Every year when Valentine’s day rolls around, teachers are inundated with gifts from kids and parents. While these tokens of affection are appreciated, there are only so many “World’s Greatest Teacher” trinkets a person can fit on a desk. Nix the apple jewelry, too. Step outside of the box this year and give your kid’s teacher a gift that will really make her feel loved. Keep these tips in mind when choosing gifts for teachers this year, and you’ll come out at the top of the class.
Think Practical
While as women we wish for jewels and utterly useless trinkets from our husbands, teachers wish for the dozen pens they had when school started back up in January. Many teachers have to buy supplies like these out of their own pockets, so consider a gift basket (or a tote bag to take home papers to grade) full of pens, sticky-notes, reward stickers, and highlighters. Make a witty card letting her know she’s the “highlight” of the school. Don’t know what she needs? A gift certificate to a educational supply store is just the thing.
Think Consumable
Teachers have limited storage space just like we do. Have you ever tried to throw away that ceramic figurine your child gave you for Christmas? I still have a cream and gold bobbling Santa my son gave me several years ago, even though it matches Absolutely Nothing in my house – or my personality, for that matter. Now imagine that same feeling mulitplied by 18-22 students. Please, for the sake of relatable sanity, give her something that she can use up. Spa treats like bubble bath and fizzers are a big hit. Want to really make her feel loved? Give her a gift certificate for a massage or a day spa.
Think Edible
Most teachers are women. And how do women relieve stress? Chocolate! A box of gourmet chocolates or truffles with a note telling her she adds sweetness to your child’s day will make hers. A gift certificate for dinner is another treat that will help relieve a little of her stress after a full day of juggling kids. Having a pizza delivered for lunch is another great stress-reliever.
Think Helpful
Volunteer to sit with the class so the teacher can enjoy a nice lunch away from campus (check school policy first). Teachers always need copies made. Why not offer to make all the copies she needs for a day, or even a week? The teachers at my daughter’s school always have things to laminate and cut out, but rarely have the time to actually do it. Spend an hour or so cutting out laminated projects. Even something as simple as reading a book to the class so the teacher can grade a few papers is a big help, so think small – the little things can really add up!
If nothing strikes as The Thing to do or get for your child’s teacher, just ask. Sometimes a simple, “What would help you the most?” can be the best gift of all.
(Photo courtesy of CoCreatr)
Comments
No comments.