school

The rules for giving gifts to teachers have changed in recent years.

In the old days, you could simply give your child something and tell her to give it to Mrs. Brandt. Today, because some folks might not have been doing things the right way, there are some laws about what you can and cannot give. There are also some rules of etiquette that should be followed.

Here are a few considerations:

• Many states have ethics laws that must be followed. As public employees, teachers are subject to laws restricting the value of a gift. It can range from $25 to $100, with most states falling in the $50 range. It’s worth checking the local laws and rules. If you’re not sure, call the school.
• Many schools and school districts recommend that you give a gift to classroom or the school itself. Make your gift something that everyone in the room can use and you don’t need to worry about ethics concerns.
• While it might be instinct to give a teacher some school supplies, they also have a life. You should consider giving a gift that can be used for either. For example, a gift card to Walmart or someplace where the teacher can both buy supplies and stuff for himself can be very nice.
• The best gifts for teachers can remind them that they’re teacher’s but shouldn’t be something that makes it look like they are your child’s parent. A framed picture of your child on their wall isn’t what they will need.

Best Gifts for Teachers

Many of the best gifts for teachers are a combination of store-bought and homemade.

Here are a few examples:

• Gift card bouquet – A number of gift cards to different stores put onto paper flowers can make a lovely gift.
• Cookie mix in a jar – A self-contained cookie mix in a canning jar can make baking easy and fun. Try to find a way so that it needs as few extra ingredients as possible.
• Personalized cup – A cup, either a cold cup or a coffee cup, with the teacher’s name on it can be a nice touch. The teachers’ lounge is filled with coffee cups. This can make it easier to find their own cup.
• Monogram license plate or car mats – It seems odd, but many teachers live in their cars. They often have many items that they need for the school in their cars so that they don’t have to carry them in and out. Of course, they are simply people, so they have car pride as well.
• Custom mouse pad – A colorful, customized mouse pad can brighten any desk. Get one that matches his or her personality and they will love to see it every day.
• Movie pack – A popcorn box with a movie theater gift certificate, a restaurant gift certificate, a DVD and some microwave popcorn can all be a lot of fun. It’s inviting your child’s teacher to relax.
• Monogram market tote – Carrying things is something that every teacher does. A market tote is a cloth version of the plastic baskets that your grocery store offers. She can carry her books and supplies in and out of the school easily with one of these baskets.
• Magazine subscriptions – Taking time to relax can be very important for teachers. A great magazine, whether it’s People or Oprah Magazine can be a nice break. If you’re not sure what magazine to purchase, look for a gift card from a publishing house.

Delivering a gift

When the kids are little, up to about 4th grade, you can send them to school with gifts. After that, it might be better to deliver the gifts to the office to drop them off yourself or deliver them to the teacher.

Another point to be aware of is that most students have several teachers each day, especially after 4 th grade. If

you aren’t giving gifts to everyone, you will want to be careful not to offend anyone.

Several kids – Several teachers

One of the best ways to make sure that all of the teachers in your children’s’ lives get to enjoy something is to deliver something to the teachers’ lounge. Coffee, tea, pizza, donuts, or even just a massive supply of pens and pencils can be a nice gift for teachers. That way, everyone gets a gift and you aren’t having to figure out several personal gifts.

Regardless of what you choose, it’s nice to give a gift your children’s teachers. They work hard to help your family and make your kid’s lives better.