Inexpensive Christmas Ideas

I've had some friends who've asked me about ideas for teacher gifts. Since I am a teacher on a motherhood sabbatical, here's my thoughts. First of all, no teacher is expecting a gift from any child, so don't feel obligated. Expensive gifts make most teachers feel extremely uncomfortable. After all teachers are there to teach your child and we don't work for tips. :) If you decide to do a gift, keep them simple and thoughtful. You can also go in on a group classroom gift instead of individual gifts. Don't let a pushy room mom try to guilt you into donating a ridiculous amount towards a teacher's gift. If you go that route, donate what you feel is appropriate and in your budget.

Free - $1
- Handrawn picture by the student
-A sincere handwritten thank you note from student or parent about something they've enjoyed this year in the teacher's class.
- offer to take the class for 30 minutes so the teacher can have an extra long lunch or extra planning time. (Ask principal for approval first)
- Teacher Coupons - good for help with a classroom project, help with grading, cutting laminating, help with copying, free drink from sonic, etc.)
-Baked goods
-simple Gloves
-Gift Tags – separate a set if needed, or make your own. Click here, and here for ideas.
- This book belongs to Mrs. Teacher. click here, and here for ideas. Make your own custom stickers using address labels.
-Jumbo Candy bars
- A 20 oz. bottle of teacher's favorite soda, already chilled and ready to drink. (my personal favorite!)

$3.50 & Under
-Soft Sleep Socks
-Bath & Body Works Antibacterial hand soap
-Bottle of Sparkling Apple Cider
-Word Puzzle Books (Suduko, word finds)
- Magazine
-Ornaments
-baked goods or soup/dessert mixes
- teacher supplies such as post-its, colorful sharpies, teacher stamps (good job, sign & return) magnet men, stickers, reward pencils
- Homemade trail mix
- Make gourmet caramel apples click here for instructions.

$5 & under
-Bath & Body Works Room Sprays
-Starbucks Gift Card
-Fast Food Restaurant Gift Card - they'll remember your child as they get a free breakfast before school!
-Decorate a clipboard click here and here for ideas. So cute, minus the apples! Consider leaving off 3D elements off the front side of board so clipboard can easily be used.
-Gel pens and pretty stationary
-Gardening gloves with a plant or flower seeds
-Nail polish kit
-For the pets, gourmet dog biscuits or cat treats
-Makeup brush set
-Biscuit mix/Home made bread with special jams
-Simple Scarf
- Car kits (shout/tide wipes, needle/thread/buttons or mini-sewing kit, mints/stick of gum/tic tacs, tylenol, bandaids, antibacterial wipes, chapstick, pony tail, bobby pins, a stamp, safety pin, kleenex, pen, mini notebook, one time use lint removers, dental floss, mini toothbrush, travel toothpaste) -- put these in a ziploc bag or small container for the glove box. Just one or two of the above items will be fine in an emergency, and you don't have to include everything. This will only be cost-effective if you need to make them in multiples so you can split packs)
- Handmade cards
- Teacher Name Wall Art click here, here, and here for ideas (Resist the urge to add apples!)
- Books or simple game for the classroom

Teachers are people too, who have style and interests, and generally appreciate anything practical as opposed to objects with "apple" or "teacher" printed prominently on the front. Take cues from their classroom to help determine their personal style, or send your kids to do some detective work to find out favorite foods & drinks.