Depending on the teacher's preference, a gift of premium coffee or specialty teas is a welcome gesture. (Ask your child to "snoop" and find out which the teacher prefers.) Give the beverage, however, not the mug. Over time, teachers accumulate more mugs and knick-knacks than they have space to keep them all. Anything that is consumable is a good option, i.e., something that the teacher or staff member must keep replenishing. Notecards or notepads with a pen are always welcome gifts. Make special notecards by scanning your child's drawing and printing it on card stock to make 3.5 by 5.5 inch notecards. (Quarter-sheet postcards are another option.) A dozen cards with a dozen small invitation envelopes (maybe even with stamps affixed) tied with a ribbon make a special gift that covers all three criteria: personal, useful and inexpensive. Shy away from homemade sweets unless you happen to know of a strong preference for a particular treat.
Many teachers spend their own money stocking their classrooms. Even though a classroom gift may not seem personal enough, consider that you are helping the teacher save her money while catering to her passion of teaching. Does she have a published wish list? If your school uses Teacher Web or a similar website for teachers and students, such information will probably be available. A gift basket containing items on this list, such as dry erase markers, tissues, page protectors and paperclips, will be appreciated. A gift card for a bookstore or Amazon.com is always welcome. Some bookstores give teachers an extra percentage off purchases so gift cards to such bookstores are maximized even further. These gifts don't have to be expensive; in fact, teachers consider expensive gifts next to bribery and are often uncomfortable receiving them. Early elementary school teachers appreciate such gifts as reward stickers, incentives and play dough for the classroom. These are items that are quickly depleted and need to be replenished. In addition, a colorful story book or game makes a welcome gift for an elementary school teacher. To make it personal, the young student can write an inscription inside the cover or box lid. Perhaps the book or game is one of the child's favorites, and a note to that effect in the child's handwriting is a special touch.
A heartfelt note from the parent or child will be kept forever, and it reminds the teacher why she gets up and comes to school every morning. Notes that mention a specific event or deed are the most memorable (especially if a carbon copy is sent to the superintendent for the teacher's personnel file). A picture of the student enclosed with the note will help keep the memories fresh as years go by. A classroom picture with the signatures of the children is also a well received keepsake.