Need idea for an appropriate thank you gift for son's teacher?

Question

She is very nice teacher in my son's pre-school class. I just want to give her a thank you gift

Answer 1

As many teachers, faculty, etc will tell you, teachers get inundated with apple & teacher-themed gifts. So, something "personal" and just for them is a real hit.

If it's all you can find or afford, I'm sure the thought that you've appreciated her efforts this school year will still ring through loud and clear (after all, most teachers are really in it for the kids and them successfully learning what's been taught is the ultimate reward).

I think your "Thank You" should reflect what the teacher has actually done for your child, too. I have a child that's been diagnosed with multiple disabilities, and I've had some teachers that have bent over backwards to ensure that he actually "learns" in his mainstream (not special ed) classes. So, this is a harder task, and to make it even better, he's in the top of his class! So, I've REALLY appreciated what some of my child's teachers have done for him, and I've tried to show it.

First of all, try to get your child involved in saying "thank you" by getting him to help make her a gift or card (even if it's in addition to something you want to purchase or do for her yourself). The experession from the heart will be greatly appreciated, plus you're teaching your child to say "thank you" too.

I've given several things (including the "themed" gifts):

*Purchase a card to include with whatever you give, and be sure to allow your son to sign his own name, showing off the skills he's learned. (Be sure to go behind him and write at the bottom his name and the date so that 10 or 20 years from now, when the teacher is going through her keepsakes, she can read it and remember him).

*A small, pocket-sized book with poems (the teacher I gave a book to once was a fellow-christian, so I gave her a book with scriptures geared towards teachers).

*A manicure (or something similar if you know your teacher's personal taste/likes). These start at $10-$15, so it's a fairly cheap, yet personal and welcomed gift.

*Gas cards (especially helpful now that gas prices are so high). Our teacher commuted to our town, so gas was a huge help to her. Also along these lines would be a gift certificate for an oil change. If you can afford it, do the gas & oil and put them in a card.

*Gift certificate to have her car washed/detailed (this is great for the single woman or for those that commute and put alot of miles on their car).

*Flowers, even if it's a small boquet from Walmart (this is a "no fail" treat for any woman, regardless of her career).

*Candy, especially if you find out she has a favorite. (I chose a box of Whitman's Samplers, so there was a variety).

*Gift certificate to her favorite store, if you "discovered" this, so that she can get "whatever" she may want (I know alot of teachers frequent Walmart & Target, so this may be a good place, anyway). BETTER YET... a gift certificate to her favorite retail store so she can purchase, or apply it towards a purchase, for new "work" clothes.

*Gift certificate to her favorite restaurant. If you can afford it, and if you know her family size, try to give a large enough amount that she can take her family. The teacher I gave this to, I knew she was married with one teenage son. And, I knew her favorite restaurant was Red Lobster. So, I figured that an average plate would likely cost up to $15, which would be a total of $45. I gave her a $50 gift certificate and figured that if their drinks, tax and tip caused it to go any over, it would still cover the majority of the bill and she could have a night out with her family at little or no cost.

*Gift basket from a nice spa or "bath" store filled with lotions, bath oils, bubble bath, etc to "pamper" herself at home with.

*Gift certificate to a day spa (they have small packages, so it doesn't have to be a top-of-the-line one).

*A piece of jewelry...ONLY if you find out her preferences and taste. Many teachers don't wear alot of jewelry around small children, so it's hard to tell what they like. Also, just because you see them wearing earrings, you still don't know if they have pierced ears or what style they really prefer. So, I'd do this, but only if you can determine what she prefers or if she has allergies to certain metals, etc (not necessarily a problem with pins/broaches, though).

*If in conversation throughout the year, you've found out where she gets her hair done or anything personal like that, give a gift certificate for such.

*Gift certificate for a one-time visit from a professional maid service. Any working woman can appreciate that, especially those who have to take work home with them, such as grading papers.

*Gift certificate for lawncare (great for the single teacher).



Here's a hint:

I've gone to the office staff and the principle and secretly "picked" their brain for ideas. They've in turn told me who the teacher's best friend/co-worker was and I've gone to her and gotten more info. So, ask around, but swear them to secrecy.

Ask her, too, in a round-about way. If you see her wearing a blouse or earrings, compliment them and ask her where she got them. If you see she has manicured nails, compliment them and ask her where she gets them done (same with hair style).

I use classroom parties, field trips, and any other occassion I can find to "insert" something into conversation to find out something I can about her.

Answer 2

I am a Preschool teacher, gift cards are the best. They can be for any where, Education supply store, dinner gift cards etc....
As teachers we tend to get alot of teacher themed gifts, to the point where we have too many. I used to collect the teacher (apple) themed items and that is exactally what all the kids would buy so I stopped collecting because I had way too much. Plants are always nice for our rooms, I have also received small throw blankets which I like. Personal hand made things are really nice too, something the kids help make, some the teacher can use at home or school. Hope that helps.

Answer 3

I love it when children go to the book store and pick out a special book for our class. I always have the kids write their name or signature on the end page along with a little picture of him or her. We share it with the class and make a big deal about it. Even now when I read a book that is 18 years old, I still read who donated the book to the class library and tell the kids something special about the child. I treasure those books more than any other kind of gift I have ever been given.

Answer 4

As a former teacher, I can tell you that the idea that you are going to thank this teacher is greatly appreciated. I agree with some of the other ideas that have been listed. The gift card is the best of all because the teacher can always use those~! Gas cards, department stores - walmart, etc.. those are the best.

Answer 5

I was a preschool teacher and I always liked getting gift certificates...preschool teachers dont get paid a lot so even a little bit was nice! I also got a massage once, and once I got 2 coupons for home baked meals. I also liked when I got new books, supplies etc. Good luck!

Answer 6

As a teacher myself, I can say some of the gifts I have appreciated most have been a bottle of wine, a set of coffee mugs, a nice photo frame, and probably my favourite has been lovely christmas ornaments (with the child's name attached to it, that way I thought of the child every christmas as I decorated my tree.)

Also as a teacher, who often feels like I do a thankless, yet extremely important job, THANKYOU..... Whatever you end up getting for her, I am sure she will just be extremely appreciative that you have recognised the job she does, and will appreciate any gesture.

Answer 7

my sister is a teacher, and is always getting all the apple themed gifts, one can only dispay so many apples. one of her students gave her a really cute gift. a bucket of microwave popcorn with a video store gift card and a box of snocaps, u can use what ever box candy you went. Movie night at home.

Answer 8

Some notes cards with her intials on them or maybe a gift certificate to a local restaurant? Maybe have him make some kind of home-made craft for her - a macaroni picture frame or something cutesy? Very nice of you to think of her.

Answer 9

First of all, as a school teacher thank you for recognizing your son's teacher. That's becoming rarer these days.

Three words....

STARBUCKS GIFT CERTIFICATE

Answer 10

gift certificate to a teacher's store online. they are always buying things out of pocket.


also, i am planning to donate to Locks for Love in my son's old teacher's name - she donates her own hair every few years. so - find out what they are into. i would love it if someone didi that for me. that would mean they were really paying attention to what i love.