Creative, not too crafty, teacher gift ideas needed?

Question

I'm looking for end of the year teacher gift ideas. I don't want to make a quilt or scrapbook : ) I don't want to give mugs, picture frames, wooden apples, etc. Finally, I'd like to give something other than a craft made by my child. Any creative ideas that you're willing to share will be appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

we Had a wonder full teacher this year and what we did for her was make an award certificate that said she was a great teacher on the computer and gave her a plant for her desk that sits on a(o.k this is kind of crafty but not much) wooden platform that says Dream. really easy to do go to Michael's or some other craft store and they sale the kits and they are already painted you just put it together.(we added a little apple and school house to the word but just because my son insisted.)

my daughter gave her teacher beaded fruit in a basket she picked it herself and it turned out really nice (we got the fruit at Target so not too expensive)

I really like Cathy c. answer i may steal that next year

Answer 2

make her a hand made card and stuff some money in it like 15 20 dollars

Answer 3

I'm a teacher. True, any gift is special - really.

Books are great - any kind.

A journal, address book, etc.

A plant

Answer 4

Teachers would prefer "consumables", as through the years they get enough crafty things along the way and then what do they do with them over time?  However, here is one idea that is crafty and consumable.

How 'bout this:  take a small clay pot and stick a piece of foam down in the pot (cut to size).  Use kabob sticks to plant as "stems" and then  ribbon off mini candies up and down the sticks.  This eventually makes a bouquet of candy "flowers" and a note of appreciation can be included.

Another idea:  great smelling candle with a note attached:  you light the way...thanks for all you do.

Answer 5

a thank you note with sincere words from you and the student is always appreciated.

Answer 6

Movie gift vouchers, bottle of wine, gift voucher to a resturant, Shower products pack, voucher for a manicure/massage etc.

Answer 7

As a teacher, I'll confess here that I generally throw out most of the end of year gifts.  I need another tchotke with an apple on it like I need a hole in my head.

The best gift I ever got, hands down, was a gift card to Barnes and Noble.

Answer 8

I'm a 3rd grade teacher, and I've gotten a lot of really nice gifts this year.  I had my first baby this year, and my students adore my daughter.  One of my students gave me (her) a Duke cheerleading dress to wear when she's a toddler.  It was such a unique and thoughtful gift b/c it was very specific.  I always appreciate gift cards to book stores and Target since I can use them on the classroom.  I got a spa thing from a student with an Avon rep for a mom.  I haven't used it yet, but I think it exfoliates and massages in the shower.  I've gotten gift cards for manicures and to local spas.  Those are really nice, because I'm not the type of person to actively seek out things like that on my own- it's a nice treat.  One thing that I don't normally get but would love to are books for the classroom.  A note of appreciation on the inside of the front cover would make it the perfect gift.  My favorite gift of all time was a painting of John Lennon that the mother of one of my students made specifically for me.  Find out what your kid's teacher likes and go from there.  If she's into the Beatles, buy her a cute Beatles tote bag or a t-shirt or something.  Oooh, and I had a parent make personalized stationary for me.  I don't remember what website it came from, but she made a virtual me (the likeness was crazy) with my name on it.  It's so cute that I can't stand the idea of actually using it.  :)

Answer 9

As the husband of a teacher, let me thank you for avoiding the common gifts that while the thoughts are appreciated, just add to the household clutter.

My wife's favorite gifts, as cliche as it seems, have been nice cards and food gifts or certificates. (Another true cliche- most of them are not highly paid! Gifts that help them do things they might not otherwise be able to do are always nice.)

Teachers really appreciate the thought behind any gift, but there is really not a need to impress them with special gifts. Believe me, my wife remembers children and families from years back because of what happens all year, not so much because of year-end gifts.

Answer 10

Go to a craft or dollar store, and search for inexpensive, but cute small metal buckets or baskets. Fill them with an assortment of candy or snacks! If you'd like, add a gift card, or a note written from your child=) From experience, many teacher like getting snacks that they'll be able to munch on throughout the day=)

Bake cookies with your child, and let him/her decorate them!

Gather some (4-6) and put them on a cute, inexpensive plate, wrap nicely in clear gift paper, and you're done!

Go to a bookstore, and find a cute book the teacher would like.. or let your child pick out a couple to add to the teacher's "classroom library"

If anything, I think the teacher would love getting a small note, or card with a personal message written or drawn by your child=) Those are often the sweetest, easiest gifts=)

Answer 11

A gift certificate to a teaching supply store, or a restaurant or a car wash might be nice. Teachers spend a LOT of money on their class, it would be nice to ease a little bit of that burden.

Answer 12

if the teacher likes music then get him this cardboard box upright bass that actually plays and sounds pretty good too http://www.BogdonMusic.com