A thoughtful thank you note.
That is the best teacher gift.
If a teacher has helped to make your child's year better...
If a teacher has taught your child new ways to look at the world through books, writing, stories, songs, or history...
If a teacher spent extra time with your child..
If a teacher bent the rules a little for your child because he/she saw the big picture...
If a teacher strengthened your child's faith in God...
If a teacher showed your child how to be a better friend...
If a teacher raised the bar just enough to help your child achieve greater goals..
If a teacher helped your child to recognize hidden talents..
If a teacher encouraged your child to know the value of hard work...
If a teacher helped your child to like school...
If a teacher guided your child through a rough patch...
If a teacher provided opportunities for your child to shine...
If a teacher did a fine job of teaching your child how to write, to read, to do word problems, to complete a science lab, to pray a novena, to analyze a doctrine, or to play Canadian doubles...
If a teacher worked hard all year to be a good teacher to your child....
tell the teacher in a hand-written note.
The note doesn't have to be long or be carefully worded.
Dear Mrs. Smith,
Thank you for the wonderful job you have done teaching John math this year. He has shown great improvement in all areas of problem solving thanks to you. We appreciate all of your hard work.
Have a terrific, relaxing summer.
Sincerely,
The Parker Family
Simple, sweet, and thoughtful.
***
For some of you, I know this is not enough.
You want to give another kind of present as well.
I will not disappoint.
After much thinking , here is a list of some of my favorite teacher gifts (besides the beloved letters of appreciation). NOTE: These are gifts that were given to me that I very much enjoyed.
Every teacher is different so this is not a suggestion list...but perhaps you may find an idea which you like that suits your teacher.
1. A beach bag with a 2 liter bottle of soda, flip flops, chips, and a People magazine. ( I LOVED this.)
2. A fair trade change purse
3. Fair trade coffee
4. A bottle of wine (a very funny note was attached to this). From this particular parent the gift was very amusing and heartfelt. It had been a hard year for both of us.
5. A large supply of colorful markers for my classroom white board (Because the student heard me moan and groan all year about not having enough.)
6. Certificate to the movies/restaurant.
7. Starbucks gift card.
8. Books- collections of poetry/ favorite authors/ favorite genres/travel books/gift card
9. Art made by students....crosses, dishes, paintings
10. Schoolhouse Rock magnets (Because the student knew I love to sing those songs.)
11. A clock with a big smile on it. (Because I called the student "Smiling Jack" all year.
12. A handmade Burger King gift certificate (Because the student knew I LOVED Burger King.)
Any gift that brings a personal message of appreciation and thoughtfulness is a good gift.
However, I still wholeheartedly submit that taking an hour one evening with your child to write end-of-the-year thank you notes/cards to give to teachers would be wonderful for your teachers, wonderful for your child, and wonderful for your wallets.
(You can always tape some chocolate to the envelope if you so desire.)
Did I forget to mention chocolate?
How silly of me.
Great suggestions from comment box.....
From
Aimee - a donation to a worthy cause in the teacher's name
From
Terra- a photo album/scrapbook of the year
From
Emily- a pedicure certificate OR a child's favorite book to be added to the class library!
From
Elizabeth- a Mass said for the teacher. (wow)