Let's face it; teachers are among the most hardworking, yet often, unappreciated workers in our society. Many of you would like to show your child's teacher how awesome they are, but don't know where to start (OR maybe think you really don't have any extra funds with which to buy an expensive gift). Here are just a few ideas to get the ball rolling; the end of the school year will be here before you know it, so it's not to early to start thinking!
1. If you are
the organizing type (or friends with one of the other parents in the
class who is), set up a class collection, asking each parent to donate a small amount per child so you can go in together to purchase
one large gift. It could be a gift certificate to a local restaurant or a favorite store. Purchase (or make!) a card and have every child sign
it and present it to the teacher at the end of the year party.
2. Give your child's teacher the night (or morning) off with a fun basket
full of food items that will minimize cooking for at least one meal.
From a pasta dinner — a jar of gourmet sauce, pasta, and bread to a pancake breakfast complete with mix, syrup, bacon or sausage, juice and maybe even some fruit, this is a fun
gift to put together as well as one that will be very appreciated.
3. Does your child's teacher show up every morning with a cup of coffee
from Starbucks? Does she read romance novels at lunch? Does he like to go to the driving range or hit a few balls at the batting cage? Pick up a $5 or
$10 gift certificate at the place where the teacher likes to go the
most. It might not cost a lot, but will certainly perk up their day!
4. If you aren't comfortable buying a gift or just don't have the extra cash, no worries. You can still show your appreciation in a
simple note telling the teacher how much he/she means to you and your
child. Not good with words? You only need two: Thank you! (Depending on your child's age, let them add to the note or maybe illustrate!
For you "crafty" moms, check back tomorrow for a simple, hand-crafted
project that any teacher would love to receive. When I taught 5th grade
in California in the 1990's, some of my favorite gifts were those the
kids made…I still have some of them!
