Give your child's teacher a $5 gift card to a chain store with many locations, such as Walmart, Target, Barnes & Noble, Starbucks or Michael's craft store. Let your child's teacher use the gift card to treat himself to a hot cup of coffee, purchase a much-needed reference book or replenish classroom supplies. A gift card in a small denomination will be appreciated by your child's teacher because he will not have to dip into his own money to pay for something.
There is no better way to show just how much you appreciate the dedication and effort a teacher has put into your child's education than to write a personalized letter of recommendation. Compose a simple letter stating the tasks or accomplishments the teacher has completed with your child during the school year. Make two copies. Send one copy to your child's teacher and another to the principal of the school. Your child's teacher will feel appreciated and recognized for their work by you, your child and fellow peers.
Teachers often have to purchase items for the classroom out of their own pockets. Inexpensive gift items such as markers, pencils, pens, craft paper and notepads are practical gift ideas that will be used in the classroom everyday. These items can be picked up from the dollar store along with a basket, cellophane and ribbon. Place the items into the basket, wrap with cellophane and decorate with ribbon. Another idea is to purchase an age-appropriate book for the classroom's library at a half-price bookstore.
Prepare an inexpensive movie-themed gift basket and your child's teacher will enjoy relaxing with the family while watching a movie. Pick up a small basket or box from the dollar store. Purchase a few packets of microwave popcorn -- or take them from your kitchen cupboard at home -- and a package of candy. Visit a popular video rental company and purchase a video rental certificate. Fill the basket or box with the candy, microwave popcorn, and the gift certificate for the video rental.