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Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas
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— by Christina Katz
ith the school year winding down, why not
celebrate the power of positive partnership
with your child’s teachers?
The energy and attitude of your child’s teacher has a huge
impact on how well your child performs in school. A teach-
er’s willingness to troubleshoot setbacks has a direct impact
on how quickly and well your child bounces back from chal-
lenges in the classroom. So if your child had a stellar school
year or bounced back to overcome setbacks with the help of a
teacher, consider a small gift and a thoughtful note from you
and your child.
When your child catches you being generous to her teach-
er, she learns how to like and trust authority figures, which
will pay off for a lifetime. Simply say the same two words you
always hope your child will remember to say — “Thank you.”
Then add on a key phrase that most working professionals
can never hear enough, “We appreciate your hard work,” and
you’ve got a sure-fire plan to put a smile on any teacher’s face.
Here is an alphabet of thoughtful teacher gift ideas that
won’t break the bank:
A
B
C
D
E
is for art supplies that enrich the learning experience
is for books, for teachers and for the classroom
is for chocolates, candies, or cupcakes
is for donations to a charity in her name
is for erasers in all shapes and sizes
F
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H
J
K
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M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
is for food baskets, think: fast, ethnic, or organic
is for games for classroom downtime
is for handmade mugs, frames, or vases
is for jewelry or anything bedazzled
is for kitchen gadgets
everyone always needs
is for lottery tickets stuffed in a personal note
is for money, as in a gift card for classroom or
personal use
is for a personal note of praise sent to the principal
is for office supplies, but any type of supplies will do
is for a potted perennial or herb plant
is for quote books your teacher would fancy
is for recipe books written for busy people
is for salts, scrubs, or soaps
is for tea, but don’t forget the coffee
is for a big colorful umbrella
is for volunteering your time with a smile
is for a water bottle that will last all day
is for e-X-tra pencils and pens that can be lent to
students
is for a yearbook donation so no child is left without
is for Zinnias, but any colorful bouquet would do
Christina Katz is a teacher who is married to a teacher who has
a child who adores teachers and an extended family tree full of
teachers. She is also an author and freelance journalist.
June 2018 WNY Family 67