By Kerrie McLoughlin
755 words in full article
Please contact me at mommykerrie@yahoo.com if you'd like to see this piece in full to consider purchasing it for your parenting magazine, either online or in print!
You want to show appreciation for your child’s teacher but are
most likely short on time and maybe even on money. I polled teachers across the
country to find out what gifts they are loving this year and which ones they
would happily take a pass on. The answers might surprise you.
Must-Have Gifts (the full article shares 7):
· Gift cards for local and chain restaurants
because a teacher’s gotta eat!
·
Gift cards for teacher supply stores so the
teacher can restock the supply for the classroom with items such as tacks,
books, markers, pens, calendars and other fun items that might not be provided
by the school.
· Chocolate and coffee products! Consider putting
together a basket of special chocolate bars, hot chocolates, fancy coffees and
creamers and other treats.
Get to know them and
find out what they like (4 quotes from parents and teachers across the country)
Melinda Cerra, mom of four, says, “Our school's room parent
coordinator (which was me for a while) has teachers fill out a questionnaire
telling us their favorite food, restaurants, stores, colors, drinks, scents,
classroom needs, etc. every year. Very helpful. Also has the teacher's birthday.
My daughter Lily's 4th grade teacher was a total health nut and didn't like
most of the stuff that lots of the other teachers liked. I liked buying for
her.”
Gifts to skip (the full article shares 5):
·
Anything homemade. It may be easy for you to
whip up a batch of cookies or give your famous banana bread, but the teacher
may be watching his or her sugar, gluten, calories or worse … might be
allergic!
·
Candles and mugs. Same as with lotions and
scents. And a teacher can only burn and store so many candles every year. Where to store so many mugs? And how to rotate
and use them all so every kid gift-giver feels special? Erin Hammons, preschool
teacher, says, “No more candles or mugs. Yes, they are quick and easy to buy but
everyone's tastes are very different. Get to know each teacher personally if
possible. Gift cards aren't as personable but they are easier and still just as
much appreciated. Maybe a little candy too!”
The bottom line seems to be that it’s entirely worth it to take
some time to get to know your child’s teacher’s likes and dislikes. Then pick a
gift with your child accordingly, and you’re sure to give the teacher a happy
holiday break and a wonderful school year!
Kerrie McLoughlin
(TheKerrieShow.com) is the homeschool mom of 5 who has many teacher gifts to
buy for her kids’ religious ed and co-op teachers this year and will take these
suggestions to heart!
