Present Ideas for Teachers
Many parents, in appreciation of the long hours teachers spend with their pupils, feel that it is customary to give their child’s teacher a gift during the holiday season or at the end of the school year. However, many parents struggle to find something that is both relatively inexpensive and appropriate. Often the temptation is to give teachers cute knick-knacks for them to put on their desks, but as teachers receive such gifts frequently, and only have so much desk space, these gifts can often go to waste.
Instead, parents should focus on more practical gifts - those that can be used throughout the course of the teacher’s day, both in school and out. Here are some suggestions:
1. Gift certificates
Often on the lower end of the pay scale, teachers would probably love to receive cold, hard cash for the holidays. Most teachers, however, would be loath to receive such a gift from a parent or a student. A gift certificate is the next best thing. Easily fit inside a greeting card, a gift certificate is not only easy to obtain, but also gives the teacher the flexibility to choose what they wish to receive.
2. Books
It’s safe to say that most teachers are avid readers, not only for pleasure but also as a requirement of their job. “Inspirational” gift books are popular presents for teachers, but much like knick-knacks, they can easily go to waste. Rather, parents should try to find books related to the field of education or the particular subject area in which the teacher instructs. A popular novel might even be a good choice—teachers, like any other people, enjoy a good story.
3. Tickets
Is your child’s teacher a Shakespeare buff? A music fan? Tickets to movies, concerts, plays, and other events are another way to show your appreciation. Teachers will enjoy a night out on the town and be pleased that you found something personalized to their interests.
4. Donations to charity
A donation to a good cause in the teacher’s name would be touching gift. Many teachers enter the field of education because of their love for children, so a child-related charity would be a good bet. Be careful, however, not to give to a political charity that may have views that don’t align with the teacher’s.
5. Classroom materials/supplies
Unfortunately, many teachers do not receive enough funds for classroom supplies from their school districts, and resort to using their own money to buy what is needed. Paper, pens, pencils, staplers and the like are needed in every classroom. If you don’t know what your child’s teacher needs in particular, just ask!
When finding a gift for a teacher, just remember, teachers aren’t all old ladies with lots of cats at home; their personality and interests vary as much as anyone else’s do. If you are stumped, ask your child what he knows about his teacher. A present that shows you considered the teacher as a unique individual is the best kind.
