Teacher Gifts

The end of the school year is fast approaching and I realized I still needed to get teacher gifts for the boys' teachers. I have the Thank You cards set aside, but haven't written a note yet or even bought a gift. I think this year, due to lack of planning, I will be sticking with a heartfelt thank you note and gift card. I may attach a bag of their favorite candy as well.

If you are looking for teacher gift ideas too, I have some below! I try to come up with something that they can use and will like (such as gift cards) and try to tailor it to the teacher. I also try to keep it non-teacher themed. 

• Do NOT get them a "teacher" themed gift. I know several teachers and the one thing I hear is that they get a lot of  "teacher" gifts during the year (apple ornaments, apple decorations, apple mugs, etc.).  They're like us and only have so much space for these things. Plus, you don't necessarily want every gift you receive to be job themed! 
• A handwritten note with a meaningful, heartfelt message is always a plus.
• Gift card to their favorite store. I have run into a couple of teachers out shopping on the weekends and if they mention that they love a particular store, I try to remember it. Target or a Visa/Mastercard/AmericanExpress prepaid card always seems to be a big hit. If you are in a big hurry, Amazon even has email gift cards!
• Coffee shop gift cards, possibly with a reusable mug. Of course, this only works if you know that they like coffee.
• Similar to the coffee, a reusable insulated cup for summer. Stuff it with a gift card to an ice cream place, bagel or coffee shop, or drink mixes.
• Some teachers end up supplying a lot of the classroom supplies and books themselves, so gift cards to bookstores or places like Target/Staples/Walmart/book store might be helpful.
• Gift basket for them filled with goodies: chocolates, bags of tea or coffee, candies, etc.
• Gift basket for them and school: Last year, I gave them a gift card for them, but also included some supplies for the next school year. Higgins' teachers had bubbles in their baskets, since I know he spilled a ton of bubbles throughout the year.
• Beach towel rolled up and tied with a bow. Stuff a few other items out the top such as sunscreen, flip flops, a few popsicles (not frozen of course), or some lemonade mixes.
• A movie basket. Find a cute tin or popcorn tub and fill with snacks, popcorn bags, popcorn toppings, a gift card to a movie theater.
• You can also call the school office. Some schools keep a Teacher's Wish List for gift ideas.
• Flowers or a plant. Ones that can be planted are nice since they will last longer. To make it extra special, have your child(ren) paint a clay pot and plant the flower/plant in the pot.
• If you have a class picture, find a mat that will fit and frame the picture. Have everyone sign the mat and place a message like "Best Teacher", "We Love You", or "Thank You For Making Our School Year Great". Make sure to put the year somewhere on the mat too.
• Baked goodies. I have ton of cookie and dessert recipes on the blog, including individual Pie Jars!
• Things for the classroom. I found these cute 3D bookmarks that would make great prizes or treats for the teacher to hand out.

DM Tip: If you are sending something breakable, remember to package it well so it will survive the bus ride and trip to the teacher!