Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
DO determine a budget and stick to it. If you can’t afford to spend a lot, don’t be tempted to run to the dollar store and load up on trinkets. Instead, consider giving something homemade or home baked. Teachers are busy people and they generally love to receive home-baked goodies, especially around the holidays, when they may not have time to bake their own.
Step2
Ask your child what he or she thinks the teacher would like. Your child spends more time with that teacher than you do and is more likely to have an idea of his or her particular likes and dislikes. Your child will tell you if Mr. Smith walks into school each day with a Starbucks cup or if Mrs. Johnson is just wild about polar bears. You'd be surprised what your kids can tell you about their teachers.
Step3
Avoid thinking that a teacher’s gift needs to be expensive to be appreciated. An inexpensive gift that shows your thoughtfulness and gratitude will be meaningful and welcome.
Step4
Consider giving a gift card. If the teacher is a coffee drinker, a wonderful present would be a gift card to his or her favorite coffee shop. If the teacher is a reader, or has expressed an interest in building the classroom library, a gift card to a bookstore would be a great idea. If you live in a school district where teachers are required to spend their own money to buy supplemental items for the classroom, such as stickers, art supplies, and the like, a gift certificate to a local teacher-supply store would be perfect. Other good possibilities include office supply stores, doughnut shops, restaurant and fast food places, and pet stores, if the classroom has a pet that the teacher provides for. Although you can certainly spend more if you desire to, $5 or $10 is a nice gift.
Step5
Enclose a note with your gift, expressing your appreciation for the teacher, and encourage your child to add a message of his or her own.
Novice 
