Thoughtful Holiday Gifts Teachers, Neighbors, and Helpers Will Love

December 7th, 2011 · No Comments

Need some fun ideas to say “Thank you” and “Happy Holidays” for your kid’s teachers this year? Helpful neighbors, sitters, or co-workers on your list? I try to be creative and come up with something unique or homemade, but many years I give gifts that I think they could really use, like gift cards or books. I am fortunate enough to have 6 teachers living in my neighborhood so I asked them what they like to get at the end of the year from their students. Here were their top answers, ideas from my readers, as well as some of my own ideas for thoughtful ways to say Happy Holidays.

CLASSROOM GIFTS:

Book Gift Cards – Many teachers have to buy their own books for the classroom so gift cards help to cover that expense. You can also donate some of your favorite, gently used books for the classroom as another thoughtful gift. Here’s a cool way to “wrap” your teacher’s gift card that I saw at RoomMomSpot.com – make a snow globe.

School Supplies – A reader last year told me she gets a canvas bag and fills it with extra school supplies and chocolate. Something for the teacher and something for the classroom.

Anything Homemade by the Student – Especially if they have a nice bond so far this year, notes, photos collages, or a written story would be appreciated. Artwork to hang in the classroom is nice too. Here are some fun homemade teacher’s gift ideas. (Note: Although some teachers told me they appreciate handmade gifts, others say they don’t know what to do with it all. If you get a handmade gift from 26 kids over a 30 year period, it’s overwhelming. While I totally understand that, I also think it is nice to get your kids involved in the gift and there’s no better way to do that than have them create something and give their time.)

Time – Offer to give your child’s teacher some of your time in the next year. Can you and your child volunteer to help clean up the room? Can you come in and read for story hour? Ask your child’s teacher where she would most need help and then offer to do so. You can create a coupon if you want something tangible to give.

TEACHERS ARE MOMS AND DADS, TOO:

Shopping Gift Cards

Coffee Gift Cards – They’re in a room with 25 loud children every day, need we say more?

Gas Card – We all drive and a gift card towards filling the tank is appreciated by anyone.

Entertainment Gift Cards – Give teacher a trip for two to the movies, a restaurant gift card, or a gift card for some pampering – a manicure, massage or lotions.

A Box of Pretty Thank You Notes – The teachers may want to send a thank you to all of the students for their Holiday gifts so why not make it easier for them to do so. I like the cards from my friend Tracy at Sincerely Yours by Tracy.

A Movie Night Package – Grab a recently released DVD, popcorn and some candy so your teacher can have a fun night at home with their family.

Organizers – Anything that helps a teacher get organized is a pleasant gift. Try a momAgenda Grocery Shopping List Pad, Weekly Menu Pad, or To Do List Pad for a fun gift. Tie them together with a ribbon for extra beauty!