A Lesson In Gift Giving: Some Holiday Ideas For Your Favorite Teacher(s)

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

If one of your favorite sports/activities is shopping, you may not necessarily feel the same way during the hectic scramble to find the “perfect” gift during the holiday season. While family and friends may be somewhat “easier” to buy for, the “looming” question remains what to give your child’s (children’s) instructors and teachers.

While “honoring” them with something special is advisable, you want to be careful about getting too personal about how you’re going to say thank you.

First you’ll want to make sure they won’t be “offended” by a gift (there are many cultures, etc. that chose NOT to celebrate the holidays, and your gracious offering may be more insulting than)

Experts also advise refraining from wasting your money on mugs. Chances are most people have more than they can drink from, and they’ll only add to clutter or wind up as part of a garage sale. The same holds true for knick-knacks and other “impractical” gifts that seem to scream thoughtlessness instead of thoughtfulness.

Also steer clear of dollar store items such as soaps, perfumes, hand creams, etc., seasonally or holiday specific items, such as Christmas ornaments (especially if you don’t know if the individual celebrates Christmas or not), etc.

The bottom line, say experts, is giving something “valuable” that you would enjoy (unless your tastes are unusual or awkward) and that you would appreciate. And, if you’re clever, creative, and “crafty” they don’t have to be costly.

1. Boxed Sets: A Set of Stationary (we all need some) with a heartfelt note attached telling that “special” someone how they inspired you or changed your life.

2. Card Blanche: Consider a gift card or gift certificate to the person’s favorite store, restaurant, theatre, coffee shop, etc. Without going overboard, make sure to put enough for a visit or two and to make it a gift that keeps on giving.

3. Palatable Presents: From goodie baskets filled with nutritious non-perishables (pasta, sauces, pretzels, etc.) to a bottle of wine (if you know they “drink”) in a decorative case or “box”, you can feel confidant that your gift was quite tastefully done.

4. Grants Of Gratitude: Find out what charity your teacher/instructor supports and make a monetary contribution in his or her name. Another option is donating some classic or award-winning books to the classroom or school library. You could even dedicate the books to your teacher by writing a meaningful message on the inside cover on one of the first few pages.

5. Teaching Tools: Classroom/educational/instructional supplies can be quite costly. Consider giving your teacher(s) some useful school supplies they won’t have to pay out of pocket for.

6. A Gift With Growth Potential: First find out if your teacher has any allergies. If not, consider giving some scentsational season flowers, or a holiday plant for either the classroom or his/her home.

7. Tasty, Dark (or light) and Homemade: From homemade pies, jams, cookies or chocolates, sweeten a special someone up with gifts from the heart and your home.

8. Permission (Slip) For Pampering: Consider a gift certificate for a manicure, pedicure, massage or spa day. If that’s out of your budget consider crafting a basket of soothing goodies, including specialty soaps, shampoos, lotions, (nail) polishes, etc.