Teacher gift ideas from a Teacher

There is no pressure or expectation to your child's teacher to buy a gift . Some parents , so I 'm here to offer my thoughts. I taught in Illinois schools for 35 years. I never expected gifts and not all my friends. The best gift of all would be to teach students who came every day and were happy and ready .

But many of my friends to ask me for ideas . So, for what it's worth , if you give yourself a gift , here are 10 Teacher gift ideas from a teacher , now retired !

First I have a funny story about the gifts I have received tell . I had a cute boy in my class who gave me a French gift. I have never had the gifts will be opened in front of the child, I did not want any child who had a gift to feel bad not given. I have it only in a bag to open at home. A good policy for when I opened his , I burst out laughing because it was fucking horrible.

Flash forward a few decades and mom and dad of a Spanish student sitting at my table at the Open House. The father asked me , have you ever teach French? I looked at him and was able to recognize the young boys who never forget. I had to laugh and told his wife about the gift . We all laughed until we tear our faces. She assured me had improved his gifts .

It's just to show you, even if your gift choices are very unique , it 's all good in the end. OK , enough stories , now for the ideas.

Gift cards - I personally adored Starbucks gift cards. I would get a bunch of 5.00 cards and transfer them all to my Paul McCartney Starbucks card. I would go for a treatment every stop on my way to work and be wide awake to Valentine's Day. Target was my second most gift card and I loved that too. Both are great options .

A written note or card - I saved every single one of them that I got , and they are still upstairs in a bin in my sewing room . You really do not need to spend any money , thank you very much from your child is a fabulous gift .

A glowing e- mail to the Chef - Every once in a while a parent would my principal or superintendent an email and cc me in. A parent even wrote the newspaper ! It was amazing, I can not tell you how much I loved it. Let's just say most parents , the e- mail or call the teacher or the principal do not praise.

A small article for hobby teacher - I had a student whose mom has me a little Steppeisenfür always in the corners. I was blown away! This is to copy a tricky question , as you know the teacher's hobbies .

An object of the passions of the teacher fits - I Love U of I and the Cubs . I had students pennant or cute characters give me. I have them on the walls of my classroom and when I retired I set up all the walls of my garage and I smile every time I pull the car in.

School Supplies - We had a very small budget for the care and all the rest came from our personal money. ( Or we could "borrow " from the office of our husband. ) Was I once a parent give me a gift bag of notes. I was in seventh heaven!

Small articles related to the subject matter - I taught Spanish and French. I had students bring me small items such as Eiffel towers or Mexican vanilla from traveling into the country. I love this ! (I also have margarita glasses by a parent once back when things are a little less regimented were in school . I liked them , but I would not recommend an alcohol-related gift. )

Ornaments - I know there are teachers out there moaning , but I liked teacher ornaments and I still have some that I received on my tree.

Bags - teachers are all bag ladies . I once had to give me a Lands End Canvas bag with my name embroidered on a parent. I have it and it will have forever. All cute bags are welcome.

Books - I have become fine art or travel books on Spain, France and Mexico. They are still on my bookshelf .