The end-of-the-year party handouts have been distributed, and the last oral presentation has been given. Science fair projects are over, and the final rounds of testing are coming to a close. All this can only mean one thing: SUMMER!!! As summer nears, this also means one other thing: the school year is coming to a close. Your child has spent the better half of the last year with an adult who has probably come to know his quirks, mannerisms, preferences, and learning style better than most. It just so happens that Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up (PTA says 5/5-5/9), so whether you are looking for a way to express appreciation to your child’s teacher next week or at the very end of the school year, here are some ideas for you!
Giving teachers gifts is definitely extra and not expected (and not even allowed in some districts). A lot of my friends are teachers and really recommend using http://gradecam.com/grader/easy-grader/ to help them with grading papers. They don’t expect gifts at all but they do love receiving them! Personally, I have found written sentiments to be the most meaningful over the course of the years. Of course I am not representative of every (or most) teachers, but here are some gifts that have stood out to me over the years.
1. Something heartfelt
When it comes down to it, teachers are really in it for one thing: they want to make a difference. If a student writes a heartfelt note of appreciation, it makes everything so, so worth it! It energizes us for the next year, even as this one is coming to a close. I got a lot of handmade cards from my students throughout each year, which was nice, but nothing warmed my heart like the ones with written sentiments explaining how I made an impact on them.
If your child isn’t old enough to articulate or write their appreciation themselves, a heartfelt note from a parent means a ton as well. I know a teacher who keeps an encouraging letter from a parent (written years ago) folded up in her purse at all times. When she has frustrating or discouraging days, she pulls it out to read for encouragement! You never know how much a few meaningful words will impact your child’s teacher!
2. Something personalized
I received this fun gift several years ago, and still proudly use it when I have a pan full of treats to bring anywhere. I think the parent who gifted this to me used a whiteout pen to decorate it, and I have always washed this lid carefully to preserve the adorable decorations! Chances are that your child’s teacher bakes every now and then, and this is a great gift so she can show off how loved she is by her students! Find a similar pan to decorate and gift here
3. Something handmade
Okay I’m cheating a little bit on this one. When I saw these awesome melted crayon pieces on Pinterest, I secretly hoped someone would make it for ME! Since that was unlikely, I decided to make it for one of my favorite teacher friends. Not bad, eh? =) It was not difficult, and a lot of fun to make. You could also use other words such as teach, imagine, or Ms. ______. I think it will be fun to let my kids pick out colors and words to make a version of this for their teachers someday! All you need is some stretched canvas
4. Something yummy
One year, a parent brought me a box of pastries from a popular local bakery. YUM! It’s possible that I might have finished most of them before I got home that day. I always think back on that family fondly, 100% because of the amazing child that I had the pleasure of teaching, and, well… the treats sure didn’t hurt :).
5. Something flexible
I hope you find this list of ideas helpful as you wind down this school year and get geared up for summer! As I said before, teacher gifts are totally optional and honestly not expected. If you enjoy giving gifts and are looking for ideas, though, you should be able to find something here, whether it is inexpensive but priceless (like a written note!), or quick and convenient.
H.A.G.S. and stay cooool!
-JoEllen
8 responses to “Stuff Teachers Like: 5 Gift Ideas for Your Child’s Teacher”
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Great list! Honest and realistic! I think I’ll do food and a heartfelt note. Thanks!!
That will be sweet in more ways than one 🙂
JoEllen, I’ve just learned about your blogs and have so enjoyed them. I am a psychologist working with families and kids and find many of your blogs very relevant and helpful. I recently wrote a blog on apologies ( peggyktietz.blogspot.com)and find we have a similar approach. I’d love to have you read my blog and would also like to feature your blog on my website. You have great examples that I think it would be a very helpful follow up to the blog I wrote. Could I have your permission to use your blog on my site.
Looking forward to hearing from you. Peggy Kruger Tietz
http://www.peggykrugertietz.com
Thanks for reading my blog, Peggy! I read your post, and it does look like we have a lot of similar thoughts! I like how you mention not being so focused on defending ourselves (I’m TOTALLY guilty of doing that!) and also on making amends (something a lot of people had suggested in my comments! :)). Yes, you may use my blog (please link back to my website). Thanks!
The special notes written by the students – and by parents too! – that share how they enjoy having me as their teacher are the things I really keep for years and years. Although, however much most of us teachers enjoy teaching our students and love our jobs, there is also the real world of having to be able to afford to live comfortably on a teacher’s salary… I have often found that a gift card from a local big mall where I can choose something for me and not feel guilty about taking money from the usual limited household budget is such a treat that refreshes me. Most importantly I would say to parents = if you wish to give the teacher a gift them please give them something that you know they will appreciate and enjoy and feel that you are giving them the gift to reflect that you value them as the teacher of their child, not just that you are giving a gift because it is expected. It is the sentiment that is most important.
Thank you for sharing!
I love this list! Some of my favorite things have been the heartfelt note or homemade gifts (I still have a necklace and bracelet from one of my first students. Even though I mainly wear earrings, it’s always there in my jewelry box reminding me of her.) Although, a few years ago I had a student bring me a big box of Godiva as an end of the year present and I MAY have thought, “Best student EVER”as the moment. 🙂
Haha nice! Yes, a nice box of chocolate is a good bet!