It\u2019s finally the end of the year and you\u2019d like to give your child\u2019s teacher(s) a tangible token of your appreciation but you can\u2019t afford to spend a fortune. Don\u2019t worry \u2013 most teachers say that the best gift you can give them is a heartfelt note or card from your child expressing their thanks and appreciation. If you\u2019d like to add a bit to that, here are some ideas to keep in mind.<\/p>\n
1. Beware of teacher themed tchotkes like little ceramic apples and \u201c1 Teacher\u201d mugs. While the thought will be appreciated, most teachers already have plenty of stuff like this and some don\u2019t even like apples!<\/p>\n
2. Consumables are good because they aren\u2019t more clutter, but be aware that your child\u2019s teacher might have allergies, be trying to lose weight or is sick of Almond Roca. Some teachers are also wary of homemade foods, not because they don\u2019t trust you personally, but they are naturally more cautious of things made in an unknown environment.<\/p>\n
3.\u00a0 Gift certificates\/cards to local coffee shops, restaurants and movie theaters are always a good bet. Do be mindful that you don\u2019t give a gift card that will force the recipient to spend lots more money to be useful (e.g. a $10 gift card to the most expensive restaurant in town).<\/p>\n
4. Consider asking other parents if they\u2019d be interested in pooling money to purchase a gift card in a more significant amount to a department store like Target. This will allow the teacher to buy one big thing that he or she really needs while being very affordable for most parents.<\/p>\n
5. Many parents do not realize that teachers purchase a lot of the classroom books, educational posters and other supplies. While a gift certificate to the local office supply store, teacher\u2019s store or art store might not seems like the most exciting gift, it can really help a teacher out, particularly ones\u00a0 who are new to the job and haven\u2019t had the time to build up a vast store of materials.<\/p>\n
6. Scented candles, soaps and other products can be difficult to pick out for somebody you don\u2019t know well, so unless you know the teacher enjoys a particular scent, it\u2019s best to give these a miss.<\/p>\n