During a run this holiday season, I was thinking about the different holiday gifts I have received as a teacher. While I appreciate the thought and meaning behind every gift, there are definitely gifts that stand out more than others. Below are some of my favourites (that can be given any time of year):
Gift Certificates to a favourite store or mall: This is one of the more selfish gifts that anyone would appreciate. When the parents of my students have combined funds to get me a gift certificate to a store they know I frequent or even the local shopping mall, I always make good use of that gift
Gift Certificates to a teacher store or bookstore: Throughout the year, I always spend a lot of my own money on the students and the classroom. Receiving gift certificates to the stores I frequent for the students, shows appreciation for what I do for the students and helps to support the students at the same time.
Selected by the student: One year I received a necklace from a student with an “L” dangling from it. The necklace was not fancy, but it was clear that the boy picked it out and was very invested in this gift. I wore it throughout the year (despite it turning my chest green) and could see a smile on the student’s face whenever I wore it.
Donation: I really appreciate getting donations. Whether the donation is for something of interest to me, of interested to the giver, or involving children or education, I think this is a great gift. Teacher gifts are meant to show appreciation to the teacher, but often they are not gifts that the teacher needs. So, why not show your appreciation while also supporting a cause that truly needs the support. This gift is even better when the giver knows where the donation is going and why.
The next time you are considering purchasing a teacher gift, I hope you think of my list and find it useful.