by Suzy kew

Created on: August 24, 2010

There is nothing sweeter than the excitement a child shows when wrapping up her teacher's Christmas gift just picturing how excited her teacher will be when she gives it to her.  Make a good choice when you purchase the gift and the teacher will definitely appreciate your efforts.

Ask any teacher how many "#1 Teacher" or "Teacher's Rule" mugs in her closet at home.  These cute teacher gifts are nice but what can you do with them other than store them with the many others you have received over the years.  Take the time and plan her gift and make it a truly special one.  Here are some ideas:

Treat Basket:  Buy a basket and fill it with chocolate bars and other candies.  Make sure they are peanut free in case she decides to share it with the class.  You could also bake some cookies or bars and put them in a basket.  She will appreciate that you spent the time with her student to bake them!

Gift Card:  Michaels has a discount program for teachers.  Get her a gift card so she can buy something she wants for the classroom or for herself.  A local book store would be another great option.  Teachers usually provide alot of in class books themselves.  You could also buy her a Starbucks or Tim Horton's gift card.  Teachers love coffee!  Wouldn't you need caffeine to keep up with all those little ones?  Another gift card she might appreciate is one for a soap store so she could pamper herself or for a local spa where she could enjoy a pedicure or mini manicure.  You don't have to break the bank on this either.

A Plant:  Give her an easy care plant for the classroom.  Those Chia Pets are hilarious and the kids in the classroom will love seeing it develop!  You could buy her one for home and one for school if your budget allows.  It’s a nice gift because it involves the kids - they will learn by watching it grow.

Homemade Gifts:  Make her something with your child's help.  Perhaps you could decorate an apron for when she is doing art with the kids or make her a pencil can from an old soup can that your child glues yarn around.  Fill the can with new sharpened pencils.  You could also buy a mug and have your child fill it with different chocolates that you buy.  If you like sewing, have your child help decorate a pillow you make together or a nice tote bag with her name (teacher name) embroidered on the front.  Not only will she love that you made it together but it will be useful as well.

Pet Supplies:  If there is a classroom pet you could purchase food for the pet or a new water bottle or treats for it.  You could also give her the gift of your time and offer (via a note) to come in weekly (or as often as needed) to clean the cage for her.  She would really appreciate this one!

A Thank You:  Take the time and have your child do this as well.  Write a lovely letter thanking the teacher and telling her how much she is appreciated.  Many parents don't take the time to thank their child's teacher even though the child spends almost as much time with the teacher during the week as they do with the parents.  You could even put it in a scrapbook that you start for her to keep such notes in.  Make sure to add your name in print below on the scrapbook page as well as the date and your child's name.

Whatever gift you decide on, the teacher will just appreciate that you took the time to consider her.  Make sure you don't only do it at Christmas though.  Teachers should be appreciated during the whole year!

Learn more about this author, Suzy kew.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.