Need ideas for gift for DD's 2nd grade teacher

[indyanna]

I would really really like to do something special for my daughter's teacher but I don't have a clue what to get her. My DD is in a 2nd/3rd split class. She's really in 2nd grade but is at a 3rd-4th level in most things. Her teacher has been working with her one on one alot and they both think the world of each other. If we weren't moving out of state next month DD would have the same teacher again. But since the Air Force has seen fit to move us to SC after 8 years her in WA...it's just not meant to be. One of the other moms is getting people to chip in to get her a longenberger<sp?> basket but they aren't giving it to her till the end of school and we leave the week before. I'd really like to get her something special just from DD since they seem to share this special bond but I don't want to get yet another silly knick knack or trinket. I'd like to get her something she could use you know? Flowers would be nice but they die after a few days...I'm stumped. Any ideas? I'm willing to spend around $30.
Thanks!
Indy

[CJWest]

...AND it was CHEAP!

I was at Dollar Tree for crayons, and they had a small book for teachers. It has poems and devotional-type stories that are all geared toward how important a role special teachers play in the world and in the lives of the children they touch. It's not exactly an opulent gift, but I think that most of us, whether you're a parent or a teacher, would rather have a special drawing by a child than a whole wall full of Picassos. And it is something that the teacher can keep!

I know that the stock at the dollar stores are not always the same, but I'm sure that it can be found through a regular bookstore. I am going home for lunch, and I will get the name and publisher info for you if you are interested.

Good Luck!

Crystal

[kells3]

One year my DS teacher loved Starbucks so we got her a gift certificate there. I really like to get gift cert. because then they can get what they want. Sometimes I get one for a store or to a restaurant.

Or you can give her a hardback book for the class and put your DD picture on the inside front cover with clear plastic contact paper over it. Then she can remember your dd whenever she picks up the book.

[Brittwoman]

GC's are always the BEST! They're always the perfect size, color, and fit!

[sweetcindy]

I always get the teachers a nice box of candy (the quality stuff from a local gourmet chocolate company). That costs around $12, so with $30, I could make a splendid gift basket with all sorts of things! Candy, cookies, coffee, maybe a nice mug, beautiful basket and a bow...I have creativity...just not a lot of cash! LOL If I were in the position to spend $30 on a nice teacher's gift, I would definitely make a fabulous basket!

[geffric]

Teachers just don't make that much money. Plus they have to purchase all the extra supplies out of their own money. So GC to Target or Teacher supply store is always appreciated. Also a GC for a restuarant for a nice time is a nice idea too.
Also you and your child could write a note telling the teacher how you feel and what a difference they made in your life. Notes like that are treasured for years after the other stuff is gone.

[vanderson]

I teach middle school, but you'd be amazed how much of their own money early childhood teachers spend on their students. I be she would love a GC to the local teachers book store. You mentioned flowers, well if she has a yard a perinneal (sp?) plant for her yard would be great. Every year when it came back she would remember your daughter. You could also donate a book to the library in her name and have them put a little sticker in it saying it was donated in appreciation of that teacher by your daughter.

[Browneyedgyrl]

I'm a special education teacher and we spend alot of our own money on supplies like paper and glue sticks. I always appreciate when parent get me supplies for the classroom or gift certificates to "teacher stores" like Hammets Learning World. I also like to get instant cameras or film for my camera as I like to take lots of pictures of the students. Ive had some parents offer to pay for the developing also as a gift. Which is great. They get 2 sets and I can one set away to the kids in the pictures and the other to the photo album I have in the classroom. I get way to many candles and bath sets though. While its a nice thought I feel bad that they parents have spent the money on these gifts. But unfortunately I can only use so many candles and things. Another idea is stickers and stamp pads and stamps. Those we use alot of and they come in handy anytime. Also workbooks that can be reproduced the kind that you buy in wal-mart for home use as well. We use those as seat work. Those are just a few of my suggestions and I hope they help. Also another idea is movie or dinner out gift certificates. Those are another great gift also.

[stking]

This is something I had posted over in Frugal Living. We did this for Christmas for my son's 3rd grade teacher and she loved it. She said was gonna do one for her son's teacher! If you want to do a little more, you can do this mug and also a gift cert. in a card.

The following all goes into a mug and you attach the following note:

Teacher's Survival Kit

Tea Bag- To remind you that you're "TEA-RRIFIC"
Paper Clip- For keeping things organized
Rubber Band- A reminder to stay flexible
Bandaid- To mend hurt feelings
Tootsie Roll- To remind you how sweet you are
2 Pennies- So you have the "cents " to realize how valuable you are
Mint- To remind you that we're thankful for your commit"mint"
Crayon- To color your days cheerful and bright
Lifesavers- To remind you that you're appreciated a "hole" lot

Just put it all in a cellophane wrap in the mug.

[mommy2makayla]

You said that your daughter and her teacher are pretty close, right???? What about a nice picture frame??? You could also have your daughter add some special touches. Maybe her picture? Just a quick thought!! Hope you find the perfect gift!!!!