It’s the end of the year, and you want a thank you gift for your child’s teacher. In the spirit of final exams, here’s a pop quiz for you. Which of these three do you think will delight the teacher in your child’s life?
A. Coffee mug that says “World’s Best Teacher”
B. The proverbial apple for the teacher
C. Gift cards
While all three of these may make routine appearances on the teacher’s desk at the end of the year, the answer is “C” — gift cards. My sources tell me to skip apples and anything that says “World’s Best Teacher,” and go for gift cards, or some of the other gifts featured in this post.
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Thank you, teachers!
They deserve our gratitude, our gifts, and our prayers. Think of how much your child has learned and grown over the last nine months. Their teachers have guided them, encouraged them and giggled with them. The following pictures are my kids from their preschool days. Good bless the sweet teachers who taught them to walk in a line, sit quietly, and share.
Or if your kids are no longer in the adorable pre-school period, your child’s teachers are instructing them in AP Physics, World History, or Calculus. Now don’t they deserve something nice?
By the way, the picture at the top of this post is my actual second grade classroom. That’s Mrs. Thomas, my teacher. I loved her. We learned cursive and got to watch “The Electric Company.” I hope my mom got her a nice gift at the end of the year. (I’m the girl rocking the red pleather vest and skirt.)
Personalized or Monogrammed Items
We heard repeatedly from our teacher friends that they loved various personalized items that they received over the years. Some favorites:
A personalized make up bag. Click here to buy on Amazon.
Here’s a smaller version, also available at Amazon .
A cute initialed canvas tote. This one by Mudpie is available on Amazon. Click here to buy on Amazon.
And while a “World’s Best Teacher” mug was not high on anyone’s list, a cute and functional personalized travel coffee mug would surely be a hit. Get this one at Amazon.
How cute would this be at the entry to the classroom? And maybe the kids would actually wipe their feet before coming in! Available with personalization at Amazon.
Items for pampering
Our teachers work hard. They might not spend money on themselves for a day of pampering. But we heard loud and clearly that they love gift certificates for manicures, pedicures, massages, etc.
Take a chance on the lottery
We all know buying lottery tickets is frivolous and silly, right? But they’re awfully fun to scratch off. We heard that scratch-off lottery tickets are a popular teacher gift.
Gift certificates
We heard over and over that gift certificates are appreciated and are a very thoughtful gift. Some favorites are Target, Amazon, Publix (or Kroger, or whatever your local grocery store is), Michael’s, etc.
Let us entertain you
How about a night out? Movie tickets (like AMC Theatres), and certificates to favorite restaurants (like California Pizza Kitchen, The Cheesecake Factory, or Seasons 52) are sure to make them smile. We’ve heard that some thoughtful parents actually ask teachers to fill out a ‘favorites” list, so they get the gift cards that will truly be used and appreciated.
And don’t forget Starbucks! That’s always a hit.
Insider information
Talk to your child. Perhaps he knows that every day his teacher treats her self to a Reese’s peanut butter cup. Maybe she has a favorite hand cream she uses every day. Have your child do some reconnaissance, and include him or her in the gift selection process.
Heartfelt Gratitude
So you’ve found a great gift. Now include a note where you tell the teacher about your child’s year. Maybe you explain his growth over the year. Or you tell her how your daughter overcame her shyness.
Let that teacher know that you appreciate the act of kindness shown to your child.
When I asked my teacher friends for some of their favorite gifts, I heard this lovely story from my friend Gia:
My favorite gift ever was a personalized Christmas ornament with the name “Dennis” on it! English was not my student’s native language and I’m sure the student thought it was some nice sentiment. I’m not sure why that gift touched me more than any — I think it was the innocence of the misunderstanding. It was such a heartfelt gesture!
So there you have it. Find something from the heart. Even if it is something unusual, a good teacher will understand, and will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
For other gift suggestions, please see:
- Waxing Poetic: Great Story, Great Jewelry
- Graduation Gifts
- Our Favorites: Cold Drink Tumblers Edition
- Hey Guys — Valentine’s Gifts Your Wife Will ACTUALLY Like
- Our Favorites: Kitchen Prep Tools Edition
