Gifts to Buy Teachers at Christmas

If you have a child in school, Christmas is a wonderful time of year to show his teacher how much you appreciate the work she does with your child. While it isn't mandatory, it is a nice gesture if you have a little extra cash. If you're not sure what to buy, try one of these suggestions.

School Supplies

As a former teacher, I know how much personal money is spent on buying supplies for the classroom. Whether it is dry erase markers, pencils, or activity supplies, teachers put a lot of their own hard-earned cash back into their classrooms.

For Christmas, consider filling up a gift bag with a few school supplies. You can choose from crayons and markers, folders, paper, etc. The possibilities are endless and best of all, a small bag full of school supplies is inexpensive.

Gift Certificate

Consider buying a gift certificate for your child's teacher. You can purchase a Blockbuster or Starbucks card in $5 increments, or for people looking to spend a little more, you can buy a certificate for a day at the spa.

For a personal touch, if you buy the teacher a Blockbuster or other movie rental gift card, put a bag of microwaveable popcorn, candy, and a soda in a gift bag with the card.

Candle and Lotion

Let your child go to Yankee Candle or Bath & Body Works and pick out something. A small candle or lotion is inexpensive and your child can help out.

Sporting Tickets

If you child's teacher is a sports fan, consider buying him a ticket for a local sporting event. He will definitely enjoy the break from lesson planning as he gets to take in one of his favorite sports.

Big Gift

Talk to other parents of kids in your child's class and go in together on a present. You can pool your money to buy a gift card or something you know the teacher needs.

Get Creative

Let your child make his teacher a present. Get out some art supplies and let him make a card telling his teacher why he appreciates her.

Buy plain Christmas ornaments and let your child use glitter, glue, and felt to personalize an ornament for his teacher.

Journal Subscription

If your child's teacher has a subscription for a state or national teacher's journal, get him a gift subscription. This will save the teacher money as well as further his educational knowledge.