Showing Teacher Appreciation

As the end of the school year approaches, I have been wondering how I can show my thanks to the wonderful teachers that my daughters have had this year.

There is the excellent teacher at their public school who has encouraged one of my daughter’s writing abilities and has been working with her to break through her shyness, and there is also the very gifted music teacher at my daughters’ music school in Princeton who has been schooling both daughters in music theory and the recorder, even though only one of my daughters is technically his student.

I’d like to do something to show our appreciation for all their hard work. And while most teachers would appreciate a gift card, I would like that show of appreciation to be more than just a monetary thank you (such as a gift card to Barnes and Noble or a local restaurant).

We made cookies for my daughter’s music teacher just before the winter holidays, and to my surprise, he really seemed to appreciate the gift. (I wasn’t sure he would like the cookies, since they looked very homemade, and were mostly made and decorated by my 7-year-old daughter.) His wife doesn’t like or make cookies, the music teacher told us, adding that he would probably eat them that night, as he had to work late.

 Gift Ideas for Teachers

 These are some gifts that I think just about any teacher would appreciate:

 1. Gift certificate to a local coffee shop: Teachers tend to start early in the morning and put in long hours, so I’d think that a free cup of java or two would be much appreciated.

2. Personalized note cards or stationary: Teachers often need a pad to jot down reminders or notes to parents, so a special pad of paper or writing paper might make for a special gift. You could make the pad special by having your child personalize it for the teacher (say by stamping the papers with the teacher’s initials, or with music notes for a music instructor).

 3. Writing supplies (pencils and pens): A well-thought-out package of writing supplies can help a teacher prep for the upcoming academic year.

4. Baked goods: Making cookies, bread or something homemade is a great way to show your thanks, especially if your child helps you bake it. It’s also something that your child’s teacher can share in the teacher’s lounge if, for instance, she feels like sharing or doesn’t want to eat a dozen chocolate chip cookies on her own.

5. Bookshop gift card: Whether your child’s teacher uses the gift card to get a new read for himself or to purchase a new book for his classroom, the gift card will no doubt go to good use.

6. Homemade thank-you card: Nothing expresses your child’s appreciation for his or her teacher like a homemade thank-you card. If you wish, you could also enclose a photo of your child, or one of your son or daughter with the teacher.

7. Group gift: Often, the room parent will organize a group gift for the teacher at the end of the year. I think group gifts are great, as they take out the legwork for individual parents and create a great gift or sentimental item for the teacher. Parents can go in together on a gift card or can put together a keepsake item like a book of photos of the class from throughout the school year, or a collection of thank-you cards from the students.