6 Gifts to Put a Smile on a Teacher's Face

Many teachers spend a large percentage of their own money buying school supplies for students who either can not afford what they need or to provide things the school will not provide. What better idea than to bestow on the teacher a bevy of notebooks, pens, map pencils, tempera paints and glue sticks. Be sure to check the school supply lists specific to the teacher's school. Some items are unique to grade levels or school districts. There' is really no limit on where you can buy school supplies. Any store that has a list specific to your district should have suitable items.

Office Supply Gift Certificates

Perhaps the idea of trying to figure out whether it's college ruled or wide ruled or whether it's red pens or pencils, doesn't fill you with glee. Here's another suggestion. Give the teacher a gift card or gift certificates to the local office supply store or even a Walmart gift card. Walmart will probably carry just about every type of supply at a significant savings. Almost all stores offer some form of gift card so this is usually as simple as popping into the store, adding the amount you want to give and passing it along to the recipient. Below are some office supply stores local to the Houston area. Depending on where you live your list may be different. All of the stores below also have an online presence so the gift card can be purchased online and shipped directly to you. I'm not sure this is the safest route but it is an available option.

Staple's

Office Depot

Walmart.com

Office Max

A Gift Pack of Pampering Items/ Low Cost Day of Pampering at a Local Spa

After dealing with eight to ten hours of teaching each day, much of it spent in front of the board or sitting in those institutional wooden chairs which are only still in use in the school system, what a teacher needs is something to help them relax. Many stores sell lovely gift packs that include items such as snuggly booties, emollients, bath soaks, lotions and essential oils. A note of caution. Where possible try for items that are hypoallergenic or consult with the teacher first to see if they have any allergies.

Again determining what is hypoallergenic and what is not may not be your idea of a fun time. In that case, a gift certificate to a local spa at a set amount may be a better tack. You can buy a certificate for a set amount. From that amount the teacher can choose services that are within that price range. If they go over the amount of the certificate then it's their responsibility to pay the difference.

These items can either be purchased at your local drug, discount or department stores such as CVS, Costco or Macy's. If you would rather shop from the comfort of your own home you can check out :

Sephora.com

Blissworld.com

Drugstore.com

Macys.com

Free Movie Passes

Movies offer a great way to relax and with the summer blockbuster season upon us, there's sure to be something that strikes their fancy. The number of tickets you purchase is only limited by your budget. To stretch your dollars, try buying tickets for matinée showings. As with most everything else movie tickets can be purchased online at Fandango.com. Currently Fandango is offering a limited edition Wolverine fandango bucks, gift card or you can upload your own design and have it shipped direct to you. Nothing like the personal touch.

Bookstore Gift Cards

The great thing about bookstore gift cards is, these days, most bookstores carry a wide array of items. If your child's teacher isn't a reader, they still have music, games and in most cases some luscious frothy concoction from the instore coffee shop to choose from. These cards can also be purchased online

Barnes and Noble

Borders

Books-a-Million

Your sincere gratitude for the work they do as well as your presence and assistance in the classroom from time to time

This last thing won't cost you a thing but time but it will probably get you the biggest return on your investment. Taking an interest in your child's education and being present for support; you can't put a price on that.