Hand-written Thank You Note. This is probably one of the most important things that you could give your child’s teacher. Writing a thank you note that expresses your gratitude shows how much you appreciate them, and writing your thoughts down means that they can read and re-read your thoughts over and over. How many times have you kept something nice that someone has written to you? This is a gift that costs very little yet is literally priceless.
Tell the Principal. If your child’s teacher is amazing, it is important for their higher-ups to know that they are doing a wonderful job. Telephone or write the school Principal and let them know in detail exactly why your child’s teacher is such a fine teacher. Chances are they will receive some praise from their boss and they may be in consideration for other commendations.
Handmade Gift from Your Child. This often means more to the teacher than you can imagine. Only do this if your child likes to make things and will have fun doing this. Ideas for things you can make: paint a terra cotta planter and put a plant in it, paint/draw a picture and frame it and make a mug at a ceramics store. There are many ideas for things your child could make to say thank you.
Gift Certificate for Relaxation. Many teachers are often overloaded with work, yet they love their jobs. They typically take on extra assignments such as after school clubs in their field of expertise. Some are also coaches at their schools. Many are also active volunteers with children. Giving a relaxation gift certificate, such as a massage or a facial could be a welcome treat. Many spas even cater to men now, so this could be a great gift for a man as well.
Gift Certificate for School Supply Stores. Most teachers buy supplies for their classrooms, this is just part of the job. They accept that part of their salary is going to go into needed supplies for their classrooms. This does not include courses or magazines or journals that teachers often purchase to keep up-to-date in their fields of interest. Buying a teacher a gift certificate for a school supply store could be a thoughtful gift. Sometimes a parent may not know the store that a teacher shops at. One idea can be to ask another teacher at the school what stores are popular (if you want to surprise the teacher you are giving the gift to) as they may know where that teacher shops. Another idea is to give a pre-paid VISA or American Express gift card, which can be used at any store.
Restaurant Gift Certificate. A great idea to say thank you is to give a gift certificate to a restaurant. Eating out can be a great luxury to many of us, and it is a terrific way to relax to know that tonight you don’t have to cook! There are so many restaurants, that it literally can be hard to select just one, a great idea can be to select one that has a variety of foods as you may not know what type of cuisine your teacher likes. Or you could choose something close to the school they could use to buy lunch or a quick dinner to take-out for home.
Gift Certificate to Book Store. All teachers are big readers, this goes without saying! Teachers love to read in their field of interest, and also often read in other fields as well. This means big book bills. A book gift certificate will be much appreciated from any store. Another great idea is an autographed book from a local author, especially a children’s book.
Our teachers are a special part of our lives, they may only be in your child's life for a year – but their impact can last for a lifetime. Your child’s third grade teacher may spark an interest that will become what they major in college, and eventually develop a successful career in. Have you thanked your child’s teacher today?
