I was in the store with my daughter. I made the mistake of asking her what she wanted to get her teacher for appreciation week. After careful deliberation, she chose an ice cream bowl for her diabetic teacher. In that moment I said to myself, "That is the last thing I would want as a teacher. Since I AM actually a teacher, what would I want?" And then we walked over and bought some lottery scratchers for the teachers who care about my kid as I'd love to be the one that caused them to win a million dollars!
This got me thinking some more. Although not considered PC, I bet parents would appreciate hearing what teachers REALLY want, from a teacher!
Teachers are teachers because of their kind and caring nature, therefore, when they get a statue of a fairy from the Dollar store they will cherish it as if it is an Oscar from Hollywood. However, given the long hours and low pay (in relation to the number of students and demands of the job--Seriously!) they deserve something more... After all....they are the parent to your child for 180 days a year. They nurse their boo-boos, coach them in social skills, handle complaints, arguments, and whining all while teaching! Put yourself in their shoes...you are probably shuddering at the thought if your child is kindergarten...but do imagine how much they truly care for your cherub and do amazing work on their behalf.
Here are ten GREAT items for the teacher in your kids life:
1-10--Gift cards! Okay, I am joking at it being all ten spots, but seriously, there are a TON of cards out there teachers would love. We do shop for food, contrary to our students beliefs, and we do occasionally hope to go out. A gift card to a grocery store, restaurant, Amazon, ITunes, or movie theater is fantastic!
What? Too expensive you say? Maybe you have money to give more, but any teacher truly appreciates $10.
2. Give them a drink! Figure out their favorite drink and give it to them. A surprise drink brightens anyone's day. Nothing was better than the year a student gave me a 12 pack of Pepsi. I thought I died and went to Heaven!
3. Bling! Is your teacher into jewelry? Costume jewelry wears out over time. Consider a new set of bracelets or new necklace for the teacher that wears them a lot.
4. Scentsy, anyone? If you are like me, and you have a Scentsy, scent bars are ALWAYS appreciated. Smell the room to see the types are liked (i.e. fruity, perfumy, etc.) then order a couple you think she/he will like. If you have the money, and the teacher doesn't have a Scentsy, by all means get them one stat! Nothing helps with stinky classrooms like a Scentsy.
5. Give her a spa day in her shower. Have you heard of Lemon Grass Spa products? I hadn't until a parent gave me a bottle of the body scrub. I thought I had been transported to a magical place!!Seriously, (and I am NOT a salesman for it, but maybe I should be, it would help cut costs!) it is to die for. The scents are amazing, it moisturizers and exfoliates! But at $16 a bottle most teachers cannot buy it frequently.
6. The gift of lunch. Do you notice the teacher occasionally eating school lunch? The food really is starting to get tastier and healthier, no more Pepper Bellies! Add $10 to her account to help make her dollars stretch farther.
7. Don't forget the lottery scratchers! They come in several denominations. Nothing perks someone up like the chance at free money!
8. Class Items! Books for the class would be my #1 suggestion. Books get loved a lot, and fall apart. Getting a copy of a book you/your student really loves is a great end of year gift. Its the gift that will keep on giving! Have you heard of books from Kohl's? They have great choices and characters to match! The cost is only $5, plus, the Kohl's book program serves a double purpose: the money goes to a charity! Win-Win!
9. Are you crafty? Are you following said teacher on Pinterest? Do you notice something she has pinned several times? Maybe you sew, and its chair covers she wants. Offer to make them! Because we teach, time to make things is pretty rare. And when we do have time our skill level can lead to a Pinterest fail!
10. 31 Bags A couple years ago I didn't even know what a 31 Bag was, now I own 3! They are great for teachers and help organize and carry things. However, they do wear out with time. They can get pricey, but there are regular deals/clearance sales that make them affordable. If you plan ahead, this can be an adorable, and helpful, gift.
Bonus #11--Snazzy Supplies! As teachers it is a requirement to get excited when around stationary supplies. Seriously, nothing makes me happier than a purple pen. Most schools provide basics, but not anything snazzy and cute. How about some white board markers that are in bright colors? Great gel pens and bright post its? Scentos markers (all the rage right now) are something the students get to use too! Teachers love school supplies!
I hope your found this list to be helpful. By no means am I saying every teacher wants or needs these items, but for those of you who want to give, and get stuck on what to give, I hope it provides some new ideas.
If you have a teacher that really does NOT want a gift, you might consider donating to charity on their behalf. A great way to Pay it Forward.
Happy Summer!
