A+ teacher gifts
11/03/2008
Question:
I want to get my child’s teacher something special this holiday season, but I’m not sure what’s appropriate. Do you have any ideas?
While kids and parents may have their own opinions, this month we turned to the real experts, teachers, for an answer. The results of a nationwide survey may be a surprise, says Stephanie Maiers with the National Education Association (NEA). “Nearly half—48 percent—of more than 2,500 respondents said they just wanted to receive a thank you,” Maiers says.
Here’s what you told us:
When my students ask me what I want, I tell them to always be prepared for class, with
homework done and paper and pen ready.
—Kelly S., Boca Raton, FL, mother of seven
Have a child give his favorite book or a bookstore gift card if the teacher really inspired
him to read. And never forget the personalized thank-you note.
—Lee B., Austin, TX, father of one
I ask my son to find out favorites—color, restaurants, shops, cookies—early in the year.
I keep a list, and this helps to find something they truly would use.
—Brenda G., Altoona, IA, mother of one
We order a simple rubber stamp with “From the desk of Mr./Mrs./Ms. [teacher’s name]” and include a stamp pad and note cards with envelopes.
—Carrie A., Minneapolis, MN, mother of four
My kids take garden stakes cut from thin wood strips and personalize them with paint. We tuck them into inexpensive sandbox buckets, add dirt and some seeds, and wish them well once warm weather rolls around.
—Jeremy S., Boulder, CO, father of two
No matter the gift, it’s that gratitude—from you and your children—that means the most.
