End of the Year Teacher Gift

Flowers or a gift certificate to a restaurant or Hallmarks or some other place. That is what I would like.

Hi M., Have you ever heard of Tastefully Simple? Take a look!! Here's my website tastefullysimple.com/web/echerry

Tastefully Simple Teacher Gifts Ideas

Wrap a box of Tempting Taco Cheese Ball Mix and a bag of Blue Aztec Chips in cellophane and attach a note that says, “Have a BALL on your summer vacation!”

Wrap a box of Beyond Blueberry Fruit Dip Mix and a bag of Twisty Grahams in cellophane and attach a note that says, “You are BEYOND cool!”

Place a Corn, Black Bean Salsa and bag of Blue Aztec Chips in a salsa bowl and attach a note that reads, “Don’t mean to be CORNY, but you’ve BEAN the best!”

Wrap a box of Absolutely Almond Pound Cake Mix and a jar of Creamy Caramel Sauce in cellophane and attach a note that says “You’re ABSOLUTELY the sweetest!”

Wrap a box of Absolutely Almond Pound Cake Mix and a jar of Raspberry Limon Spread in cellophane and attach a note that says, “You’re BERRY special!”

Wrap a box of Farmer’s Medley Dip Mix and a Trio in cellophane and attach a note that says, “When it gets warm outside this summer, take a cool DIP!”

Wrap a can of Orange Dream Chiller and Vanilla Bean Chiller in cellophane and attach a note that says, “CHILL out and have a great summer!”

Wrap an Itty Bitty Chai around a bag of Twisty Grahams and attach a note that says, “An ITTY-BITTY thank you!”

Wrap a container of Mango Breeze Margarita Drink Mix and Samba Sangria Slush Drink Mix in cellophane and attach a note that says, “Enjoy the warm summer BREEZE while you sip on a SLUSH!”

Put the Absolutely Almond Pound Cake, Berry Buckle Cake Mix and Classy Chocolate Pound Cake Mix into a bag and attach a note that says, “Don’t forget your ABC’s over the summer!”

Put the Rhubarb Strawberry Fruit Spread, Creamy Caramel Sauce and the Raspberry Limon Spread into a bag and attach a note that says, “As far as teachers go, you TOP them all!”

Place a Nana's Apple Cake and 2 apples in a gift bag or basket. Attach a note that says, "Thanks a bushel!"
Wrap a can of Vanilla Bean Chiller™, in clear cellophane with ribbon. Attach a note that says "You’ve BEAN the best!"

Place a can or box of Prickly Pear Cooler or Cinnamon Muffin Melt Mix, and a bottle of water in a Sand Bucket. Attach a note that says, "Just add water and enjoy your summer vacation!"

Tie the Summer Entertaining Recipes booklet to a bottle of Smooth Talkin’ BBQ Sauce. Attach a note that says “Hope your Summer is a kick!”

Place a soup bowl and a box of Perfectly Potato Cheddar Soup in a gift bag and attach a note that says, "You are Souper!"

Place a box of Truffle Fudge Brownies, an ice cream scoop, and Creamy Caramel in a gift bag. Attach a note that says, "You earn your brownie points for being the best!"

Place a box of Berry Buckle Cake Mix and Absolutely Almond Pound Cake in a gift bag. Attach a note that says, "You take the cake!"

Place a Key Lime Cheese Ball Mix, with a bag of Twisty Grahams in a nice bag from the dollar store. Attach a note that says "You make learning so sweet!"

Make a Spicy Gift using Fiesta Party Dip, Smooth Talkin’ BBQ Sauce, Corn, Black Bean Salsa or Simply Salsa. Attach a note that says, “You made learning extra Spicy!"

A gift card to Holcombs or any teacher type store is always appreciated.

I've been a teacher for over 30 years. I've received a wide range of year end gifts. Among my favorites have been plants for my yard, especially hanging baskets. Also high on my list are gift certificates for a restaurant or book store. Most importantly, include a note of thanks. That will be the most memorable part of any gift. I'm sure any gift will be appreciated by a hard working teacher. It truly is the thought that counts.

I just went yesterday and did hand treatments at one of the local schools. The teachers absolutely loved what I did. Their hands get so dry from dealing with all of the papers and the chalk. I am a consultant with The Body Shop at Home and I used the African spa salt scrub and the African spa hand and foot butter. You can check out and order these products at www.thebodyshopathome.com/web/aoaks.

