Craft stores, like Michaels or Hobby Lobby, are a great place to find unique gift ideas. Often there are samples of the crafts in the store to reference, as well as step-by-step instructions. Students can create picture frames, animals or figurines. You can buy plain T-shirts that children can decorate with a special message. For the holidays, children could make a decorative wreath. You can buy items to place on the wreath that fit a theme or color. If you choose a school theme, you could use little books, fake apples, letters and numbers, all available at the craft store.
Another great gift idea for teachers is a gift basket. Most teachers love coffee, tea and chocolate, all of which could be the theme for a basket. Make it unique by picking a variety of flavors and add a cute mug or bag. If you know the teacher well, you could pick his favorites. Another idea would be getting small items such as slippers or bath salts for a spa theme. Put the basket together with cellophane or a bow, with a cute note like "A sweet treat for a sweet teacher."
Teachers love to read. Books on education or books for leisure reading are a wonderful idea. Choose a book from the Bestsellers list or a novel you enjoy. Teachers rarely spend money buying books for themselves. If you want to add to the class library, get a popular children's book. The bookstore will be able to give you age-appropriate suggestions. Another great idea is to get a teacher's magazine subscription.
Due to tight school budgets, teachers today are always short on supplies. A very unique gift idea would be to buy needed supplies for the class. There are websites such as DonorsChoose.org that allow you to donate to specific projects for schools. For your child's teacher, you could buy supplies for a special project or unit of study. If you know the class is learning about weather instruments, you could purchase a wind vane or compasses for the class to use. Teachers usually end up taking money out of their own pockets to buy supplies, so they will value your thoughtfulness.
Picking out a gift card for teachers is also a fine gift idea. Teachers really appreciate the ability to pick out exactly what they want. Gift cards for a pedicure or massage are great ways for teachers to relax. There may be packages or specials when you purchase more than one service. Another unique idea would be a gift card to a theater, museum or zoo. Many teachers don't get the opportunity to explore these places aside from a field trip.
Gifts for teachers can be given individually or as a group. It is a smart idea to have a group of parents pool their money together to get something for the teacher. This allows the group to spend a larger amount, and sometimes to give a more significant gift. Also, if the gift is signed from the class, all students can feel proud to show their appreciation.