Teacher Gifts: Gifts They Want to Receive

It's almost time for summer vacation. If a teacher has made a positive impact on your child's life, perhaps you are looking for ways to show your gratitude. As the daughter of a Kindergarten teacher and principal, I took special note of the gifts that brought the biggest smiles to their faces. The gift that brought those grins, cost less than you might think.

Handwritten Note

Nothing shows caring like a handwritten note by a student or parent. Typing is impersonal. Handwriting shows you took time; you took time to express yourself in thoughts and your personality shines through your penmanship. Long after bouquets of flowers fade, cookies are eaten, mugs with 'teacher' on them are broken, the note remains. Some are kept at home, others at school, but they are kept for on those dark days when the teacher wonders why they are still teaching. Those notes are what spur a teacher on to greatness (just an aside, nurses love the special notes as well. I have all of mine). One of the most cherished notes I can remember is, "I want to grow up and be a teacher just like you".

Something Your Child Made

Giving the teacher something your child, or you and your child made is a treasured gift. Did the teacher show your child how to make an animal out of twisted pipe cleaners. Let your child make the teacher an animal and have them write out what they learned about the animal over the course of the year. Did your child have poor self esteem entering the class and are now blooming under the teachers careful tutelage? Have them draw a self portrait of the "new" them. Has your son or daughter formed a special bond with the teacher? Take a picture of the two of them together; make or buy a special frame for it. It will be a cherished gift in years to come. Make sure to write the child's first name, last name and the year the child was in the classroom on the back of the picture. Add to the back of the frame a list of the special events of the year, for example: President Obama was elected ..., Peace in the Middle East (we can only pray).

Plants

A living plant is a lovely gift. Learning is not stagnate (hopefully); it is life-long. Once again include a note. "This plant represents the gift you gave my child. It is a living representation of something living and vibrant. Learning is like that. Thank you for teaching my child the joy of learning".

Items for the Classroom

Most of the time, there is no budget for the small items teachers give to students everyday. Teachers often supply tissues, hand sanitizers, pencils and other things. Acknowledge the teachers giving heart and replace the items: "Thank you for caring for my child and the other children by supplying...I know you paid for them out of your own pocket. In these economic times, I appreciate all you did and that you taught my child the gift of giving to others."

Dinner for Two or a Trip to the Amusement Park

Was your child's teacher involved in extra-circular activities in the evening? If they were, it took a toll on their home-life. Now is the time to show respect for the sacrifice they and their family made. If it is a couple, they may enjoy a gift card to a local restaurant or perhaps a dinner theatre. If the teacher has children, perhaps tickets to an amusement park or a sporting event may be just the ticket. If money is an issue, go online and compile a list of all the free activities that are coming in your area. Make a ticket book to these events with the fake tickets, marked free events.

Subscription to a Magazine

Does your child's teacher keep abreast of current events? Do they love crafts or literature? If you know their preference and know they aren't currently getting it order it. If you aren't sure, ask. Surprises are nice. But a gift you can truly use is thoughtful.

Recognition

Many areas of the country have teacher of the year awards or public service awards. Nominate your child's teacher. Have you heard the actors or actress at the Emmy's say, "It was an honor just to be nominated." Perhaps the star may or may not have meant what they said. However, in the case of being nominated as a teacher...it may be the highlight of their life. These events are usually well advertised. Not only can you and your child honor this teacher, but former students, other teachers, and the community can show their respect as well.

Letter to the Editor

This idea goes along with the idea of recognition. Send a letter to your local paper (if it still is in existence) and sing your teachers praises. It is great for the teacher's ego. It may help when yearly evaluation time comes.

Craft Item

Are you a crafty soul, a knitter, an artist, a maker of unique hand crafts? Use your time and talent and give this unique gift to your teacher. He/She will thank you for it.

Gift Cards, Gift Baskets, Gift Bags

Gift cards to bookstores, grocery stores, department stores, DVD rental stores are always appreciated. Gift baskets of cooking items, gourmet foods, assorted fruit or cheese, or floral baskets are great. Gift bags filled with goodies or personalized to care the many items teachers drag back and forth each day to school are fine ideas.

Hopefully, in watching what my parents or their fellow teachers received you will have found the perfect way to honor the special teacher in you and your child's life.

The Most Thoughtful Gift

Sometimes your child will be lucky enough to have that one in a million teachers. The one that sparks their imagination, the one that builds them up, and the one that helps give them a bright future. To them, this is the special gift for them. Not only give them a card at the end of the year, but start to write out reminders of that special year to be mailed each year at the end of school each year until your child graduates. Here is an example of those types of notes over time: "Johnny is now in second grade. He still speaks of you fondly. Do you remember when you read to the class the book ...It is still his favorite...John is now in seventh grade. You told me not to worry that it took a bit for him to master...The perseverance you taught in Kindergarten helped him this year when he struggled with Algebra." As previously stated, this is for that special teacher that went the extra mile. When you find her, you will know her and you know a special gift to give from the heart.