This week is teacher appreciation week.  As a teacher, I have to say I know the many hours that teachers spend pouring their lives (and money) into teaching your children.  Here are some ideas of thrifty gifts to appreciate your child’s teachers:

1.  A basket of pencils, stickers, paper clips, and other items that teachers use regularly would be a useful gift.

2.  A gift card for ice cream or coffee would show the teacher you want them to get something for themselves.  I once had a parent that gave me a gift certificate for a spa.  (I have to add that this parent was also a teacher.) 

3.  A gift card for Wal-Mart, an office supply store, or a bookstore would be appreciated.  Teachers spend lots of their own hard earned money each year buying things for their classrooms.

4.  Whether or not you have money, a nice gift is a sincere letter of thanks.  Be sure to include specific ways the teacher has touched your child’s life.  Many times teachers don’t know the little things they have done that meant a lot to you.

5.  A cute picture frame can usually be purchased for under $10.  You can get one for under $5 if you catch it on sale.

6.  A craft that you made, such as a tote bag or t-shirt with each child’s handprint from the class is a inexpensive, meaningful gift.  Sometimes the inexpensive thoughtful gifts mean the most.

7.  Homemade goodies are a yummy way to express your thanks.  Even store bought ones mean a lot when you know the teacher’s favorites.  For Easter this year, I had a parent give me a small trinket box with Snickers miniatures.  The gift probably cost less than $2, but it meant a lot that she paid attention and got what I liked.

8.  You could make a basket with candles, stationery, blank notecards, postage stamps, and other items.  Sometimes you can find these items on sale throughout the year.

9.  A potted plant is a nice way to brighten someone’s day. 

10.  Get together with the other parents and see if everyone can contribute $5.  Collect all the money and get some gift certificates for restaurants in your area or your teacher’s favorite clothing store.

Another tip:  Avoid knicknacks and other dust collectors.  Every teacher has too many apples and other gadgets that say “teacher” on them.

Do you have any frugal ideas to share?

Picture from Blanket Worx.  Check out their selection of teacher afghans.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy