When it comes to creative teacher gifts, it's a good idea to think practical. Some teacher gifts end up in the trash can simply because the teacher cannot possibly use them in the classroom or in his personal life. This often happens because people are in a hurry and pick the easiest or closest thing on the shelf. With a little bit of thought, you can teacher gifts that aren't expensive and that will be used time and time again.
Creative Teacher Gifts
Teacher's gifts don't have to be specifically for the teacher. Gifts you give to a teacher can be for the children. Teachers buy many of the items used in a classroom. Some teachers may be strapped for items they would like to have but can't afford.
Games, educational toys and reading rugs are always welcome classroom supplies. If a reading carpet is starting to wear and you're interested in replacing it, ask the teacher first. Though the rug may be tattered, it could hold special meaning for her. Additional reading center items that a teacher may appreciate include a rocking chair, new books for the students or a book for her to read to the class, such as the Little House on the Prairie series. Always ask before you purchase a big item for the classroom. Your teacher may already have the same item in storage or on layaway.
If the teacher enjoys scrapbooking with her class, fun squiggly scissors, glitter and glue, background sheets and other scrapbooking accessories are useful and creative gifts. If she has scrapbooking items but doesn't seem to have a good storage area, purchase a few plastic bins so she can get organized.
To celebrate student achievements and goals, many teachers offer Super Star Parties throughout the school year. The teacher will often provide a drink and a snack, or a trip to the local ice cream parlor as part of the party. To help keep this goal-reaching reward in place, you could give your child's teacher a coupon for 30 free baby cones at the local ice cream parlor, or provide both drinks and snacks for one Super Star Party.
Classroom Health
For a good gift that any teacher would welcome, drop off a pail with some or all of the following items:
While most schools have a nurse on hand, some nurses move from school to school throughout the day, leaving gaps in timely first-aid care. Teachers often pitch in to take care of injuries and other physical complaints and ailments throughout the day. Having some supplies on hand helps them tend to playground scrapes and other minor "ouchies."
Personalized Teacher Gifts
The most useful personalized gifts are the useful ones, such as note pads. Having a personalized pad of paper with the teacher's name, the phone number where she can be reached and the times when she can be reached would be ideal. If you don't have the teacher's specific information, simply leave the time and phone number blank and let her fill it in as she passes out notes. This is not only easier for the teacher, it is also convenient for the parents.
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