One of the best gifts teachers can give parents is support. Teachers have access to educational information of which parents may not be aware. If you are a teacher who has found a particularly helpful book on child rearing, you can share the book with parents. Books for all of your student's parents may not be in your personal budget, but you could create a suggested list of reading materials and share it with parents. If you have found a variety of materials that could be combined into a binder of information, you could create your own book and give it to parents. Be sure to check the copyright and reprinting laws for the materials you are using before compiling a book for distribution.
Teachers who just want to say thanks to parents without getting into education and child development issues can give parents hand-crafted items. Though not all teachers are creative or artistic, many have a talent for creating hand-crafted items. Teachers with a craft hobby can make gifts for parents that are thoughtful and personalized. Consider seasonal crafts that will come in handy over the summer break or items that are related to learning like bookmarks or embellished notebooks.
The main reason a teacher and a parent have a relationship is because of the child. Teachers can honor this connection by giving gifts to parents that are kid-driven. At the end of the school year, frame a photo of your class and present it to each family. Not only will parents love this, it will serve as a keepsake for the children. You can also use items children have created to make gifts for parents. Have each child make a drawing and have the drawings printed on pot-holders, T-shirts or hats. Parents appreciate gifts from teachers that are influenced by the work of their kids.
Though most gift ideas for parents are tangible items, a great way to recognize and thank parents is by having a party for them. A dinner party or luncheon in the classroom is a great way to let your students' parents know you support them and have appreciated the input and help they have offered during the school year. For an extra thank-you, offer parents a party favor at the end of the party or provide a few parents who have been especially helpful with a special honor during the event.