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The pools are about to open and the books are about to close. The school year is almost done, but before your kids bolt from school without a second glance, remember to thank their teachers for all the hard work they've done throughout the year.
Ask your room parent about the school district’s policy on end-of-year teacher gifts. Some allow parents to collect cash and gift cards, others have a strict dollar limit. Here are a few fun low-cost options involving the whole class:
5 Simple Ideas for Teacher Gifts
- Treasure Chest: Provide each child with a small envelope and ask the family to contribute a summer ‘treasure’. It can be anything – an inspirational quote, a thank you note, a small toy, photo, movie tickets, or even a gift certificate to your favorite local book store, restaurant or salon. Package the sealed envelopes in a toy treasure box (or a box with a photo of a treasure chest) add chocolate coins and present it to the teacher with this note:
We’ve treasured your teaching all year long. Please enjoy these small treasures from all of us. (Opening one per day this summer takes more patience, but brings more delight!)
- Summer Reading Escape: Ask parents to provide their favorite gently used books and magazines. Package them in a colorful beach tote with a new beach towel, sunscreen and water bottle. If your class is the cash-gathering kind, purchase a Kindle or Nook and an online gift certificate. (Use VolunteerSpot’s free online sign up sheet to request your group donation and reminders will be automatic and easy!)
- Garden Gadgets: If you’re teacher is a gardener, ask members of the class to donate seed packets, garden tools or small gift certificates to a home and garden supply store. Package the gifts in a large watering can with a bow and a potted plant. (VolunteerSpot Tip: Use this theme idea and replicate with other hobbies - art baskets, cooking supplies, etc.)
