Appropriate Teacher Gift Suggestions

By Simon Natta • December 26th, 2009

This Christmas when shopping for that perfect gift for someone extra special, consider getting them something unique and timeless. There are great present options for those who are trying to stick to a budget but want to get a gift that are appreciated and functional. Consider the personality of the person you are buying for. What are their likes and dislikes? Maybe leather journals would be the perfect thing for the friend who loves to write or maybe handmade bags could be purchased for all the moms in your kids play group. One person who can be difficult to buy for is the teacher of your children. As the holidays approach it can be hard to know what is a suitable gift for a teacher. A special teacher means so much and selecting a gift for him or her is something many parents wish to do. Here are a few tips and suggestions when thinking about selecting a gift for a special teacher.

1. Resist the urge to do too much. It can be very tempting to want to go all out for a teacher who is making a difference in the life of your child. However, very expensive gifts can be inappropriate. They could very well be a source of embarrassment for the teacher. If you would like to buy something which is considered expensive, attempt to coordinate all parents in a joint gift. If all the parents of a class donate even a few dollars it is often enough to purchase something significant. Be prepared for possible resistance on the part of one or two parents. Some parents do not feel it is their responsibility to purchase a gift for teachers.

2. Consider giving something which lets the teacher know he or she is valued. While it is very easy to select a rather generic item, like a tree ornament or some stationary, it can be just as easy to personalize that item. For example, stationary or notes can be tailored to include the name of a specific teacher. Additionally, a tree ornament could be crafted with the names of the teacher as well as the name of your child and the year. If your child creates their own ornament or gift, that can mean a great deal too. Teachers are most grateful for the time and effort children put into gift giving.

3. Choose a present which is practical and useful. Yes, gift cards can be considered impersonal but they are quite useful and almost always enjoyed by the recipient. Particularly if you do not know what a teacher shops or what hobbies he or she is interested in, a gift card can be a great choice. If you are worried about a gift card being too impersonal, consider writing or having your child write a special note or choose a photo to include with the gift card.

4. Purchase a gift which can be enjoyed by all the students. When deciding what to get for a teacher, keep in mind that some school districts encourage gift giving for the classroom rather than for an individual teacher. Purchasing essential classroom supplies, books, or even donating some time to come in and help with classroom chores can be a much needed and appreciated gesture.

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