What about a book for the classroom with your child's name on it. A book can keep on giving because it can be shared with classes in the future. Or a gift certifcate to a book store so she/ he could get books for theirselves or the classroom. They never have enough books. Half price books would give more bang for the buck.
This one is a biggie and no cost. I have been told by many teachers and I use to volunteer a full time job for 5 years so I heard a lot. The one gift that means more to any teacher is a hand written letter telling them how lovly it was to have them as a teacher and what one thing stood out in the child'd mind that they learned.
Teachers do not really like knick nacks because they usually end up in a yardsale.

Why not give the perfect gift of time by giving them a gift certificate to Entree Vous. This is a meal prep kitchen where they can order entree's to be picked up or they can assemble their meals themselves.www.entreevous.com

The food is awesome!!!!

I am a teacher and a mom. I would suggest a Gift Certificate to a local restaurant. I also really appreciate a nice note about how much I am appreciated as a teacher. I received a poem that a mom wrote for me after I had worked with her son all year. That still is my most cherished gift. I hope this helps, T.

As a preschool teacher......I ALWAYS asked for books for the classroom. There are LOTS of fun books that can be used in the classroom. WOLF'S CHICKEN STEW is a cute story about HUNDREDS. PIGS APLENTY PIGS GALORE is by McPhail and about keeping your room clean - could be 4th grade. THE BEAR THAT HEARD CRYING is a story based on a true story about a child who gets lost in the woods and cared for by a bear - 4th grade. TOMMY AT THE GROCERY STORE is a cute cute book (K level) about a pig who gets left at the grocery store and finally returned to his mother. NO MORE WATER IN THE TUBE is a cute story about a vivid imagination when a child puts too much water in the tube. LOTS of optons.

If you want to add something personal....get a gift card for a manicure, Bath & Body Works or something to pamper the hard working and under paid teacher.

As a teacher, I really enjoy receiving gift cards-- Starbucks, bookstores, etc. One of the BEST gifts is a handwritten note from a parent thanking me for the year. Of course, you should know-- we don't expect gifts-- we teach because we love the children!

I think that a scrapbook page might make a nice gift. You could include pictures of the kids with some moments they remember from the school year along with special notes. You could attach some ribbon or lace around the edges to make it a suitable gift.

I would say that a gift certificate to a teacher's supplies store would be definitely appreciated. I know that here in Fort Wayne we have United Art and Education that has so many things that teachers need and want. Most every teacher spends quite a bit of their own money on making their classroom a better place to learn.

I come from a family of teachers. There favorites especially this day and time is gift certificates to book stores and the teacher stores.

jo

A gift certificate to a nearby spa would be perfect!

Hallmark had some beautiful teacher bracelets. I gave a couple of them the pretty plaques that come on stands but I guess those are knick knacks?

How about gift cards? Teachers spend lots of money on school stuff!

Gift cards! Teachers spend a lot of their own money in photo developing, supplies and lots of other day to day items. And who wouldn't like a night out to dinner on someone else? Write a note of appreciation and include a gift card.

How about a gift certificate to a teacher's supplies store. We have a local store called "Education World". They have all types of supplies for teachers. I know some of our local teachers and they really enjoy that store.

My sisters-in-law are both teachers and have said the best gifts they've received are gift cards to a restaurant/ice cream shop (that'd be great for summer) or to Wal-mart or Target so they could buy some supplies for the classroom (although this might be better for the Christmas gift). Also, what about a plant/flower?

I admire your thoughtfulness! I am giving a gift of the Sensé Splash Sensation personal-care products:

Energizing Shower Gel
Firming Body Nourisher
Revitalizing Shampoo
Nourishing Conditioner

Not only do they feel great on your skin, but they are free from unwanted chemicals, toxins, and soap! People just love these gifts! They are also travel size!

You can find more info on them at www.dglosser.usana.com under "personal care".

Blessings,
D.

I would suggest you contact some of the other parents, pool the resources, and get her a gift certificate. Most teachers today at the beginning of the year send out a packet, at back to school night, that tells you a little about them and their interests. If the teacher likes to read a certificate to one of the local bookstores, if she has mentioned she likes a paticular type of food then a certificate to a restaurant in the area, if she is an outdoor gardener then a certificate to a local nursery.

We got together one year and made a scrapbook up for the teacher with the pictures of all the children on their own page and their handprint under the picture. The page next to it was a little note from each child telling their favorite memory of the teacher and what she had done to make them feel special, important, etc.

