My Mom has been a kindergarten teacher for close to 12 years now (after having taught forth and sixth grades for several years), and I've witnessed the good, the bad, and the ugly of her teacher gifts. As a result, I'm here to help you not make a faux pas in selecting a gift for your child's kindergarten teacher this Christmas, or any kindergarten teacher in your life for that matter.
1. A Lasting Art Project Made By Your Child (And You).
All that is needed here is a little creativity and a little planning. If you are into scrapbooking, why not make a decorative page that includes pictures of your child and the teacher, or a picture of the teacher with his or her entire class? Once the page is finished, frame it and it will make a wonderful teacher's gift. Chances are that it will be displayed in the classroom for years to come. There are endless opportunities here, but I would advise choosing a project that your child enjoys as well. In that way, he or she can contribute to their teacher's present.
2. Handmade or Personalized Gift Basket.
There are two main options here. One, you go to a craft store and purchase a nice basket. Then, have your child help you pick out several smaller items with which to fill the basket. Chances are, he or she will know what the teacher will enjoy, at least to a certain extent. The second option is to go a specialty gift store and have a personalized gift basket made for the teacher. In either case, both are better options than a generic gift basket that you can pick up anywhere. A note or picture from your child is always a nice touch as well.
3. Personalized Ornament.
A personalized ornament is always a great gift. Here in Michigan, we have a company called Bronners. Bronners, located in Frakenmuth, has a year-round Christmas store (really, a Christmas wonderland) and they sell keepsake personalized glass bulb ornaments in just about every color and design. Fortunately, for those not living in Michigan, they have a great website and on-line store. You can easily order and pay on-line. I even ordered from them when I lived in Texas. The website is included in the resources section of this article.
4. Home Decor Items.
This idea can be a bit difficult to pull off successfully if you don't know the teacher well. However, if you don't know the teacher well, you can always get a nice, neutral gift that could go with any decor. Simply refrain from themed items. On the other hand, if you know the teacher's taste in home decor, this can be an easy option. For example, if you know that they teacher on your list is an antique collector, why not go to the nearest antique mall or antique dealer and purchase a few smaller decorative items? Put together, it would make a great gift.
5. Give a Gift to the Classroom Instead.
Did you volunteer in the classroom this fall and notice some items that would be of use in the classroom? If so, why not put together a package of items for the classroom? If you haven't been in the classroom enough to know what is needed, simply ask the teacher. Most teachers would be more than happy to tell you what is needed and how to go about donating to the classroom. Teachers are always happy when people remember their students.
6. Dinner and A Movie.
All teachers need a night out every now and then, especially teachers with small children of their own. Why not purchase movie passes and/or a gift certificate to a nice restaurant? If you really hate the thought of just giving gift certificates, there are ways to put them together into a nice, interesting package. For example, I've seen movie passes packaged in a popcorn bucket with packages of junior mints and microwave popcorn. It makes giving certificates a little less boring. The best part, I've seen it done for under $30.
7. A Simple Thank You Note and Baked Goods.
A simple thank you note and a package of decorated sugar cookies is always a great gift. Teachers always appreciate being acknowledged for all that they do for their students throughout the year. It may be their job, but it is always nice to be appreciated for a job well-done. Have your child get into the act too. If he or she is beginning to write, have them write a thank you note to the teacher as well. If the child doesn't yet know how to write or is more artistic, have he or she paint or draw a picture for the teacher. You can't go wrong with this idea.
8. Desk Items.
A coffee mug full of personalized pencils, decorative picture frames, a nice nameplate, or an apple paperweight are always good gift ideas for a teacher. Personalize if at all possible. Lillian Vernon offers a wide variety of just such items. I highly recommend ordering from them on-line. The web address in the resources section of this article.
9. Think Hobbies - Yours or the Teacher's.
Do you have a hobby - such as candle-making, knitting, scrapbooking, sewing, etc. - that you could use to make a unique gift for the kindergarten teacher on your list? If so, go for it! It may even inspire the teacher to get crafty his or herself. Better yet, does the teacher have a hobby? If so, purchase supplies or guide that he or she may need in their endeavors. That always makes a great gift!
By Lindsey Russell
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