Of all the hard jobs around, one of the hardest is being a good teacher. – Maggie Gallagher
If you’re lucky enough, your child loves their teacher, and wants nothing more than to show it with a special year-end gift. We’ve done some research online and found that although teachers love the idea of getting gifts from their class, they really don’t have enough space left on their desks for yet another mug with a cute motto on it. So before you rush into the nearest store and grab the first thing that looks suitable, keep in mind that teachers have lots of students, every year, and only limited space on their cluttered desks.
So what is a suitable gift for teachers, one that is thoughtful and won’t take up precious table or counter space? We have a few suggestions:
- A note or letter from your child, telling the teacher how special they are. (This was by far the most mentioned, appreciated and wanted item.)
- A gift card or voucher, but keep it appropriate, and local. Nothing weird, like a fish pedicure. Think a gift card at Woollies, or a meal at a local family restaurant. If you are considering the gift card route, we’d suggest you team up with other parents in order to make up a bigger gift. That way, the teacher can feel free to splurge on something that they really want.
- Items for the classroom, such as cushions or a rug for the reading area, or age appropriate posters. Chat to the teacher and find out what they need. Perhaps they are collecting books or need a water cooler that might be expensive, and would welcome a contribution.
- Teachers need the tools of the trade, so think pens, pencils, highlighters and markers. Why not put together a stationary gift basket for them, with a personalised card from your child attached?
- Consumable items like wine, chocolates or dried fruit are safe choices for any teacher.
And here’s one hilarious how not to:
One year a student gave me a one-pound box of chocolates. When I opened it, half the chocolate was missing and one had a bite taken out of it.
We leave our children in the capable hands of teachers and educators year-round, so let’s show them our appreciation by giving them a gift that they can use. If your child has written a thoughtful card, or made something special for their favourite teacher, please share it with us on Facebook and Twitter. Have a look at these pinterest boards for inspiration, there are some great gift packs and personalised items to spark your creativity.
A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others. – Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, translated from Turkish.
Image Courtesy of Clipartsheet.