If anyone deserves a special gift this holiday season, it’s the teachers who devote their days to nurturing and educating our children. Skip the apples, coffee mugs and knick-knacks, though, and opt for one of these more practical – and thoughtful – gift ideas instead.
1. A Gift Card. True, gift cards can seem impersonal, but teachers appreciate these tokens of gratitude, even in small amounts. Give a gift card to a local coffee shop, restaurant or bookstore, or even for a service like a massage or a manicure. Dress up your gift card with one of these free Teacher Appreciation Gift Card Printables.
2. School Supplies. Teachers spend a lot of their own money to stock their classrooms and help your kids reach their full potential, and they’re always happy for assistance. Plus, you’ll find tons of cute ways to package basic items like glue sticks, hand sanitizer and Sharpies on Pinterest. And if you’re really crafty, you can whip up one of these impressive School Supply Cakes.
3. Tasty Treats. Gourmet treats like good-quality chocolates or specialty coffees are easy to find this time of year, and can be a hit with underpaid teachers who may not be likely to splurge on themselves. Cornucopia in Downtown Kirkwood, for example, sells a seasonal Christmas Blend that makes a festive gift for educators who rely on a cup of strong coffee to get them through their day.
4. A Book Bundle. A classroom can never have enough books. So help your child’s teacher build a better library by wrapping up a bundle of grade-level appropriate books. Do some sleuthing beforehand to be sure you’re giving books the teacher can use and the children will enjoy.
5. A Class Gift. Instead of giving several individual gifts, consider asking other parents if they want to contribute towards one large gift for the teacher. The proceeds can go towards purchasing an item for the classroom that would be too expensive for individual families to buy on their own. Or put the money collected into an Amazon gift card so the teacher can decide how to spend it.
6. Personalized Stationary. Teachers write a lot of notes, which means that paper is often in short supply. Nice stationary and note pads are often appreciated, especially if you personalize them with a teacher’s name or initials, or even a class photo. Visit websites like Shutterfly or Zazzle for options.
7. Classroom Help. Sometimes, the gift of your time is the best thing you can give. Offer to grade papers or read to students, or volunteer in the classroom in any other way that might lessen a teacher’s load.
8. A Gift from the Heart. A lot of teachers claim to prefer practical gifts, but there is one notable exception: gifts that are hand-picked (or handmade) by their students. Kids have some, well, interesting ideas when it comes to choosing a present for a teacher they love, but it’s often best to follow their lead. Teachers can spot a genuine, heartfelt gift a mile away, and the thought behind it is what makes it special.
9. A Simple Thank You. Take the time to write a thank you note letting your child’s teacher know how much you value his or her role in your child’s life. Encourage older children to follow suit, and let younger children show their thanks by filling out this Thank You Teacher Free Printable.
Teachers don’t expect to receive gifts from their students, but they do enjoy the acknowledgment that their hard work and dedication is appreciated. No matter what kind of gift you and your child decide to buy (or make), remember that, as a parent, your gratitude and support are the best gifts you can give.
Alyssa Chirco is a freelance writer, mother and margarita lover, not necessarily in that order. In addition to writing for STL Parent, she is Contributing Editor at Parenting Squad, and covers parenting, health and lifestyle topics for publications across the country. She recently moved from the suburbs of St. Louis to a small town in rural Jefferson County, where she is learning to survive with no Target or Starbucks in sight. Follow her on Twitter @AlyssaChirco
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