HOW TO DRIVE SUCCESS WITH TEACHER GIFTS

Gifts for teachers can be lucrative not only at the end of the year but also through the year by establishing your business as a destination for gifts for teachers. 

Don’t be restricted by tradition. You could p[itch almost anything as a thank you gift to a teacher, including...

1. Jigsaws.
2. Games.
3. Books.
4. Coins.
5. Fun gifts.
6. Handbag.
7. A plush item the student is sure a teacher will love.
8. A photo frame with a photo in it.
9. A journal.
10. A beautiful pen.

Pitch these in a single front of store display.

Also, don’t be restricted by a price point. We suggest you show how two or more students could pool funds to buy a bigger gift such as a jigsaw puzzle. Show your customers how they can do this. For example: $19.99 or $10 each if two of you share giving this gift.  Maybe even consider a whole of class gift such as a collectible bear.

Be sure to include Thank You cards in every pitch – Thank You cards and blank cards ... teachers hold these as keepsakes for each year.

Also consider a discount if customers purchase above a threshold for multiple teachers. For example, you could offer 10% off for purchases of $25.00 or more. Choose a spend hurdle that suits your area.

Marketing and promotion tips:

1. Offer a $50 shopping voucher for one lucky teacher. To get an enter customers should purchase a card and gift from you.
2. Include a flyer with all purchases announcing your teacher gift range.
3. Leverage the local parents association to have them help you promote the offer. Consider having them hand out a coupon offering 5% off for purchases a 5% to them for each coupon redeemed.
4. Setup a THANK YOU TEACHER WALL where anyone can write a note thanking their teacher – from any generation or year.
5. Maybe run a Teacher of the Year competition where students vote. This could work well in a smaller location. However be careful as it could be seen as divisive if not done well.
6. Do a series of social media posts, featuring one gift or one category of gift in each post. For example:
   1. Give your teacher your favourite plush item, to connect you. [The photo should be the item]
   2. Anyone can buy a teacher an apple, you can buy them inspiration. [The photo should be a terrific inspiration gift.]
   3. Anyone can give a teacher an apply, you can give them laughs. [The photo should be something funny.

Visual merchandising tips

1. Go big and go bold. Your teacher promotion needs to be front of store to attract shoppers.
2. Use newsXpress collateral available from our website and the private Facebook Page.
3. Have a placement at the counter as a reminder to shoppers.

The most important aspect of this promotion is that you are respectful to and thankful for teachers and all they do in our community.