With the end of another school year approaching and May being Teacher Appreciation Month, you may be considering a gift to show your thanks. Well, we polled some teachers and came up with the following report card. It’ll assure that you get the best grade on whatever you give. Pay attention!
A
Thank-you notes: Believe it or not, this was the top-rated gift in a National Education Association (NEA) poll of 2,500 teachers. Forty-eight percent said that either “hearing the words thank you” or “receiving a thank-you card” was most appreciated. Have your child personalize hers by writing what she’ll remember or what she learned most from that teacher. For an A+, copy the principal.
B
Gift cards: Whether it’s for Dunkin’ Donuts, Target, Lowe’s, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, or the local teachers’ supply store, these are always valued. Slip one into that thank-you note.
Spa and restaurant certificates: These are a bit pricier, so go in with other parents, but teachers love them. They were the runner-up gift in that NEA poll (30%).
Charity contributions: Make it in the teacher’s name to a nonprofit that you know she values and supports.
C
Classroom supplies: Depending on how tight the school’s budget is, these can be highly prized. Books, dry-erase markers, shelving material, even a terrarium can work. Many teachers end up spending their own money during the year on necessities like this. But ask what’s needed first; don’t guess.
Baked goods: The thought and effort are appreciated but one can only eat so many cupcakes and brownies.
Appreciation breakfast or lunch: This can be done one-on-one or as a small parent group. But whether it’s fun or forced depends on how friendly and appreciative you really are of the teacher.
D
Flowers and plants: These ended up near the bottom of the NEA poll (6%), which was surprising. Maybe after all the nurturing teachers do throughout the year, they just don’t want to be bothered.
Mugs: Trust us, they already have a cabinet full of them.
Anything with the word “teacher” on it: This includes shopping bags, trinkets, and books such as Chicken Soup for the Teacher’s Soul.
Candles, lotions, and bath stuff: Seriously, how much of this can one woman use?
Caricatures: There are actually Internet companies that will create a caricature (or even a bobblehead doll) from a person’s photo. Although they’ve become quite popular in recent years, these are inevitably more fun for the giver than the receiver, who usually regards them as just plain scary.
F
Anything apple related: Except, of course, if it’s an iPod or iPhone.
Dress Up a Plain Suit
