As Memorial Day approaches, that summer-is-almost here feeling begins to sweep over us, causing excitement for the fun times ahead, but often leaving some bittersweet feelings as children must say goodbye to a beloved teacher before moving onto the next grade level. I don't know any educator who does not love a handwritten note from a student or parent thanking him or her for all of their efforts throughout the year. This is always appreciated and need not be expensive at all. You could stop there and that teacher would feel the love! While it is never expected, I am grateful to have received many other beautiful and thoughtful gifts throughout my 16-year teaching career.
From quick to crafty, here a few tips on gifts that will show teachers, coaches, and other caretakers how much they are appreciated, but also eliminate stress for parents in trying to find the perfect gift.
1. Gift Cards
Who doesn’t love a gift card to treat yourself to something special? Quick, easy, and practical, gift cards make the perfect choice for a busy parent to show teachers how much you appreciate them, while also saving you time and energy. The best part? You choose the amount, and tailoring it to the teacher’s interests makes the gift feel more personal.
Here are some ideas for gift card selections, both classic and out-of-the-box:
- Local Coffee Shop--Looking for more? Place the gift card inside a travel or ceramic coffee mug!
- Their Favorite Store-- Don’t want to guess? Have your child ask his or her teacher where he or she likes to shop. Trust me, they won’t mind answering that question, especially when it means money to spend there during the summer!
- Restaurants--From fast food to fancy, teachers are happy to treat themselves or their family to a meal on you!
- Entertainment Venues-- Movie theaters, golf courses, wineries, breweries, resorts, workout or yoga facilities, salons, and spas all make somewhat unique and special gifts, especially if you know the teacher loves to frequent a certain spot in their spare time!
- Travel-- Many teachers love to travel during the summer months, and even gift cards like gas cards, car wash vouchers, or airline gift cards are practical and appreciated!
- Amazon-- Need I say more? When in doubt, this one is my go-to gift card that does not disappoint.
2. Candles, Hand Soap, and Hand Sanitizer
Stick to scents that are clean and classic! Teachers love something practical to use at home or even to keep and use in their classrooms. Most teachers do not get funding to decorate their classrooms, so any final touches that help keep germs away or lift spirits are always appreciated!
3. Personalized Gifts
Two of the best and most memorable gifts I’ve received were those that were both personal and personalized. The year that I received my Masters from Michigan State, a student bought me a personalized MSU candy jar filled with treats and thanked me for being so sweet. I love that he acknowledged all of my hard work that year outside of the classroom. I still have that candy jar on my desk and have never forgotten that student!
If your child is in elementary school, classes often go in together on a gift for the teacher. One year, a very special group of students, many of whom I had taught for two years, went to the local pottery place to paint and personalize a flower vase for me. They all signed their names around my name and filled it with faux flowers. To this day, the vase and flowers are still on my desk. Right next to the MSU candy dish.
Other ideas for personalization? A classroom stool, sign, poster, bag, notepad, pen, hall pass, lanyard, journal, or anything that the students notice that the teacher uses each day!
4. DIY Crafts
For students who love crafting, creating a gift for a special teacher is a very thoughtful idea. I teach writing, so I have received several beautiful journals with ornate covers designed by students. Other students have created memory books for me, as well as picture frames, change purses, scarves, jewelry, ornaments, and bookmarks. A child using his or her talents to create something special always makes for a meaningful and memorable gift!
5. Plants or Flowers
I always love receiving flowers, whether a bouquet, fresh arrangement, or potted plant. If it is paired with a pot that is personalized or reusable, that serves as a reminder of the student, even after the flower or plant has withered (for those of us not blessed with a green thumb!). Plus, there are so many cute cards and labels along the lines of “Thank you for helping me grow!” that can be used to accompany a floral gift. (Think of the Teacher Printables we shared last week).
So here we are, a few minutes closer to Memorial Day and hopefully a few steps closer to that perfect gift. No matter which direction you choose, meaningful, memorable, fun, or just plain practical, it’s all appreciated! Happy giving!
