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Beyond the Apple - Great Teacher Gifts

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Written by Jonell Ziola

Sunday, 16 March 2008

by JonellZiola

How many times have you been presented with the need to give your child's teacher a gift and are left with ideas that seem trite and overused? Just how many trinkets with apples on them can one teacher use?

I was recently at one of those "parties" where women get together and try some products that are being sold. This particular party's theme was food, and easy preparation of meals. So, naturally, the conversation followed along the lines of how busy we all are, and how difficult it is to feed our families good food with so little time. A couple of teachers from my daughters' school were present at the party. And a light bulb went off. These ladies are just as busy as me (if not more so) with kids to shuttle around and meals to prepare.

So what I realized is that if I wanted to really show appreciation I could do something to makes their lives just a bit less complicated. The options are endless really. There is a traditional gift certificate to a restaurant or maybe purchasing a spring cleaning package from a house cleaning service. Why for the teacher who really loves their car, a full car detail package from one of those fancy car wash places would be grand.

If a certificate isn't your speed, then bag that idea - literally. Go beyond a briefcase (too stuffy for most teachers) and get them a personalized tote. Tote bags can range from simple to elegant and most have plenty of room to help any teacher get their goods to and from the classroom.

If your teacher is young or just into technology consider a gift with an electronic flair. A great idea might be a carrying case for an ipod. Or give the teacher something they can use in their job like speakers for the PC. Or a nice laser pointer. Frankly these are all items that won't be covered by school budgets.

When you are busy juggling the demands of home and a job, stress can quickly build up. I know I'm always looking for a quiet moment to relax personally. Your child's teacher is no different. What about a spa gift certificate? A massage or make up make over might be something that really makes them smile (not to mention relax). Of course there are some other options that fit smaller budgets such as home kits that do the same thing. A relaxing mask or soothingly scented bath salts are great ideas.

So the next time you are called to give a gift to your child's teacher, think outside the apple.

About the Author:

Jonell works for EyeCandyGift.com as a consultant and balances a career with raising her two lovely daughters. Jonell values personal gifts whether that's a coffee mug or something specific like keychains