Hi all,
School is nearing an end and the "teacher gift" thing is on my mind. I feel like I've over done the gift card thing with Christmas and teacher birthdays so what else is a cute but inexpensive way to tell all the teachers "thank you for a great year"?
Thanks for any ideas!!
I blogged about it. I am a retired school teacher.
http://heyyougetreal.com/momblog/teacher-gifts/
B.
Family Success Coach
I'll be looking forward to hearing your responses, I'm wondering this too. I do know that teachers love gift cards, and don't need a lot of 'stuff'. But maybe something that they can actually use would be nice. Like a tote bag- with the kids handprints on it (if they are little) or signatures (if older). Something like that?
You could always do something cute and sweet like that and still use gift cards. Maybe a picture frame with the cards nicely arranged inside? Sometimes it's all about the presentation, not just handing a card with a bunch of gift cards inside.
Good luck, and I'll be checking back to see what others say!!
I love the idea of a plant as a poster a while ago asked about. Gift cards never go out of style (especially if they are for arts and craft stores and the teacher is an art teacher- hint, hint)
Does the teacher have a hobby? Something to add to that, maybe. Scrapbooking, sewing, knitting, gardening, travel stuff.
A fun beach towel and a note telling her to enjoy her time off and soak up some rays? Maybe with a spritzer fan or a pitcher and pack of lemonade mix. Does she have little ones of her own? Something to keep them busy and give her a little peace? Or a subscription to a magazine like Family Fun. It has all kinds of cool ideas for things to do and make with your own kids or ideas to use for next school year with the class.
Edit: Don't forget the other teachers in your kids lives that they , maybe don't see every day! A token gift to an art, music or PE teacher that your child likes goes a long way in making an often 'forgotten' teacher feel good.
One year my class gave me an umbrella. It was black and everyone wrote messages to me and drew pictures on it in silver paint pen. Practical and cute! Good to keep at school for bus duty. Would also be cute if they had used colorful paint pens.
Ditto on the supplies - you have to buy most of your supplies with your own money, and sharpies, highlighters, different colored grading pens, stickers, post-its, etc all add up. There are tons of really cute supplies at Staples and Target.
I loved receiving a nice hanging plant!
School supplies for the following year. Last year I had a mom give me a cute plastic container filled with Expo markers, colorful post-its, and hi-lighters. I LOVED it!!
I just did this at work , I went to chocolate mountain factory bought a platter full of candy apples different ones and left it in the break room with a little thank you note.
Hand written letter!
But, if you must give a gift do not feel like giving another gift card is a sign of a bad gift or you being lazy - it is DEFINITELY wanted!
What about a nice group photo of her class from this year. Then get a nice mat and have all the kids write their name on the mat and then frame it. That would be a nice gift that I am sure she would treasure. I also like the idea of a nice big tote bag, teachers are always carrying so much stuff. You could put a cute quote or from her 2011 class embroidered on it.
