Teacher Christmas Gift Ideas For Those On A Budget
Posted: Monday, November 24, 2008
by Stephany Springer
As the economy gets tighter and tighter, finding and buying gifts for teachers can be stressful for families.
Giving teachers gifts is a great lesson for kids. It shows them how to give, but also show appreciation to the person who cares for him or her every day. Teachers are the individuals who mold your child every day. They teach lessons, spend endless time and energy and love your child every day.
Make Dinner
One of the most memorable gifts I ever received as a teacher was full cooked meal for my family. It wasn't anything extravagant. A parent showed up with a basket filled with hot spaghetti, bread, salad and some oranges. It was the best gift. Mainly, it was the thought of not having to stand on my feet after standing all day to cook. The parent also recognized that I had a family outside of school. It was the greatest gift. Get creative. Do you cook a meal that your kids love? Next time cook double portions and save some for your child's teacher. You can even send a card ahead of time telling her that dinner is on you on such and such day. Be sure and let you children help you cook it for their teacher. They will love the fact that they helped make the dinner and the teacher will know they truly care.
Homemade Goodies
Every year we bake goodies and sweets during the Christmas season. Why not send those sweets to school in the form of a gift? One of the best gifts I received were chocolate dipped pretzels. I loved it because, as a preschool teacher, I knew that was the only thing the child could make with the parent. The child was so proud when she handed me the gift. Bake breads, muffins, fudge or grandma's favorite cookie recipe. Present it in a cute tin or wrapped in a pretty paper with ribbon. Presentation is the key with this gift.
Favorites
Have your child's teacher fill out a survey complete with their favorite drink, snack, fast food, etc. Then find some way to incorporate that into a gift. My child's teacher loves Mountain Dew and Butterfingers. Knowing this, throughout the year, we give the gift as a pick her up or encouragement. Most teachers do not have expensive taste. Find out what they like and give them it. It saves them money. You can even give them a small gift card to their favorite fast food restaurant.
Getting to know your teacher's needs and wants can make them truly feel appreciated. Last year, my son insisted on buying one of his teachers a planner. We felt like that was such an odd gift to want to give. He insisted and we caved in. She was so grateful because it was what she wanted and needed. She appreciated that he took the time to listen to her.
Donate A Book To the Class
Scholastic offers gift certificates for as low as $4. They also sell grade level books for as low as a $1 to $3. Teachers love to have books in their classroom, but often times can not afford to fully furnish their class library. Donate a book to their class library this year.
A Calendar
Teachers will return to a new year and often times not be prepared. A gift of a calendar can be exactly what a teacher needs. Calendars can be found for as little as a $1 at the dollar store as well as the dollar bin at Target.
Teachers love gifts in which their students took the time to think of them. They are usually very grateful for every gift they receive. It truly is the thought when it comes to giving them presents. It can be a nicely made card or even a hand drawn picture. Just letting them know they are loved is the perfect Christmas present.
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