A gift for every teacher: Thank you gifts
By Brie Gatchalian
It’s that time—the end of the school year. You’ll finally have your kids back home for the summer and you’re ready for camp, fun outings, and picnics. But before you move forward with your children’s summer arrangements, don’t forget to thank the special instructors who are with them during the other part of the year. Stumped and fresh out of ideas? Here are some great gifts for your child’s deserving teachers.
For the art teacher
Teachers encounter creativity roadblocks, too. It’s hard to come up with arts and crafts all the time. The Highlights Craft Book Set ($15.98) can help your kid’s teacher with project brainstorms. This book with easy-to-follow instructions incorporates easy-to-find household objects like paper plates and boxes to turn into gifts, decorations, and more.
For the baking aficionado
Teaching teens how to make monkey bread and pizza dough can get tedious after awhile. And odds are, your kid’s home economics teacher isn’t eating what your little one has made in class. Give him or her the gift of sweets minus the work. Consider the Cheryl and Co. Pretty in Pink Cookie Flowers ($39.95). The cookie bouquet comes with 12 buttercream frosted heart-shaped cookie flowers with realistic “leaves.”
For the eco-friendly instructor
From handouts to books, one thing that teachers struggle with is lugging things to and from their cars. While some use plastic and brown paper bags, your child’s teacher has recently gone green. So how about a tote? Give your son or daughter’s green teacher a hand with this Natural Tote Bag ($40) from Things Remembered. You can even personalize it with his or her initial for a personalized touch.
For the jet-setter
Aside from molding young minds, many teachers say that one of the best things about their profession is the free summers. While some get part-time jobs or immerse in hobbies during their work-free months, others will take the opportunity to travel. Give the jet-setting teacher a funky padlock (prices start at $9.99 and up). This thrifty gift find, available at Target, Wal-Greens and your local hardware store, will keep his or her luggage secure during hostel stays.
For the writer
You recently found out that your little one’s teacher is a poet. What better gift for him or her than a beautiful journal? These patent leather journals from Staples ($6.99 and up) are not only useful, they’re also stylish. Its design and usability will surely motivate the teacher’s creative side.
For the humanitarian
Your child’s favorite teacher is a true humanitarian, loves contributing to good causes and participating in volunteer work. He or she will appreciate this bracelet from the Angela Moore Autism Awareness collection ($35-$50, enter code 300400 at check out). Fifteen percent of the proceeds go to the Autism Society of America and its designated affiliates like The RIMLAND Center, an autism treatment and physician training center in Lynchburg, VA.
For the techie
It’s easy for a laptop to get scuffed up in a schoolbag or dropped in transit—they’re fragile instruments. If your little one’s teacher needs laptop support, he or she may need this Laptop Sleeve from JW Hulme Co ($60). The computer cushion might prove to be a lifesaver for the techie. You can also have the gift personalized with his or her initials for a customized touch.
For the fashion maven
It would be inappropriate and odd to buy your kid’s favorite teacher clothes, but you know he or she would love a gift with style. Steer clear of garments. Instead, get her the Classic Daisy Notes by Kate Spade ($35). The gift is not only stylish, but practical since teachers have to send notes home periodically.
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