Teachers wake up early and often do not have time for a good breakfast. McDonald's gift cards are an inexpensive way to treat teachers to a morning coffee or breakfast sandwich on their way to work. A gift card to a moderately priced restaurant can also be thoughtful. A gift card to Outback or another moderately priced steakhouse might be the perfect cure for a long day at school.
Teachers are generally allowed to order school supplies through their school. However, a portable organizer that can be taken home is a practical gift that any teacher would appreciate. Do not worry if the teacher already has some type of organizer or take-home folder; chances are he has enough materials to fill two or three more.
Personalizing a mouse pad for a teacher can be done several ways. The first is to create a design with the teacher's name. A number of businesses offer this type of design, including memorablegifts.com. Another option is to search for a mouse pad that has a clear insert for a 4- by 6-inch photo. These can be found in the electronics departments of many retail stores. Insert your child's photo into the window.
A personalized dinner plate allows your child to combine the classic gift of holiday cookies with a personalized gift. Rather than send your child to school with a disposable plate of cookies, have your child draw a picture for the teacher, then visit makit.com. Makit.com will take a drawing or photograph and display it on a dinner plate, mug or other item. When the teacher finishes the plate of cookies, she will discover another present, art made by one of her students. The plate and processing fee total $10 to $12 per plate, making this a very affordable and creative gift.