Straight from the Teacher’s Mouth: End-of-the-Year Gifts Your Kids’ Teachers Will Love

As the school year is winding down many of us begin to think about ways to thank our children’s teachers.  Sometimes, though, it can be tricky to navigate the aisles of the Hallmark store with their apple-shaped candles or “World’s Best Teacher” plaques.  So, to help point you in the right direction I’ve interviewed some of my favorite teachers, picking their brains to get the best ideas on what to give those teachers in your life as a thank you for all of their hard work and dedication.

Hand-Written Notes

By far, the most cherished gift these teachers have received are hand-written note from students and their parents.  A heart-felt and specifically-worded thank you has meant a lot to these teachers throughout the years.  Stephanie, a fourth grade teacher, saves many of her cherished notes, “I have a folder of ‘nice notes’ for when I'm having a rough day and I can use the reminders.”  Hand-written Thank Yous are especially meaningful for high school teachers who rarely receive gratitude in any form from their students.  Kim, a high school English teacher shared, “A thank you note from an older kid would be fabulous! So many times all we hear are the complaints but to have a child express their gratitude - wow!”

Gift Cards

All of the teachers told me that gift cards of all kinds run a close second to Thank You notes.  Gift cards to restaurants, teacher stores, favorite local stores, Staples, Target, Wal-Mart, Borders, Amazon.com and coffee shops ranked high among the suggested locations.  

Classroom Supplies

Some of the teachers felt that gifts dedicated to the classroom were very appropriate.  They enjoyed receiving games and puzzles for indoor recess and favorite books for the classroom library, especially if the book was inscribed with a special note from the child.  Last year, the parents of the kindergarteners in my daughter’s school took up a collection and gifted the money to their teacher so that she could decorate her room at the beginning of this school year.  She is a Nascar fan and the parents wanted to give her the opportunity to decorate the room entirely in a racing theme.  She loved it!

Baked Goods

This option came with mixed opinion.  Most of the teachers stated that they enjoyed homemade treats but some suggested that, unless you know the teacher well or you or your child have a particular baking specialty, it might be a good idea to choose another gift.  With food allergies, diabetes and healthier lifestyles taking hold in many people’s lives, you wouldn’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen only to have your gift passed on to someone else or thrown away.

Flowers or Plants

A potted flower or plant is a great way to help a teacher remember your child every time they water their garden or houseplants.

Homemade Gifts

Kierstie, a music teacher, told me, “Honestly the last thing I need is a new nick knack to have around the house.  I do, however, like something the child made for me (if they are young) or something made with a lot of thought and care.”   If you or your child enjoy a hobby or craft, a personalized gift made for your child’s teacher can be a unique way to show your appreciation.  Naeemah, a third grade teacher, was touched to receive a hand-knitted hat and glove set from one of her students at Christmas time and even proudly displayed pictures of the cherished gift on Facebook.  Teachers love handmade ornaments, jewelry, scrapbooks and pictures made with care by their students.  For a unique idea to show your appreciation in a practical way, check out Montessori Mama’s Watering Can Project.

Other Suggestions From Teachers, For Teachers

• A movie night basket with movie tickets or a DVD, movie candy, drinks and microwavable popcorn

• A good book to read over the summer

• Dinner – a frozen casserole or homemade meal to heat up can give your child’s teacher a break on a crazy night, make sure to inquire about potential food allergies and preferences before you make the meal

• A combined gift from the whole class such as a canvas tote bag with the children’s handprints or a subscription to a classroom magazine such as Highlights For Children or National Geographic Kids

Steer Clear

Some gift ideas that you should avoid:

• Nick knacks or trinkets like mugs, little statues, wooden plaques or anything the teacher would feel obligated to display.  After a few years, teachers no longer have room for anymore cuteness unless it is specifically meaningful to them.

• Scented candles and body products – scent is a very personal preference and should be left to the individual.

• Anything that costs more than $10-$15 – this isn’t a contest to out-do the other parents or impress your child's teacher.  Even if you can afford them, Tiffany earrings are out-of-line and, in some states such as Massachusetts, an extravagant gift is illegal for a teacher to accept!

• Visa or American Express gift cards – while they may seem like a nice “general purpose” gift card, to purchase one requires that you pay a fee and it comes with an unnecessarily long list of rules and regulations.  Find a different card and give the extra fee money you saved to the teacher.  He or she deserves it more than Visa, anyway.

Just as with any gift, the more time you take getting to know the person, the more meaningful the gift will be.  The most important part of your gift, though, is letting the teachers in your life know how important they’ve been to your family and how much their work has meant to you.  A kind word is worth more than any gift money could buy.

Kim is the Editorial Manger for All Things for Mom.  She is also a Worship Pastor’s wife and full-time mom to five crazy and beautiful kids. Toss in a part-time job, housework, a blog and what passes for a social life these days and she’s still wondering how she fits 32 hours into a 24 hour day.