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Home > Blogs > Adventures in Motherhood > Archives > 2008 > December > 17 > Entry
Quick and easy teacher gifts
Step away from that cutesy apple mug! And don’t even think about those cheesy ABC earrings!
Even though there are just a few days left till Christmas break, there’s no need to panic about the Teacher Gift Dilemma. Here are a few quick and easy ideas on how to show your love and appreciation:
— If the teacher is a gardener, head to the dollar store for a ceramic or terra cotta flower pot (which the child could paint, then shellac) and fill it with a pack of seeds, gloves, a spade, etc.
— Create a movie night package with an unpopped tub of popcorn and a coupon for a free rental from the local video store (Sno-Caps optional).
— Buy a book for the school library or classroom and dedicate it to the teacher. (Our elementary makes this super-convenient by providing teacher requests and gift labels at the December book fair.)
— Gift cards are always an option, either from an individual family or as a group gift. Instead of a card from the teacher store, make sure the teacher personally enjoys the present by choosing Boston Stoker or Starbucks (for the caffeine addict, natch), Books & Co., or maybe Michael’s Craft Store. (Shh! Our beloved preschool teacher is getting a gift card for The Greene!)
— Got 30 minutes? You or your child can make a beautiful beaded bookmark. Click here for instructions.
— The folks at The Dollar Stretcher Web site asked teachers about their favorite gifts.
One teacher said she most appreciates homemade cookies because she doesn’t have the time to make them herself.
Another teacher, Christine, said she loves to get beautiful ornaments — not of the “World’s Greatest Teacher” variety, but something attractive that she can enjoy hanging on the tree year after year. “Each year, I pull out all of my ornaments and remember each student that gave one to me.” She had these recommendations: “Find an inconspicuous place to write your child’s name and the date in permanent marker. For multiple teachers, buy a boxed set of ornaments and divide them up for everyone. After Christmas this year, stock up on half-price ornaments for next year!”
Christine had another great suggestion for the teacher with a class pet. That teacher most likely spends his/her own money to provide for it. Put together a gift basket of hamster (or bird, or whatever) food, treats, shavings, etc.
— The Living a Better Life ezine posted this idea from a reader: “Last year, for my daughter’s Kindergarten teacher at Christmas, we purchased a whisk, and then inside it put red and green chocolate kisses. On the gift tag we wrote, ‘We whisk you a Merry Christmas!’”
— And finally, CafeMom.com listed several gifts under $5, including handwritten notes or cards; a picture of the class; an iTunes card; fresh fruit bought by the pound such as apples, oranges or pears; a basket of muffins or bagels and a small bag of morning coffee; or even a homemade lunch.
Whatever you chose to give, make sure to acknowledge the hard work and caring your teachers put into every day with your kids. They deserve the love!
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Helpful tips
Comments
By jenny
December 17, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
I simply throw in a packet of TickleMe Plant seeds with each Holiday greeting card I mail out. Most people are very surprised they can grow a plant that moves when you tickle it from seeds. The leaves rapidly close and even the branches MOVE when tickled. I got the birthday party special so the seed packets were very inexpensive and it’s the same price as mailing the card itself! I found it online.
By Linda
December 17, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
As a former teacher with over 30 years of teaching, I received several gifts from various students. My favorites were coffee mugs, books, plants, stationnery, bookmarks, pen/pencil sets, candy, gloves, scarfs, scented candles, and my favorite was a $10 gift card for McDonald’s, which i used on my way to work for a week. You can get a lot of coffee with $10.