Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas

It's common practice and courtesy to give a gift to your child's teacher to show your appreciation for all he or she has done throughout the school year. However, gifts don't need to be expensive to be thoughtful.

• Book list: Teachers love receiving books to add to their libraries in the classroom. Often, many teachers have already assembled book wish lists. Ask a parent who is really involved in the classroom if such a list exists, or even ask the teacher! Books are great gifts because they are fun and useful.
• Be crafty: There are hundreds of craft ideas online that are inexpensive and can be meaningful for teachers. For example, be creative and decorate office supplies, like a tape dispenser or pencil holder.
• Make a candy gram: Get a poster board and a handful of candy bars and write a message while incorporating the names of the candy bars into it. Not only does this give the teacher a treat, but it also is a nice way to show appreciation. Some candy bars that might work better than others are Mounds, Skor, Take 5, Pay Day, Airheads, Now and Later, Extra gum, 100 Grand, Riesen, Starburst, Hershey's Hugs and Kisses, and Smarties. Also, you can black out part of the word if that works better (cross out Almond to end up with just Joy).
• Baked goods: Making cookies, bread, or another baked good is an inexpensive way to show your appreciation. Try making an apple-themed gift, such as apple muffins or an apple pie. Incorporate the apple onto a card as well, since apples are a well-known teacher theme.
• Thoughtful thank you: If you really can't scrape up the money in your budget to get your child's teacher a gift, at least write a nice thank you note. Of all the things a teacher receives, a well thought out thank you note is one that he or she will most likely hold onto the longest. Make sure you sincerely express your gratitude for what he or she has helped your child to accomplish and learn. That is why he or she wanted to be a teacher in the first place, so it's rewarding for teachers to hear that they are actually making a difference.

It's nice to give your child's teacher a present at Christmas or at the end of the year, but remember that teacher's could use some thanks throughout the year as well. Send cards that express your appreciation, or even be willing to help out in the classroom for parties or other activities. Remember to express appreciation for your child's teacher because they are spending a lot of time and energy to help your child grow.