We always show our appreciation for a job well done by purchasing a teacher gift. Even though times are hard, we do something special for our daughter’s teacher. I’ve learned that these are the most wanted gifts in order of preference:

1. Handmade Gifts
2. Particular collectibles (but only if the teacher requests or is a true collector)
3. Teaching Supplies
4. Gift Cards

How do I know this? I’ve been through preschool all the way to college with my older daughter and have always been involved with her teachers. Of course, not in college! I didn’t want to just buy things that would end up in a closet or be re-gifted so I asked.

Handmade Gifts – For preschool up to about fifth grade, teachers appreciate seeing what their students have learned or a talent they are proud of, be it writing the alphabet or their name,  a story about their year in school, a thank you letter for the extra help their teacher gave them, or for how they helped them learn about a skill they didn’t know they had. If a child is proud of their art work, a drawing or painting or any other craft item is always welcomed, especially if it can be portrayed or used such as a pencil holder. Be sure that your child puts their full name and the year on their work. Older children can give greeting card with a special message or a letter. Again, if they are gifted in a certain are, let them make something  just for their teacher.

Collectibles - Some teachers cover their classrooms with coffee mugs, Tinker Bell items or posters of dogs. If they keep adding to their collection or talking about their love of these items, it’s a safe guess that they’d be happy to receive another addition. To be on the safe side, you can mention it to them, such as, “Are you looking for more unique mugs?”

Teaching Supplies – We all know that budget cuts have caused many teachers to purchase paper, pencils and even books. Ask if supplies are needed and what in particular. Sometimes a magazine subscription is perfect. National Geographic Little Kids is good for preschool – kindergarten.

Gift Cards – Sometimes you may get a teacher that will say they don’t want or expect anything, or they are happy with a handmade gift. Either way, gift cards are a wonderful way to say thank you. Since my daughter makes either a card or a drawing, I add a gift card as our thank you. This year we chose to use our grocery store cards. Her teacher has been so grateful. He can get just what he wants and it saves him money on a necessity.

What do you do for your childrens’ teachers? I’m sure it’s much harder if you have more than one child in school at the same time.