by Karen Bledsoe

Created on: October 10, 2010

Since 1994, World Teacher Day has been celebrated on October 5. The day was founded to support and encourage teachers and teacher organizations. Many people like to give gifts to their children's teacher on this day or around Christmas. But what makes a good gift for a teacher? Many teachers go home at the end of each with bags full of mugs, ornaments, and various "#1 Teacher!" trinkets that they may, with pangs of guilt, donate to a charity shop. If you're thinking about World Teacher Day gifts, keep "support the teacher" in mind as a theme and consider items that teachers can truly use.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES: Boxes of pencils and pens, notebook paper, erasers, art supplies, and other basic supplies are often desperately needed, especially in low-income schools where students may not be able to afford supplies of their own. Teachers often spend hundreds of dollars out of their own pockets to help fill the gap.

"BOUQUET" OF DECORATED PENS: Teachers may have "loaner" pens that they would like to get back. Glue or tape colorful silk flowers to plain stick pens, fill a flower pot with dry beans, and stick the flower pens in the beans. It's not hard to see which child has the "loaner" pen.

BOOKS: Ask the teacher if there are any specific book needs. Some teachers keep a classroom library of books that children can read if they have finished their work. Some may want a classroom set of one title so that all the students can read the same book together. Be sure to ask the library if there's a wishlist for library books as well.

VOLUNTEER TIME: Whether it's one afternoon every week, or just being there for one special project or field trip, parent volunteers can make a huge difference. Parents who bring supplies and teach a special craft, class play, or science project help enrich the lives of the students.

PARTY PLANNER PROMISE: If the school regularly has classroom parties on Halloween, Valentine's Day, or other holidays, offer to be the party planner and let the teacher relax during party time.

GIFT CERTIFICATE: A certificate for the local bookstore or teacher supply shop will almost certainly be used and appreciated. If several parents go together on buying the certificate, it could be large enough to meet some substantial needs.

If you're not sure what the teacher would appreciate, don't hesitate to ask. Most teachers have a long list of "wants" that the school budget can't always cover. If you fill the teacher's needs instead of filling the teacher's cupboard with more mugs, you'll be greatly appreciated.

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