| Your child's teacher is one of the most important | | | | go buy classroom supplies to her heart's content? |
| people in his or her life on a day-to-day basis. If | | | | You also might purchase a bunch of new books |
| you stop to think about it, kids spend 5 full days | | | | for the classroom's reading corner. |
| per week with this person, learning extremely | | | | If you'd rather get something for the teacher |
| valuable life skills and knowledge. Showing teachers | | | | herself, take the lead from your child. Find out |
| that you appreciate their efforts with your | | | | what she enjoys doing in her off time. If she |
| children is a wonderful thing to do. But how do | | | | enjoys golf, get her a round on the local course. If |
| you pick a gift that conveys this appreciation? | | | | he enjoys art, get him some high-class art |
| Buying a gift for a virtual stranger can be tricky. | | | | supplies or a one year's pass to the local art |
| One tip is to get your kids involved! Not only will | | | | museum. |
| the gift be more personal if they help pick it out, | | | | � For the Time Honored Gift. This one |
| but the fact of the matter is that they do spend | | | | might take some coordination (if there's a |
| more time with this person than you do. They | | | | teacher's assistant, she might be well-placed to |
| just might know better what he or she will like! | | | | help you in this), but it's well worth the effort. If |
| You can also try to get other parents involved. If | | | | you can get the whole class involved, have |
| you can get a few others to chip in $10 or $20, | | | | everyone write a short letter to the teacher that |
| you'll be able to buy a really nice gift rather than | | | | explains why they love her or him so much. You |
| something small. If you're able to pool money, you | | | | can then take all the letters and put them in a |
| could think about buying a weekend getaway to a | | | | beautiful photo album with pictures of all the kids. |
| local B & B, a nice piece of jewelry, or even a | | | | It will be a keepsake they'll never get rid of! |
| luxurious down or cashmere-like blanket for them | | | | � For a Technology Gift. There are a |
| to wrap up with on cold nights! | | | | million different choices here, both for use in the |
| � For a Creative Gift. Teachers love their | | | | classroom and outside school. You could purchase |
| students, so getting something your child can help | | | | an educational set of DVD's that he or she might |
| pick out would really hit home. You could think | | | | have had her eye on for a while, or a new cd |
| about a charm bracelet and let your child pick out | | | | player for the classroom. Think music as a |
| some charms to go with it. Even a thank-you | | | | background for creative writing and put some |
| card your child makes herself would really make | | | | tunes on a cd for the teacher. |
| the teacher feel appreciated. | | | | The key to getting a great gift for your child's |
| � For a Healthy Gift. Give your child's | | | | teacher is to not wait until the last minute to start |
| teacher a night of relaxation. You could put | | | | thinking about it! While the decorated coffee mugs |
| together a movie-night themed gift, like a ceramic | | | | and apple-themed gifts are appreciated, it's also |
| popcorn bowl, some gourmet popcorn, and a | | | | nice to get something unique (and special) once in |
| movie you think he would like. | | | | a while. |
| Or think about getting her a gift certificate for a | | | | Karen Fusco is co-founder of which supports |
| massage or other spa service. An afternoon of | | | | Busy Moms with free gift ideas and helpful tips to |
| pampering would be much appreciated! | | | | meet the challenges of motherhood. She is also |
| � For Pure Decadence. Consider buying | | | | co-founder of WellnessArticles.net , a directory of |
| the teacher a lavish gift certificate to the local | | | | articles covering many areas of wellness. |
| teacher supply store. Wouldn't she be thrilled to | | | | |