At Last!

Someone who says it better than I ever could...This Ain't New York has the perfect idea! Parents, both in my class and around town, ask what I, as a teacher, like to receive as a gift. And it has taken me a long time to learn to give an honest answer...if they didn't really want to know, they wouldn't have asked. So let me take this opportunity to chime in and give you some hints from a teacher on what we like and what we don't like.

First of all, back away from the apples and apple-related items. We have enough of everything apple-y. And along those lines, leave the "World's Greatest Teacher" everything. If your child thinks their teacher is, indeed, the world's greatest, have him/her make a card for the teacher.

Next, gift cards are always a plus. We can get what we want, when we want. Wal-Mart, Target, Borders...always a hit. Starbucks, Kohl's - who doesn't love 'em?? Gas cards...tacky? I think not! Be creative.

A plant or seeds, garden gloves, cute pot painted by the child, water bucket.

This year, Youngest Child gave her teacher a cute plastic pitcher (from WalMart!), matching glasses and Crystal Light drink mix.

A nice quick-read book and bookmark.

A beach towel and bottle of sunscreen and a current magazine - Good Housekeeping, People, etc.

Note cards or stamps to create cards and a book of stamps to mail them. Teachers still write thank you notes and what child doesn't love to get mail addressed to them?

A handwritten note from both the parent and child telling her/him how much they've meant to them. This year, one of my most precious gifts was a note from a mother of a struggling child thanking me for helping him score so high on his standardized test. Nothing monetary - but precious because I know it came from the heart.

When buying for a teacher, just remember it doesn't have to be expensive; it doesn't have to be big. Make it thoughtful and practical and you will go down in history as a parent every teacher wants to have!