End of the Year Gift for your Teacher

It's that time! The end of the school year is HERE! At this time of year, most of us like to thank our teachers. A large cash gift or gift card is always appreciated as teachers can always use a special treat. However, you may want to be a bit more creative. You can go to a place like Color Me Mine in Hyde Park and make a special plate or bowl with the handprints of the entire class.

Another idea is to have an artist like the famous Kennedi Benjamin help your class make a cooperative art project. If you're interested in her contact info, please leave me your email address in the comments section. She can help your class create an AMAZING piece of art for their teacher. Below are some samples of Kennedi Benjamin's other works.




We made photo books for our teachers. The books hold pictures of every child in the class participating in events throughout the year. This is something teachers will treasure for years to come.

A few years ago our class created a precious photo tote bag. You can submit photos or artwork to LL Bean and they will create a wonderful bag for you! What individual or class gifts do you give your children's teachers?

Tuesday's Tip... Teacher Gifts

My friend, W, is a genius. She knows exactly how to love on the people in her life. For her son's teacher's birthday, she has collected items for a wonderful gift basket. Each student in the class was invited to send in items to fill a special gift basket. I didn't get to look at it closely, but it looked like the basket contained a large jar of chocolate covered almonds (the teacher's favorite), pasta sauce, fun pasta, etc. It was a very nice large rectangular basket that was overflowing with goodies. Since each student could send in an item or two, no one family should have been over-burdened. I think this was a great way for everyone to pamper their teacher on her special day! What gifts do you like to give your teachers?

Let's be thankful

This time of year reminds us of the need to be thankful. We shouldn't only thank those around us at special times, but throughout the year. We should also thank the Lord DAILY for His provision.

I try to do small things for our teachers throughout the year. However, it can become quite expensive to send in a treat when you have so many teachers!! I found an inexpensive way to say, "thank you" this Thanksgiving. I bought cute pumpkin spreaders 2 for $1 at Target. Today I went to Costco & bought a bag of Babybell cheese for just under $10. I am taking one spreader & one round of cheese per teacher & wrapping a little ribbon around it. Then, the children are making cute cards with turkeys made from their thumbprints. K & I made hers today & they were really cute!! I bought a bunch of new colored stamp pads at AC Moore recently. They were just $1 each. K just signed her name and her teachers' names, but our 7 year olds may want to write a little message!!!

I took the craft with K a little further because we had time. She made 2 of the many place cards we will need for Thanksgiving dinner. We will take them with us as a little surprise for our extended family!! We also had to make a card to send our Mimi. I can't wait to see what the trips will make!! If I can take some pictures, I will!!

This little gift for the teachers did not cost much, but hopefully it will brighten their day!

Teacher Conferences

At the beginning of the school year, I made a survey that I gave to each of our children's teachers, their principal or Director, and any other pertinent staff members at their preschool and elementary school.  I have loved reading the answers!! I asked the staff questions about their favorite treats... salty or sweet, favorite drink, favorite lunch if I bough one for them, et cetera.  The answers have been very helpful!

I have had conferences with most of the teachers this week.  I tried to remember to look at my survey and then bring the teacher one of the things she likes.  For example, one teacher likes Diet Coke, so I brought her one.  Unfortunately, I didn't get to Starbucks before the 8:15am conference, but I plan to send in a little treat to that teacher.  You may want to bring your teachers on conference day!  A little pick-me-up goes a long way!

Enjoy your beautiful Saturday!  Wouldn't you know my whole house is still asleep & I woke up an hour EARLIER than normal??? :)

Teacher Surveys for Gift Ideas

We just love to treat our teachers right since they are with our children at least 8 hours a day!!  This year I created a survey for the teachers to fill out & return to me!!  This way, I KNOW what drink the teacher would enjoy on conference day! I don't have to guess! The questions are below:

Teacher Survey

What are your initials?

What name do you like to have monogrammed on things?

What is your favorite drink & be specific?

Do you drink coffee?

If you could have lunch from anywhere, what would it be?

What are your favorite colors?

What do you like to do in your spare time?

What are your favorite restaurants?

What is your favorite sweet treat?

What is your favorite salty treat?

What do you like to read?

What is your favorite type of movie?

What other things do you like (candles, stationary, etc)?

Thank you! This will help us as we try to do little things for you during the year! The more specific you are, the better! 

I LOVE a deal!

I recently posted about teacher gift ideas... it's always fun to think of unique gifts for your child's teacher (s).  Today was K's first day of half-day K. She loved it. She hardly looked up to tell me goodbye.  Needless to say, I was the foolish mother, falling all over her, and she was just ready to start school!  After all, it is the THURSDAY AFTER LABOR DAY!  Baby wants to learn!

Anyway, I found great CDs as gifts at Pottery Barn & they were on SALE.  75% off. I started to not write that in case one day the receivers learn that I spent $2.97 on their $15 CD, but hey, it's the THOUGHT that counts! So check out your local Pottery Barn... the CDs usually have great music and often go on sale!

Treats for teachers

It's that time of year again when school is back in session!! Having taught school at three different schools, I know how to treat our teachers!!! I always bring a gift to the teachers on the first day of school.  It may be a copy of my cookbook, a homemade baked item, or a DVD movie & popcorn.  Throughout the year I bring special treats like their favorite drink or supper in a sack (entree, salad, bread, and dessert for their dinner that night) or a good lunch!  Happy Mommy (www.mommytalkandmore.blogspot.com) bought precious monogrammed items for her teacher's lunch!

My friend, B, is always so thoughtful & creative!  This year she took cute baskets filled with Carolina goodies.  One of the best gifts was a roll of quarters for the drink machine!! B is always so creative and thoughtful.  On Valentine's Day, she paints the lids of baby food jars pink & red & fills the jars with red, pink, & white MMs. So SWEET!

I also like to send a survey to the teachers asking them their favorite drink, favorite lunch time treat, do they drink coffee, etc.  This allows me to tailor my gifts to things that they love!