Ten Great Teachers Christmas Gift Ideas

My daughter is a teacher's assistant for a second grade class and has been for two years now. She works at the school where both her boys are students, 5 and 8 years old. She was amazed these last two years at how generous the gifts were that she received for Christmas. We talked about this the other day and we were wondering if things were going to be different this year with the economy the way it is. So I asked her what she thought would be a nice gift to give and receive. I remember when she and her sister were young and the gifts we would give, interestingly enough, some were still the same, others quite different.

One:

We both agreed that a timeless gift is some kind of homemade baked goody, or a combination of cookies or small cakes,I usually bake a recipe I have for Rum or Key Lime Bundt cakes in the mini pans. available at all grocery stores. Just put whatever you bake into a pretty basket along with other delicious and tasty treats, such as yummy fruit Jams, quality Vermont Maple Syrups with a whole grain organic pancake mix. for example. Food groups that go together to create a thoughtful gift. Use a bright colorful cellophane wrap and contrasting ribbons and the presentation is delightful.

Two:

Teachers love gift cards, in any denominations. They add up. But you have to be careful that the store you give the gift from is not going out of business, or into bankruptcy. I would be careful to stay away from Circuit City or the Gap. It's easy to check any stores status by going online. Sadly there are too many of them out there that are in financial difficulty.

Three:

A gift certificate to a spa for a manicure, facial or even a massage is a most heavenly and thoughtful gift, present it with a loofa or a bottle of hand and body lotion..

Four:

A gift of a picture frame or photo album is a nice gift. Who doesn't enjoy assembling photos of loved ones in an album or framing their favorite picture?

Five:

A gift of quality soaps, gaily wrapped for the holidays is always appreciated. So are bubble baths and loofas. These can be found quite inexpensive at discount stores like Marshalls or T. J. Maxx. They usually have popular, quality brands selling for much less than the cheaper stuff you find in Drug stores, Not that there's anything wrong with that, actually drug stores sell much nicer personal care items now than they used to.

Six:

In these trying times, gift certificates to your local grocery stores can be quite useful and very thoughtful and, for many, very much needed. Teachers to not make an awful lot of money.

Seven:

Is there a fad brand of jewelry popular in that school? In my daughters school the female teachers and parents all love Brighten Jewelry. I had never heard of this brand of jewelry until last year when I noticed my daughter wearing a lovely bracelet and necklace with various sized hearts. Brighten she said. And, one of the most popular gifts at her particular school. So it might be a good thing to see if there is anything trendy that the teachers all seem to be wearing at your young-ones school...Actually, I am going to give my daughter a pair of Brighten earrings. But shhhh, don't tell her! I found them on e-bay!

Eight:

A gift of a movie is very welcome whether a DVD that might have special meaning for that teacher's interest or a gift certificate at one of your local theaters. You can combine that with a few extra dollars on the certificate for popcorn and a drink. Have you noticed how expensive it is now at those snack bars in the theaters?

Nine:

A magazine subscription of interest to that teacher. If they love to travel, National Geographic Traveler is a fantastic way to supplement vacations with fantasy trips. Whatever the interest, there is a magazine. Bon Appitit is a beautiful magazine for a foodie and would be a great idea.

Ten:

A restaurant gift certificate to a popular restaurant in the area, if it's a costly restaurant going partners on the gift with another child in the class can be a delicious and unique idea.

As I mentioned, we now live in a difficult period of time economically, so we have to be creative with how we spend our money. Teachers are aware of that too, so a thoughtful, creative and personal gift will be greatly appreciated by those who take such good care of the children in this world, to prepare them for whatever the future holds. We want to show our appreciation and I hope a few of these ideas are helpful to you. I think they would make some teachers very happy.

Happy Holidays