Teacher Appreciation Gift

[Happy Mom2]

Teacher's Appreciation Week is nearing, and I need suggestions. We usually get teachers $25 gift cards to nearby restaurants, but DH has been out of work for 8 months and we can't afford that this year.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Maybelle]

A hand written card specifically thanking the teacher for the way he/she has worked in your chil'd life. Those are what I keep. Any gift is appreciated, but spending money to show that appreciation is not necessary, really! I have been a speech teacher for 20 years, and it is the pat on the back that is what really is most appreciated.

 

[englishteacha]

A card or a note would be greatly appreciated. If you'd like to get a gift of some kind, some nice new pens, or a $5 gift card for Dunkin Donuts or Tim Hortons would be a nice treat. In our area, no one makes a big deal of teacher appreciation week, though our PTO does get us lunch one day so we don't have to "brown bag it," which 99% of us do. (the other 1% eats in the cafeteria with the kids.) It's nice to not have to make my lunch one day!

 

[Happy Mom2]

Thanks ladies. It's nice to hear that. I scrapbook, and was thinking of making a card and writing a personal note. DD's teacher and I have not always seen eye to eye, but DD loves her, and she is an amazing teacher so I can't/won't discount that. I'd like her to know how much I appreciate what she has taught my DD this year.

 

[wintershawl]

A hand written card specifically thanking the teacher for the way he/she has worked in your chil'd life. Those are what I keep. Any gift is appreciated, but spending money to show that appreciation is not necessary, really! I have been a speech teacher for 20 years, and it is the pat on the back that is what really is most appreciated.

I agree with this! I most appreciate the recognition as opposed to the gift. I worked at a private school for 6 years, and not one person really thanked me.... until I was no longer there. Teachers love to know they are appreciated.

 

[hpfan100]

Cards are great! I have a box of happy thoughts from my years of teaching. When i have those tough days I pull out that box and look at the cards and pictures from my former and current darlings.

If you do want to spend money then I think classroom supplies are nice. I go through expo markers like crazy. Maybe even post it notes or maybe some chocolates. Everyone needs that.

 

[J&D]

I attach the following poem to a small candle:

Teacher

A candle is like a teacher
Who first provides the spark
That kindles love of learning
In children's minds and hearts.

Like a burning candle,
Teachers light the mind
Enriching the lives and futures
By the sharing of their time.

So when you light this candle,
May its glow convey to you
Warm appreciation
For all the things you do.

 

[eduk8r26]

I still have a letter a child's father wrote to me some years ago thanking me for the help I gave his son. A note of appreciation means so much to teachers.

 

[Happy Mom2]

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate your thoughts. I think teachers are amazing people, and really want to let DD and DS's teachers know how I feel.

 

[wlake]

I'll second the cards from the kids (or am I thirding/fourthing it?)!

Do you know the other parents from DD's class well? If you do, these ideas that were done for me many years ago might work. One time, the parents all got together and had their kids wear my favorite color one day. Another day each child brought me a single flower (and someone brought a vase) and the next day they each brought one piece of fruit (and a basket). Those were all very lovely, not to mention the huge surprise factor! Nothing was expensive for any one family, but together they made a very "wow" gift. The fact that the families cared enough to coordinate such a surprise was special to me.

If you and her teacher don't always agree, a note from you saying thank you would be wonderful too. You're a good person to still see that she can be a good teacher even when you don't agree with her.

 

[dougsmom98]

One of my friends recommended this blog to me the other day and I thought there were some good/inexpensive ideas.

http://www.skiptomylou.org/teacher-appreciation/

 

[cam&phoebsmom]

Another inexpensive idea is to get some Sharpie markers (sometimes they have them in our $ store) along with a nice card/note. Last year I gave them Sharpies with a note that said, "Thanks for leaving a permanent mark on my heart..."

I have also given bundles of 3-4 Sharpies with a note that said, "Teachers are like Sharpies-there when you need them and they leave a permenent mark on your heart"