How to Give Your Child's Teacher a Gift They Really Want

Your child's teacher influences your child's values.

Choosing and giving gifts to your child's teacher that are thoughtful and appreciated requires some preliminary investigative work. Observe and make note of the teacher's hobbies and classroom preferences throughout the school year. This will help you to find the perfect gift for the person that spends the day motivating, nurturing, teaching and caring for your child.

Instructions

1. Meet your child's teacher the first day of school. Ask her if there is anything on her wish list for her classroom. A gift of a subscription to a monthly magazine or a equipment for the class such as a set of hula hoops are items she would enjoy. Volunteer in the classroom to get ideas about what she needs.

2. 

   A teacher who runs will mention her 5K race time. Purchase her a new pair of running socks or a gift certificate.

   Observe the teacher's hobbies. Read the newsletter from the teacher to get tips about how she spends her time away from the classroom. Quiz your child to determine if he knows what his teacher did over the break. Find a gift that matches her hobby.

3. Purchase a gift certificate for something you see the teacher enjoying. If she walks in with a coffee drink routinely, purchase a gift certificate from the local coffee shop. Place it in a decorated envelope and give it to the teacher. A gift certificate to a bookstore will be appreciated, if you observe the teacher surrounded by books.

Tips & Warnings

• Get to know your child's teacher at school events.

• For larger purchases, ask other parents if they would like to donate to the gift.

• Ask your child to create a card for her teacher to accompany the gift.

References

• Teachers First; The Importance of Teachers