teacher gift i deas?

[Runningmommy]

My son's teacher has been a God send. We love her. i want to give her an end of year gift in appreciation and thanks. Good ideas? Money for more school supplies is good, but maybe something personal? up to hear anything.

Lisa

[kewb]

I usually give an American Express or Mastercard gift card so they can buy whatever they want.

[dillonandmarasmom]

I once received a gift card to a spa. Not for anything specific. I used it for a massage. It was wonderful!!!! (I think they spent $40).
I occasionally got gift cards, too. I would find out where she likes to shop, if possible. Lots of times, teachers divulge this info to students in sample writing, or if they act as a student of the week to model the activity. My students seemed to always remember my favorite things throughout the year.
You might want to avoid things marketed directly to teacher gifts. I always had a drawer full of little trinkets that said #1 teacher, etc. It's hard to let go of those little gifts. It's also hard to find space for them .

[Runningmommy]

you are right, I don't want the #1 teacher gifts, even though that's how we feel about her. gift cards are good. She's a single mom to a daughter, and I want her to spend on herself too. (you know how us moms are!)

Spa card is good, that's something she probably wouldn't do for herself. I know they eat out a lot due to time constraints with working single mom life.

She likes dogs a lot, and she said she loves home made gifts (I crocheted her Christmas gift).

thanks for helping me brainstorm with this while there is still time!

[nd_deadhead]

We give our favorite teachers gift cards to the local bookstore. They can choose to spend it on themselves, or on something fo rthe classroom.

One rarely meets a teacher that doesn't like books!

My son's 5th grade teacher makes banjos, so I gave him a bluegrass CD.

[shelbean91]

Gift cards to starbucks, bookstore, spa, staples or office max, general amex gift card.

[maxsmum]

Great suggestions. My favorite gifts have always been ones children have made for me.

[sun-shine01]

My hubby is a teacher and he likes homemade goodies (food & crafty things)and gift cards.

[jbpoetmom]

A Coffee Mug With an Apple!

Kidding!

Gift cards or cash are always appreciated . . . along with a handwritten card by the student and/or the parent.

[Maggie05]

The best gift is a letter telling her what she has meant to you and your family. That is the gift I have always valued the most. Add some homemade brownies, and you will have one happy teacher.

[Runningmommy]

ohh, that's great! something made by my son and a card from him. We have had her over for dinner, and tell her all the time how wonderful she is. A keepsake letter about that would be nice.

Thank you so much for the great ideas!!

Lisa

[blizzard_babe]

The spa idea is a good one.

Donation in her name to a charity that suits her interests and passions?

Home-made gift certificate good for a few hours of volunteer time next year?

And I agree... a good old-fashioned letter stating in no uncertain terms exactly what you think of her would be worth its weight in gold. Probably more, since a piece of paper's worth of gold isn't really worth all that much in the big picture.

[1xmom]

I was thinking the same thing about my dd's teacher and I plan to get her a gift card to a book store and write an appreciation note. Although I don't know if I want to give it to her during Teacher Appreciation Week or at the official end of the school year. Maybe I'll make cookies for TA Week and get the gift card for the end. Making the cookies will be a nice project for my dd and I to do together though.

[amydawnsmommy]

One year I worked as an Assistant Teacher at a Montessori school.
At the end of the year the parents gave us all gift certificates to a local spa! It was soooo nice!!!!

I had a manicure and a pedicure. The teachers got a pedicure and a facial.
We all went together and had lunch afterwards at an Arabian restaurant. Yum!
That was fun!

[AmyLouise]

I was a teacher and I loved the personal gifts (cards made by children) and the gift cards. Most teachers dislike anything bought with I love teacher on it!!! It's really thoughtful but can you imagine having a room full of that stuff???

Amy

[wednesday]

My teacher friends tell me they like restaurant gift cards. Amazon gift cards would be nice too I think.

[hippiechickinsing]

As a teacher, I second the gift cards and spa treats. What's not to like? Also, the letters from students and parents are very meaningful. Another thing I really appreciate is when a parent takes the time to let the administration know how they feel, especially those that are specific about successful experiences.

[EFmom]

My dh loves to get gift cards to places he can buy supplies for teaching, given how much of our own money he spends on that stuff.

My two sisters are teachers and they do not like to get gift cards to spas. The main problem is that the spa services are very expensive and unless the gift card covers the entire spa charge, it's not worth it for them to use the cards as it cost them their own money. So, they end up not using the spa cards and it's a waste.

[ecoteat]

If one of my students gave me a gift certificate for a massage (for the whole cost--the PP has a good point), I would be in heaven. This Christmas my favorite gift was some knitting needles, wool, and sock patterns. If you know what some of the teacher's interests are, that helps. I also appreciate gift cards (I've gotten the most use out of Target and Amazon) and love heartfelt letters and cards. Homemade sweets are nice too!

[rainyday]

I always get gift cards/certificates too. For teachers we really like, we tend to get them a gift certificate for a specific spa service (we always do a pedicure).

When I was teaching I always appreciated the notes and letters that parents and students gave me. A note saying just what you told us along with a gift would be very much appreciated.

I would also suggest avoiding scented things like candles, soaps, and lotions. What one person loves, another one loathes.

A lot of teachers I know like Barnes and Noble or Amazon gift cards too. Then they can use them for something personal or for the classroom, whichever they'd prefer.