Good Luck.

P. R

my daughter is doing the same thing, except they have a class room parent..they are doing a poll type thing. Have each parent in the class choose out of a list like flowers, coffee mug, dinner @ her choice, and something else, plus a card. We chose the flowers. And I'm guess we all have to chose the same thing, because we're suppose to give a small donation for the gift. Which is cool. A lot of teachers I know love plants. If you like you can do something like that. Or something she can put on her desk?! Good Luck.

Hi M. - When my youngest two were still in elementary school, I was in charge of "Teacher Appreciation Day" for the teachers. They used to always get a bunch of "apple" stuff, school supplies, etc. I took a different approach that they seemed to appreciate. I gave them potted herbs or lavendar, tubes of incense, small bottles of lotion, gift certificates for the local bagel place, or coffee place. I would also go to my local Aveda Salon and ask for donation of a gift basket. I would have a drawing for the teachers to see who won. I realize this was for all the teachers, but you could do the same thing (minus the drawing) for individual teachers. I had a good experience with it. Also, you could try a gift certificate to the local nursery. Even if your teacher happens to not have a green thumb, almost everyone had a potted plant of annuals on their porch, or they could get something other than a plant.
Good luck!
N.

Last time I did it, I bought a bucket of Blockbuster popcorn, put in it a gift certificate to Blockbuster, some candy and a thank you card (letting her know something personal about her that we really enjoyed or helped the child to flourish) and wrapped it up with a pretty ribbon!

As a former teacher and the wife of a teacher, I say AMEN to no mugs or knick-knacks. You wouldn't believe what we had in a box when we moved last summer. Even a $5 gift card to Starbucks or ice cream, or a potted plant for the teachers' gardens would be appreciated, along with a handmade card from your children. I guess what I'm saying is that price isn't the factor, just some little "treat" for the teacher, along with a sincere thank-you from parent and child.

Hi M.:
Here is a comment a teacher made to me one time. She loves her students and receives so many little items from them that she really has no space to display them. She would like to be able to show each of her students how she appreciates all the little gifts, but can't.
She said it would really be appreciated if the parents would invest in paper, pencils, crayons or any item related to teaching. That way she could boast to the class of how wonderful Johnnies or Susies mama was for helping all of them in class.
Another thought - how about a gift certificate - with a note saying you realize how many tokins teachers receive and you want them to choose how they would use the certificate on whatever they choose to use it for.
Sincerely
D. Y.

How about a Fabulous Spa Treatment from Beauticontrol!!
I am a Beauticontrol consultant and right now is a great time to treat your teacher, mom or yourself to some pampering. Going to the spa is wonderful but sometimes we want to be able to pamper at home also.
I'd love to share the products with you to try and offer you the discount I am currently giving to my customers!
I have gifts in all price ranges but I think the most coveted product is our Herbal Serenity Instant Manicure, ask anyone-It is out of this world!!
I live in the North Canton aqrea and would be happy to bring product to you for you to try!

Contact me today-###-###-####
Jennifer Friedl
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www.beautipage.com/jenniferfriedl

Have a great Day!

Hi M.,
I taught pre-school for 18 years, my daughter-in-law teaches now. Gifts that meant alot were things like decorative items for the yard or flower garden, a simple necklace, a gift card to a craft store or department store, a gift card to a restaurant, stationery. Hope this helps!
M.

My mom sometimes made home baked goodies for our teachers when we were in school (this practice disappeared when we entered high school) or sometimes she would give them a pretty flower to plant in their gardens. Our teachers really appreciated them.

As a former teacher I was soooo lucky with my parents and gifts they gave me. What I truly appreciated was a gift card. It did not have to be a lot of money it was the thought. Also gift card to places you could buy things for the classroom were greatly appreciated. Good luck.

P. Ryan

as a former elementary teacher I always appreciated homemade gifts like bakery.Plants or flowers are always so nice ecpecially at this time of the year. Gift cards to resturants also proved to be thoughtful. Whatever the gift, I am sure your child's teacher would be most grateful knowing that YOU appreciate the time. work and love that is given by her/him to your child!

clar

M.,
We got our son's teacher a basket and put "teacher items" in it(markers,pens,hand sanitizer,sun block,small photo album with a handprint and name of each child in her class this year) whatever you think a teacher needs, be creative. Have fun!
R.

