For years it has been a tradition to give teachers gifts at the end of the school year.  A teacher could always depend on receiving at least a nice red apple at the end of the year, has that tradition continued? 

Everyone has had teachers that have touched their lives in some way.  Whether it was the teacher who challenged you on everything and motivated you to go the extra mile, the teacher who made you laugh every day, the teacher that had the funny looking glasses, or the teacher you remember because of the way he/she dressed.  Teachers are special people that add so much to our children’s lives.  It’s a nice gesture to recognize them with an appreciation gift at the end of the school year.  

We found that teachers still receive gifts, but it’s not limited to the apple any more.  Here are a few gifts that teachers have received and enjoyed:

• Mouse pads
• Movie rental gift certificates
• Books are a good idea as well – “Teach Like Your Hair’s on Fire” by Rafe Esquith, or “The New Yorker Book of Teacher Cartoons” by Robert Mankoff
• Breakfast gift basket
• Spa gift certificate
• Flower pot with each child’s name painted on it
• Gift cards…mall, restaurants, stores, etc.
• Summertime fun basket
• Find a bookmarker that says “to a great teacher” or make your own.
• A favorite that teachers have enjoyed is a hand-written thank you note or card.

One of the best gifts a student can give a teacher is showing him/her what they have learned.   Put together a small booklet that celebrates the strides that your child has made thought out the year.  It’s sure to be a hit!