacher Personalized Tote Bag

Tap Teacher Water Bottle

Dance Teacher Notepad

Dance Inspire Teach Necklace

Dance Teacher Printable Digital File

Remember – your instructor will LOVE that you took time to think about them and do something special for them.

It doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant. It doesn’t have to be something Pinterest or showcase worthy.

I know its cliche…but I’m quoting directly from an instructor here and at the end of the day the most important thing to remember is….

IT’S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS.

Just a small gesture will show your instructor that they are loved and appreciated and that you thought about them.

Now go fluff those tutus, bust out your instructor gift, take a deep breath and get ready for recital!

-Angela

*Special thanks to Marlie, Hannah, Morgan, Wendy, Danielle, Erin, and Christine for responding to my inquiry and making this post possible, I appreciate you ladies (and all of Mads instructors!) today and everyday <3*