The end of the school year is on fast approach. So if you’ve had a great year at school with your teacher it’s about time to start thinking about how you can thank them.
How do you thank the teacher?
Every article that I have ever read on this topic creates such polarising opinions.
Some teachers gratefully accept whatever is given; others more vocally imploring us to hold the home made treats, candles and bath bombs. Interestingly enough wine and chocolate seem to be universally acceptable!
Teachers also say that a hand made card is a treasure – and I think that sums it all up. No gift can ever express what words will. So make sure that whatever you give, you give a little of yourself as well by really expressing your appreciation for the teacher’s effort and interest in your child.
In the last few years more and more classes are coming together to buy a gift.
For me, pooling money together as a class makes more sense as the total sum means a substantial gift. It also means one less thing on our ‘to do’ list during the busiest time of the year.
This year, for each of my kids, a group gift is being organised. So with that in mind I’ve got five top ideas for a group gift.
1. Me time
Summer holidays are for putting your feet up and for some lucky ones wriggling your toes in the sand on a beach holiday. What better idea than something to read for the holidays! Whether it’s a book gift card or a magazine subscription it will be appreciated.
I love the idea of the magazine subscription as it continues to give throughout the year.
Check out the magshop online http://www.magshop.com.au/
For book stores you have the online options like http://www.booktopia.com.au/ or your local bookstore.
2. Pampering
Who doesn’t love a good pampering?
Buy a gift voucher to a day spa or your teachers’ regular beautician. They can choose to blow it in a day of ultimate indulgence or use the package through the year.
Endota spa has a national chain and a great range of packages on offer http://www.endotadayspa.com.au/gift-vouchers
3. Jewellery
It’s not easy buying jewellery for someone else. Gold, silver, fine, chunky, statement piece …what to choose?
Given all of the challenges if you get it right it can become a very sentimental token of your gratitude - your Miss Jones will always remember her 2013 Kindy class whenever she wears it. Whichever retailer you select just ensure that the gift can be exchanged if it’s not exactly right.
4. A donation
For the teacher who doesn’t want anything, why not make a donation in their name to their favourite cause. For example, there are some great Australian education foundations that could be supported or another cause that is close to your teacher’s heart.
5. Gift card
This is safe. Whether your teacher spoils themselves at Christmas time or uses it to ease the financial burden of this time of year for their family, it’s just so practical. It is certainly safe but it so it makes so much sense.
Whether you opt to pool funds or do it yourself, I believe it doesn’t matter how much you spend (or even if you don’t spend anything at all) as the most treasured gift are words of thanks and appreciation.
So don’t forget to add that personal touch that makes a gift special. Your words.
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