Teachers’ Gifts

Teachers’ Gifts

 

 

At the risk of sounding uncaring, we have gotten so out of control with gift giving and that includes things like the end of the year gifts for teachers. Don’t get me wrong– I personally think teachers should be showered with gifts and special crowns in heaven. Teachers and nurses deserve more than we can ever give them here on earth and we do need to show our appreciation to them but it doesn’t always have to be in the form of an expensive gift. It is like the husband who always gives his wife expensive jewelry but never compliments her or tells her how much he appreciates her. If given the choice, most wives would much rather have the sweet words over the jewelry.

As for teachers, even though I know they appreciate the thought, there are only so many mugs and apple knick knacks they can use. Here are some things that teachers have mentioned to me about gift giving:

• The gift doesn’t need to be expensive. Teachers often like something like a small plant or flower they can take and plant at home.
• Some teachers love getting gift cards to a fast food place or another place to eat. They like many different kinds of gift cards.
• They do like things to eat or even baked goods they can take home to share with their families.

But the one thing teachers love and appreciate the most is:

• When you let them know they have done a good job
• Tell them when they have made a difference in your child’s life
• Tell them how they have encouraged your child

Just a nice note or a kind word. I think teachers especially enjoy letters of encouragement from their students or their students’ parents. They can save these items and pull them out years later at times of discouragement to remind them they are doing a great job.

Don’t save this just for the end of the year, either. Through the year if your child comes excited about something his/her teacher has done or taught them that day send a note with them the next day letting the teacher know they are doing a good job. This is especially good for new teachers who can be insecure and uncertain if they are on track with their teaching.

And the best gift of all is to have their students come back years later and tell them what a difference they made in their lives.

Instead of buying 10 generic gifts to give to all your children’s teachers which will not mean much to you or to them, sit down with your kids and hand write a nice note. Give it alone or if you can afford to give a small bag of candy or plate of cookies, muffins etc., include that.

      -Jill

 

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