I'm a teacher and my mother was an elementary school teacher for 30 years and YAY to you for not giving knick-knacks! Seriously, how many apples does a teacher need? Over the years my mother amassed enough apple ornaments to fill a standard sized Christmas tree.

Go with the gift card. The dollar amount is irrelevant - do whatever you think is appropriate. Most teachers will be happy with the fact that you're taking the time to acknowledge their hard work with some sort of gift.

Hi M.! I was a pre-school teacher before my son (now 8!) was born and I can tell you that I sincerely appreciated any gift I received! That being said, I am not a big fan of knick-knacks either and teachers could certainly accumulate those quickly! Since my son started school, we've been giving the gift of books to his teachers at year's end. I got the idea from Family Fun magazine (wonderful ideas in there - for everything!). Towards the end of the year, I remind him to start thinking about what book he'd like to give (he chooses his favorite, same one each year so far!). We buy a new copy (sometimes you can find brand new but half priced books at Half Price Books), I take a photo of him reading his favorite book and glue it to the inside cover and let him write a little message himself. It's an addition to the teacher's classroom library and/or a keepsake. He's chosen With You All The Way by Max Lucado each year so far. Another idea I remember seeing is a hand decorated pen/pencil holder (empty soup can, etc) with a gift card to some office- or teacher- supply store. If you know anything about the teacher personally, you could give a gift card for something else, like a favorite restaurant or store. If these don't help, check out the family fun website familyfun.go.com/ Great ideas abound!
Bless you for thinking of the teachers. They appreciate parents like you! -B. W.

Gift certificates, especially to book or educational supply stores! Most teachers spend a ton of their own money buying supplies for the classroom.

Or if you can get other parents involved, give him/her a membership to someplace like CostCo or Sam's, so they can save money on his/her personal needs as well.

I teach kindergarten and some of my "best ever" gifts have been:

A painting made by the child with a really lovely note from the mother on the back.

Gift cards to the teacher supply store, book store, craft store (I spend a LOT of my own money on class projects, as do many teachers)

Gift card to local restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream parlors (there is something for every price range)

A new children's book approrpiate to the grade I teach with a handwritten inscription (the people at the book store can help you find something new and highly recommended to avoid duplication)

A pencil cup full of pens, highlighters, Sharpie markers, etc and some cute post-it notes

I did get a gift card for a massage at a local salon, which I loved, but some people do not like massages, pedicures, etc. so be careful there.

A terracotta pot with plants in it or a hanging basket of flowers (your child could decorate the pot or just leave it plain and put a bow on it)

I think anything that tells specifically why you and your child appreciated the teacher and gets yuor kids involved in the project is always appreciated. Most teachers do not expect anything, so whatever you do is a nice surprise!

I have three children in school, and to show my appreciation, I send an apple for each teacher. I choose a nice fat red shiny apple. Then I cut a tag from a brown paper with pinking shears. On the card I write "Thank you" on the outside, and "for being a teacher" on the inside. I tie it to the stem with raffia. Viola! A simple, inexpensive gift to show our appreciation. The teacher's love it!

Try something to help out in the classroom. Paper, crayons, construction paper, pencils. When some kids don't have the supplies they need the teacher foots the expense out of her own pocket. I am sure anything you can pick up at a dollar store or cheaply will be greatly appreciated.

Gift cards we usually try to go in with a number of families and get a sizable gift card to say Macy's or target or even the teacher store so they can get something they really like. HAving been a teacher, oce you purchase something with the gift card, you always remember from what class and kids it is from.

I have friends that are teachers and they told me they LOVE gift cards. Target, Barnes and Noble, Bed Bath and Beyond, Kohl's. No candles and no homemade gifts - one has a chair painted with all the kids names and she has no use for it. I'd go with a gift card. You could always have your kids make a card for the personal touch and then the teachers can keep them or not.

My mom teaches lower-el and has gotten everything, you name it, someone has given it to her! She really appreciates gift cards to books stores and restaurants or special things picked out by the kids themselves. She doesn't care when they are dumb if the student picked it out and is proud of what they picked. Just a thought :)

I asked my mom this weekend and she said write a letter of commendation to the Principal, Superintendent, and School Board and send her a copy. Don't write the letter to the teacher, write it to her superiors and send her a copy so she knows you have done it. The gifts are nice, but the letter of commendation is the best thing you can do for her.

