What's the Best Gift This Christmas for that Special Teacher?

As a teacher for the last thirteen years, I have seen my share of presents. And while all the gifts my students have provided made me smile and realize what great kids I have, the truth is unfortunately certain: I did not use many at all. You see, although the Christmas gifts, from specialty chocolates to coffee mugs, represent a person saying thank you for all you do, what happens afterwards with that gift is often not what was intended.

When I used to shop for Christmas presents for my teachers, my mother always said to keep it cheap and make it simple. So, I did just that. I would find the best bargain possible, which normally sat right near the register or in a special kiosk in the middle of some aisle, and it usually had little collections of ornately wrapped candies, designer coffees, or cliché-embossed mugs.

What I failed to realize was that this is what virtually every thoughtful student would buy, thus insuring that my teacher could drink enough special coffee from different mugs for a month without any repeats. Sadly, teachers cannot handle any more mugs or gift baskets full of treats, and no one trusts home-baked goods. In the end, these gifts get shared with other teachers, as they become residents of the faculty lounge, or they make it home and become part of the re-gift stack.

So, how exactly can you avoid giving a teacher something he or she may not get to use? Try the following suggestions. I guarantee that your teacher puts these to use, and he will appreciate each thoroughly.

1. Gift Cards: A winner on all fronts. Throw $10 on a Dunkin' Donuts or Starbucks card and you'll make that teacher smile. You can bet that your money won't go to waste, as that teacher will inevitably pull into one of these early morning pit stops on the way to work to fill up for the day.
2. Gift Certificates: Teachers work hard all week, and often spend weekends grading papers or planning lessons. Giving them gift certificates for a nice dinner somewhere with their spouse or to their favorite store will make for a perfect memory.
3. Car Wash Coupons: Teachers don't make a ton of money, so the little things will normally get overlooked when it comes to paying for life. If that teacher has some free car washes and doesn't have to drop that cash, trust me when I say he'll love it.
4. Books: If you spend some time getting to know your teacher, you should be able to judge what type of literature he enjoys. Buy him something from his favorite author, or get him the newest spy novel if that is what he is into.
5. Magazine Subscription: This gift will arrive weekly. If you know your teacher loves to golf, get a year's subscription to Golf Digest. If you know he loves to run, how about Runner's World? Have it sent to the school address and the teacher will remember how much you appreciate his efforts each time one appears in the mailbox.
6. Personal Coupons: A teacher always looks for help, even when he doesn't directly ask for it. Give him a series of personalized coupons that he can cash in with you. Help around the classroom, cleaning the chalkboard, decorating bulletin boards, etc. All the little things teachers need to do can be made easier if you offer up your services. Along the way, you'll get to spend some quality time with your teacher, which can never be a bad idea. Not to mention, this gift is entire free.
7. A Simple Letter: The greatest gift I have ever received from any student is a well-written thank you letter. Teachers do not do the job for money. Instead, they do it because they love their students, and being thanked for that is irreplaceable. This may very well be the perfect gift. Your genuine time and true sentiments are worth more than anything you can buy.

Saying thank you with some small gift makes a teacher's day. Do not spend too much. A teacher doesn't need a new Gucci watch or handbag. Any expensive price will make the relationship awkward. Keep it simple and useful, and I think you'll find your gift to be rewarding for everyone involved.