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I Survived Room Parent

Teacher favorite things questionnaire: every question, ready to copy

By The I Survived Room Parent Team · Updated

What's on a teacher favorite things questionnaire? A teacher favorite things questionnaire asks the teacher about the small stuff that makes a gift land: their coffee or drink order, favorite snacks and treats, colors, hobbies, favorite stores and classroom wish list, plus anything they'd rather not get. Every question is optional, and the teacher decides what you may share with families.

Teachers get a lot of mugs. Like, a lot. A favorites questionnaire fixes that: one short form at the start of the year, and every class gift after it actually fits the person.

Below is the full question list, ready to paste into an email or a Google Form. Delete anything that feels too personal. Shorter is kinder.

On this page

Ask the teacher first

Before you send anything, ask: "Would you like to fill out a favorites form? Totally fine if not." Some teachers love it. Some are tired of being a wish list. Both answers are fine.

If they say no, you're done. A note from each child is still a lovely gift, and the free class note booklet gives every kid a page.

The questionnaire

Copy it into an email to the teacher, or paste the questions into a Google Form. Fill in the [brackets] first.

Subject: A few quick questions (all optional!)

Hi [teacher's name],

I'd love for class gifts and treats this year to actually fit you. Answer only what you want, skip anything, and tell me what I may share with families.

The basics

  • What name do the kids use for you?
  • When is your birthday (month and day)? Would you like the class to celebrate it?

Treats

  • Coffee, tea or another drink? What's your usual order?
  • Favorite snacks: sweet, salty or both?
  • Favorite candy or treat?
  • Favorite restaurant or takeout spot?

Favorites

  • Favorite color?
  • Favorite flowers or plants?
  • Scents you love (or "no scents, please")?
  • Hobbies or things you do for fun?
  • Favorite stores, for gift cards?
  • Favorite books, authors or genres?
  • Favorite sports team?
  • Best way to say thank you: a note, a treat or something else?

For the classroom

  • Which supplies do you go through fastest?
  • Is there a classroom wish list?
  • Any books you'd like for the class library?
  • Is there a classroom job a parent volunteer could help with?

Please don't

  • Any food allergies, or foods you avoid?
  • Anything you have more than enough of? (We hear mugs come up a lot.)
  • Anything else you'd rather not receive?

Sharing

  • May I share your answers with class families? All of them, some (which ones?) or none?

Thank you! No rush, and no wrong answers.

[Your name]

How to send it

  • By email. Paste the questions into the body. No attachment to open, and the teacher can reply between classes.
  • As a Google Form. One question per field, none of them required. Answers land in one tidy sheet.
  • On paper. Print the free teacher favorite things printable, a one-page version the teacher fills out by hand, and leave it in their mailbox with a pen.

Send it in the first few weeks of school, so the answers are ready before the first birthday, the holidays and Teacher Appreciation Week.

Questions to skip

A favorites form is for treats and thank-yous, not a background check. Leave off:

  • Clothing and shoe sizes. Unless the teacher offers them.
  • A home address. Gifts go to school.
  • A dollar amount or a "dream gift." It turns a kind form into a shopping list.
  • Family and personal questions. Partners, kids, weekend plans: not your business, and not the class's.

What to do with the answers

  • Share only what the teacher okayed, once, early in the year. Say it's optional information, not a to-do list.
  • Use it for the class gift. Pick something from their answers and keep chipping in optional. Start with teacher gifts from the class and group gift vs individual gifts.
  • Keep it handy for Teacher Appreciation Week. The day-by-day plan is easier when you know their coffee order.
  • Don't resend it before every holiday. A second copy in November reads like a bill.

Collecting for a group gift? Copy the money collection email. More on asking kindly: teacher favorites form.

Teacher questionnaire FAQ

What questions should be on a teacher favorite things questionnaire?

Keep to things that help with treats and gifts: their drink order, favorite snacks and treats, colors, flowers, hobbies, favorite stores, classroom wish list items and anything they'd rather not get. Make every question optional.

When should a room mom send the teacher questionnaire?

In the first few weeks of school, after asking the teacher if they'd like one. Then the answers are ready before birthdays, the holidays and Teacher Appreciation Week.

Can I share the teacher's answers with other parents?

Only what the teacher agrees to. Ask on the form which answers you may share, and share them once, as optional information.

What if the teacher doesn't want to fill out a favorites form?

That's fine. Tell families gifts aren't expected and that a note from their child is always welcome.

More room mom templates

Fewer guesses, fewer mugs. Your work here is done.