Hi M., I used to be a teacher and now I am a SAHM. Some of the gifts I really liked and what I now get for my sons teachers are candles or gift cards to restaurants or even a $10/$20 gift card to a spa. Almost everyone enjoys a good candle, and no matter what amount you get for the gift cards they don't have to pay as much out of their pocket for a meal or getting a facial, manicure, or pedicure.

Consumables are always a good choice... bath products can often be a matter of personal taste, but food gift baskets or gift cards to restaurants are always in good taste (no pun intented) and appreciated.

You could even work with a theme if you know what these teachers like. Chocolate, spices, bread, candy, Mexican, Asian, Italian, etc.

Good luck!

I have a friend who's a teacher and she mentioned that she would always get her childrens teachers a rose bush. I've taken that on and done it in the past too. I usually go to a garden center and get one that's healthy, blooming and beautiful, as a opposed to a cheap one that looks like sticks and leaves. I know rose bushes can be hard to take care of so I've also potted them a pot of flowers, sometimes having the kids help paint up some plain pots to decorate them. Or I've given a simple hanging basket of flowers. I generally get something for the school secretary as well. She is really on top of things, has a lot of work to do, super friendly, and I like to let her know how much I appreciate her. I always send a card with the gift expressing my gratitude, I think it's nice for them to know how all thier hard work has made a difference.

I always appreciate gift cert. I know everyone mentioned it, and some people hate to be generic. One year my class collected a bunch of money and got me a gift cert. to the mall. I liked that, because I could go to any store and get what I wanted.

M.,
Hello, I agree with you-I can't imagine how many little "world's best teacher" and knick-knacks a poor teacher gets!! Anyway, last year I bought my daughter's K teacher a gift certificate to Hobby Lobby. She had noted on a previous occasion that she enjoys that store, so that's why I picked it. I also got the bus drivers gift cards for gasoline. They both seemed to be thankful.
Anyway, will be watching your post for some other ideas for this year! Good idea for a post. A.

I think the BEST gift is a note written from the student (or parent if the child is really young) is the nicest gift you can give. Explain why you/your child likes the teacher, what they've learned, etc. We've done it in the past and several teachers have cried while reading them.

I am having the same challenge - I have one in kindergarten & am trying to think of a good gift idea. I have thought to giving them something that could be used again, i.e. if they like to bake, some baking stuff, or scrapbooking. I've also thought of giving them more school supplies & then having my daughter make something for them. I would like it to be something they would remember us by but at the same time, knick-knacks become clutter at some point.

I am a preschool teacher and you are right, skip the nicknacks.
The most useful gifts for a teacher are Holcombs gift cards. Teachers spend so much of their own money on crafts and other things it is a great gift. If you want somethign for just them, I have bought Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts gift cards. Bookstore gift cards are also a really nice gift. A tin of homemade candy or cookies is also something they enjoy, if you like to make your own gifts. And, of course the old stand-by Bath and Body works.
Good luck and have a great summer.

M. - I am sorry if someone else suggested this but yoiu had so many responses and I don't have time to read all of them. This is something that a friend of mine did a few years ago with her daughters teachers. She bought a popcorn, a popcorn bowl and some movie candy and a gift certificate to Blockbuster. I thought this was a great idea and have used it on those hard to buy for friends through the year.

Hey M.,
An idea for the teacher that might work would be to make a donation in his or her name to a charity that they support. Then make up a certificate to roll up, put a ribbon on it and have your child deliver it to them.
T.

HI! As a teacher and parent of 3, ages 10, 7 and 5, I have given several different gifts (and received) that were greatly appreciated. Small hanging basket of flowers for outside or an inside plant, candles, homemade bakery goods along with a $5 gift certificate to Tim Horton's, small picture album. I usually try to find out what the teacher's likes & dislikes are. When I have given a hanging basket(found on sale) I knew the teacher enjoyed gardening. Good Luck!! Debbie

Hi M..

I was a 3rd grade teacher before becoming a WAHM, and the gifts that I loved the most were ones that reflected who I am and what I like. I enjoy coffee and tea, so mugs and things like that are nice. I really liked the gift cards I got as well, because then I could get whatever it was I wanted or needed at that time. It's really sweet of you to think of your childrens' teachers at the end of the year. Good luck gift shopping!

Hi M.!

