Gifts for Teachers

We have all given our favorite teachers gifts for their birthday, at the beginning of the school year, at the end of the school year, and/or during the holiday season. Children like to give gifts to teachers who show them respect and help them through the learning process.

Teachers are not always rewarded for the work they do. The board of education for your public or private school may have certain rules about gifts to teachers. Be sure to find out. There are special times when a personal thank-you should be given. If you have been late picking your child up and the daycare center teacher stayed with your child, a note of thanks would be greatly appreciated. A small, inexpensive token is probably not breaking the rules.

My mother taught elementary school for over 25 years. During that time she received notes from parents, notes from students, small tokens such as handkerchiefs and sometimes an appreciative parent would give her a box of hankies instead of a single one. She cherished each one. She kept all the notes. My mother often stayed late after school to help a child who was having a problem with their school work. She always told us that any child can learn as long as they are given the attention they need to achieve their goal. When she retired, she volunteered in the local schools. She also tutored many children for no pay. She believed each child should be given the opportunity to learn.

Depending on the rules of your local school, you can select from a variety of gifts for your child's favorite teacher. If the teacher travels when school is out for the summer, travel accessories or travel guides are good gifts. You can donate a book to the school library in the teacher's name.

Personal gifts may also include a gift certificate for a bookstore or music store, bookends, or bookplates. You can also give them gift baskets.

Do check the rules for your local school district. While most do not prohibit gifts at holidays, they may have limits on the cost.