Perfect Teacher Gifts: And Please Don’t Leave Middle School and High School Teachers Out

When I was in school, my mother made me bring a plate of Greek pastries to my teachers and bus drivers for at Christmas every year.  And then when I had kids, I bought participated in the group gift (usually $10-15) that gave the teacher a nice Visa Gift Card and also, got the teacher a small gift from each kid.  Then, when my kids got to Middle School, I noticed than many did not give the teachers gifts anymore.  As a former middle school and now a high school teacher, I do not get many gifts either.  I know that once kids get to these grades, parents feel that it is just too much to have to buy 6-7 teachers gifts.   But, is it?  Aren’t those teachers working just as hard as the elementary school teachers? 

But, I get it, you feel that you can’t spend $10-15 on 6-7 teachers…and what it you have 2 or 3 kids in middle and high school?  Yes, that is a lot.  If you spent $15-20 on each child’s elementary school teacher, then why not just spend $3-5 on each middle/high school teacher.  Then, you are only actually spending $10-15 more a year.  And that is not a lot.  Also, you do not even have to spend any money.  I always love when students just write me a card. 

Every year, I have my son and daughter play “It’s Time to Thank your Teachers Mad Libs” at Christmas and at the end of the year.  I give them a basic form like this:

                        Dear Mr. or Mrs. __________.

Thank you for being such a _________ teacher.  My favorite thing that we learned this year was _____________.   I hope you have a _______ break. 

That’s it!  That is actually enough.  But, if you want to add something small to the card, that is also great, too.  Here are some suggestions:

·       $3-5 gift cards to Amazon, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, etc.

·       A travel size shower get from Bath and Body works

·       A small candle

 

            ·       Any fun edible treat

My favorite thing to give teachers (and it always goes over well) are Snappers.  This is my sister-in-law Dana’s company and they can be found in Target, CVS, Rite Aid, and other grocery stores.  They range between $4-6 and are delicious!  Everyone loves Snappers!

The point is don’t leave Middle and High School teachers out because you feel that you have to buy too many gifts and it might get expensive.  It does not have to at all.  And truly, if you do feel that teachers are underpaid and that they are going above and beyond for your kids, then don’t forget to thank them, too.