Purchase a blank canvas tote bag from a craft store, along with paint or fabric markers. Have your child decorate the bag with his own drawings and special note to the teacher. Or, bring to class for each student to sign his name and add a personal message or drawing. The tote bag makes a memorable keepsake and is useful for carrying groceries, school supplies or beach accessories. For an additional surprise, place a gift card to an office or teacher supply store, local restaurant or nail salon inside the gift bag.
Some teachers may be watching their waistline as they prepare for bathing suit season. Create healthy treats at home for the teacher to enjoy, such as whole wheat bread or muffins, homemade trail mix, fruit bars or low calorie brownies or cookies. Include a list of ingredients just in case the teacher has any food allergies. Purchase an inexpensive tin box and wrap with a decorative ribbon to store the treats. Homemade sauces or jams are also a personal thank you gift as an alternative to sweets.
Create a gift basket with items that the teacher will actually use. If you know that the teacher often spends her own money on school supplies, fill a basket with pens, pencils, hand sanitizer, notepads, markers and stickers. For a more personal gift, choose items related to the teacher's hobby or vacation plans. For example, if the teacher is taking a trip to the beach in the summer, pack a pair of flip-flops, sunscreen and a paperback novel or magazines. Place tissue paper in the bottom of a basket, organize the items, then secure a personal note with a decorative bow.
Creating a class scrap book requires advanced planning and the cooperation of all the students in the class. Create a template for each student to fill out his favorite memory from the school year. Distribute the templates with the help of other parents or the designated room "mom." Laminate the messages along with any photographs from the school year. Create and laminate a cover sheet with the teacher's name, school and date. Punch a hole at the top left corner and tie the pages together with ribbon.