I think everyone enjoys products that pamper them and are good for the environment. I always give my children's teachers products from The Body Shop (but I am a consultant for The Body Shop at Home). You could do the same or gift certificates to another store/company that is eco-friendly and has products that are good for your body. One year I gave reusable bags (for groceries, etc) that a portion of the proceeds from the bags went to end violence in the home. Also, one time my children made bracelettes (with a little guidance to ensure the colors were complimentary) from nice beads found at Michaels, or Hobby Lobby, or JoAnns. The teachers have all seemed to enjoy these gifts much. Hope this helps you.

How about a nice plant or flower. Ask her for a list of "favorites" and make a gift basket.

As the wife of a teacher I say gift cards!!!!! Yes, it's very thoughtful to give homemade cookies and coffee mugs, etc. But we have more coffee mugs than we can handle and DH doesn't even drink coffee. It doesn't have to be a lot on the card. Even just a greating card or a hand written note will be greatly appreciated.

Hi, M.. I'm a BeautiControl consultant and I have a lot of customers who purchase BC minis teachers' gifts. We have a pedicure mini, bath/lotion/sprays in different sets that come in minis, and a great hand lotion. Teachers like these because they are something they can use for themselves and it's different--like you said, not a knick-knack--...and they're inexpensive for you! I would love to help if you're interested. You can e-mail me at ____@____.com

I was in education for 39 years and I think a gift certificate to a spa (no matter what the amount) would be most welcomed. Most teachers don't take the time to pamper themselves.
How thoughtful that you would ask. Know you will get a lot of great suggestions.

A gift card to OfficeMax or Staples or a local Teacher Store would be very much appreciated! We often have to spend a lot of our own money on supplies and this would be a great idea. Another good idea would be to donate some books in honor of your student to the classroom library.

I have used these in the past and the teachers loved them. I had my kids make coffee cups out of construction paper and made a card that said "Thanks A Latte". I put a Panera gift card inside. (You could do Starbucks or another coffee place.) I've also given gift cards to a teacher's supply store (I used Halcomb's Knowplace in Florence, KY) and this was a bit hit too. Good Luck.

if you want to give a so called "regular gift" I've seen note pads that are personalized and a clipboard that is personalized in the Lilian Vernon catalog.
Walmart gift cards, or restaurant gift cards are one of the safest gifts.

I was a teacher before I had kids and I would say that gift cards were the best gift. I think ones to a teacher store or restaurant were the nicest.

Hi M.! How about a gift certificate to a coffee shop or something home-made. My boys made their teacher a bracelet, and she wears it all the time! She loved it! We did it in our school colors so she could wear it on Spirit Day. How about a framed picture of her entire class? Candles are usually always a safe gift as well. Hope it helped!! Happy Mother's Day!

Hi M.,
Being a former teacher myself, I always loved gifts such as gift cards to such stores as Staples or Office Max. And Holcomb's is a great one too. So many times I found myself spending my own money purchasing things for my classroom. These gift cards really helped. I also enjoyed the homemade or personalized gifts. And themed gift baskets were great too.
Best of luck.
L.

I would suggest getting a gift card to Office Depot, Walmart, Target or a teachers supply store. Somewhere they can replenish the school supplies that they buy for their own classrooms. My friends are all teachers and of the gifts they receive, this is at the top of the list! They spend an average of $500 a semester buying their own materials and extras for the kids. If you want to do something else a gift card to a favorite restaurant is always a good idea!

Last year my son made a gift for his kindergarten teacher. We took an empty soup can and covered it with scrapbook paper and then he decorated it with stickers and other embelishments and wrote a thank you note on it. We filled the can with pens, pencils and highlighters for his teacher and also included a gift card to the local office supply store so the teacher could buy something for the class. A lot of times teachers use their own money to buy things for the class. This gift is fairly inexpensive, and you could even ask other parents in the class if they would like to donate money toward the gift card.

I'm the same way - I don't like giving or receiving knick knacks! How about some fruit or some homemmade cookies? Or a small giftcard to Starbucks? Or flowers? Or a small potted plant that they could keep in the classroom or at home?

It all depends on what you want to spend. My son is in a special class and has like 4 teachers so I always got to be creative. At walmart in the candy isle they always have those glass jars with cookie and bread mixes in them, attached with maybe a cute oven mitt. Also there are the mugs with hot chocolate or tea. Gift cards to a local "teacher store" since most do buy alot of stuff themselves for the classroom. Hey.. the way things are going these days.. a card of appreciation with a gas gift card (who couldn't appreciate that!) Or maybe a gift card to a chocolate factory...mmmm..

