Guest Author - Susan Thompson

Every year we go through the daunting task of what to get for the teachers in my children’s lives. Not just school teachers, but religion teachers, bus drivers, babysitters, and sport coaches. We give gifts not just for the holidays, but also for teacher appreciation week and end of the year thank you gifts. The following items are quick and easy for any time of the year. Also, they are not gender specific which makes them all the better.

Lottery Tickets – Let’s face it, almost everyone loves the chance to win money. Scratch off lottery tickets are something that I stock up on at this time of year. They can be quickly stuck inside a card for last minute gifts. They come in an array of prices and themes, so you are sure to find something for everyone difficult on your list.

Gift Certificates – This one is a no-brainer. I have spoken to many teachers, and they would prefer a gift certificate over 15 little gifts any day. So, if it is allowed in you child’s school, take up a collection from the kids in the class. You can say you are collecting $5 from every child, or you can leave it open to what the family can afford. Then get a gift certificate to a restraint, spa, or a store like Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

Gift Baskets – You can make a gift basket for just about anyone. For a teacher, you could include specialty pens, stationary, a day planner, a mug or water bottle. For a fitness person, you could include a water bottle, jump rope, step counter, and maybe some energy bars. A coffee or tea lover would love a basket with specialty coffees or teas, a couple of mugs, maybe a book, and some homemade cookies. The options are limitless; you just need a container, and a little imagination.

Literature and art – You can find a great poem about teaching or coaching, type it up and print it out. Buy and appropriate sized frame with a mat, and have all the kids sign the mat. Now frame the poem with the signed mat. This makes for a very nice and personal gift.

A few other ideas that are just small tokens include:

A mug filled with candy.
A box of chocolates
Personalized holiday decoration
Homemade baked goods
A magazine subscription
A DVD and some movie snacks
Scented candles and candle holders

Whatever you decide, don’t forget to show some sort of appreciation for the good influences in your child’s life. Even if it is just a very small gesture, it won’t go unappreciated.