Easy teacher gift ideas

Teachers play an important role in your child’s life. Some will have a bigger impact than others on their education and future.  Although it’s not an obligation, it’s not uncommon for parents to want to show their appreciation on special occasions or at the end of a school year.

The same question comes up time and time again: What are the best gifts for teachers?
 

My wife has been a teacher for over 10 years, and I’ve seen her bring home boxes filled with all kinds of gifts—coffee, coupons, mugs, chocolate, jujubes, and so forth.

One time, someone even gave her a hot water bottle.

That’s right, a hot water bottle. We didn’t even know that people still used hot water bottles! My wife may never have used it, but it did make us laugh pretty hard one night.

On a more serious note, I’ve noticed that all her teacher gifts have one thing in common. What I’m about to tell you will save you a lot of time when you next go shopping for a teacher gift!

Don’t think about what teachers like.
Don’t ask yourself what a teacher would find useful.
Don’t think about what others are buying.
Don’t try to compare yourself with other parents.
 
Focus on your intention and your relationship with the teacher.
 
What matters is the thought behind the gift and everything leading up to it. Everything that you and your child have been through with this teacher.

I’ve seen it many times and there’s no denying it—my wife prefers thoughtful and heartfelt gifts over the ones that cost a lot of money.

Even if they give the same gift, no two parents or children have had the same relationship with a teacher. Every parent and student will see and remember that teacher in a different way.

Figuring out how to express what someone means to you is precisely what makes the best gifts.

So, the question you need to ask yourself when you want to show your appreciation is not “how much?” but “why?”
 

Take time with your child to put your feelings into words and share them with the teacher.

Tell them what you appreciated and how they made a difference in your lives. What will you take away from this relationship, from this teacher? How have they been an inspiration to you?

Once you have the answer to these questions, you’ll be able to find a way to tell them.

Whether you give a letter, card, or craft, with or without a gift, your words and your sincere, heartfelt appreciation will be what the teacher remembers.

If you take the time to let them know what you appreciate about them, I guarantee you can’t go wrong!