I am a Kindergarten teacher. A nice gift would be a thank you note from your child and also one from you. You could also give a gift card of choice or maybe a book for the classroom.

How about a nice "MASSAGE" gift! Teachers feel a lot of stress during the school year so a relaxing massage could start her summer off just right!

D.

I like to give my kid's teachers a gift card to a local restaraunt or to one of the local ice cream shops. It's a simple way to let then know how much you've appreciated them without worrying if they have room for one more candle or picture frame.

I gave the teachers gift certificates to the local grocery store one year, and they seemed to enjoy that. They could run there on lunch time or after school. You can just slip it in a card, or think of a creative way to present it to them. Or for a school supply, craft, or office supply store. And always good: restaurant gift cards.

As a former Kindergarten teacher, now stay at home mom I will tell you that the best gifts I recieved were handmade gifts from the children. Make a card together or make a collage with pictures from the year in a frame from the dollar store. As far as purchased gifts my favorite was a Panera Gift Card. Teachers LOVE giftcards. Just enough for a cup of coffee or bowl of soup for one of those days is a wonderful treat.

Good luck!

how about a gift certificate for a restaraunt? or even fast food cupons. teachers are really busy.
I got little bookmarks with a lapel pin but could only use them one year.
Your kids will probably know what sort of things the teacher likes. consumables are always good choices, candy, even flowers.
best of luck

As A teacher I love to gift gift cards for teacher stores.

I am a teacher, and spend my own money on most of the items in my classroom. I would either buy a bunch of items that a teacher would use, and give it to her in a gift basket, OR buy a gift card to an Office supply store, and maybe a gift card for dinner. She will appreciate this so much more than a knick knack gift.

Gift cards to a coffee shop are always nice. It may not be an extravagance they would spend their own money on, but a modest amount on a gift card allows a couple of special coffee days.

My children have all graduated, but one gift the teachers always enjoyed... gift cards. Especially ones for teachers supply stores. Hope this helps.
Julie H

Hi M.,
I'm a teacher, and I always appreciate a sincere card or letter thanking me for what I've done. I also appreciate gifts that are personal - a gift card or something that the students know I really like. For example, I've gotten gift cards from Starbucks, bookstores, stores, and restaurants. No apples! No candles! I have a cupboard full. I have had several classes who chipped in together to get me substantial gift certificates or even one year a cabin rental in the Hocking Hills once. Nice!
Good luck.

When I was a teacher I loved getting gift cards, especially book store or restaurant gift cards. If that's too expensive, consider having your kids make homemade cards. Teachers really like knowing they are appreciated and a sincere thank you speaks volumes.

As a previous Elementary School Teacher, and current stay-at-home Mom I can appreciate this question. I agree to stay away from knick-knacks....I got a lot of them! Here are some of my suggestions: This year I sent a letter home with each of the students in my son's Pre-K class asking each student to stamp their handprint on a paper and make it into an animal and then write some of their favorite things about the year on the page. I will put all the pages together and title it something to do with a "zoo".

Also, a movie pack with candy, popcorn and gift certificate to a movie rental place.

Get together with other parents and get a massage gift certificate.

Bath and Body Works stuff.

Books for the classroom with book plate inside that says it was donated by your child.

Gift Certificate to a Teacher Store.

I hope this helps
K.

I would like to know waht is appropraite as well....

Having been a teacher...gift cards were always a great gift. Either from the mall, Starbucks or bookstores.

My friends who are teachers always say they love to get gift cards to either restaurants or stores. They like them much better than knick-knacks & feel they can use them for either a night out or to buy something they really want/need. If you know a lot of parents in the class you could chip in & give a bigger value card to someplace.

Hope that helps!

C.

I always give the teachers small potted plants. All the teachers have loved them so far.

Teachers love gift certificates. I'm not sure how much you are planning to spend, but even a $10 gift card to Panara or an ice cream shop like Graeters is very thoughtful and something they can use and enjoy.

L. :)

M.,

I always give my kid's teachers books. I think about what subject they taught this year and give a book on a related topic. This is great b/c teachers spend their own $ to add books to their classroom!
I am a rep with Usborne Books. A lot of our books are awesome
to add to the cirriculum. For ex. The Butterfly for kindergarten and Ill. Dic of Math for 4th grade reference.

Thanks!
K. H
www.ubah.com/b1948