When an apple on the teacher’s table just isn’t enough

What can you give to your favorite teacher?  Everybody faces the same dilemma when graduation or a birthday of a teacher comes.  Especially for parents who need the extra points in getting to their children’s teacher’s good side.  But what are the best things one could give? Is it always material? And is there a way to save and still give the best gift?

Most sites only show you the best buys for teachers.  You have mugs saying “the best teacher in the world”, or something to that effect.  Mouse pads, pens, the usual school and office supplies you’re sure your teacher can use, but are these enough to make the teacher you like feel special?

Though tough, picking the right gift for your teacher is something we all have to go through.  But don’t worry; you can stick to these rules in making that special teacher feel extra special.

1. Always personalize your gift - Most teachers handle, on an average, 40 students.  That means 40 possible gifts, and 40 chances to have the same gift.  But if you want your gift to stand out, you have to personalize it.  How does one do that? Very simple actually, all you have to do is take the extra effort to know what your teacher is into.  Is she into gardening? Baking? Art? Illegal arms deal? Whatever that it, try to find it out and make sure it’s obvious you went the extra mile.  For instance, I once had a teacher who was very much into JRR Tolkien. But the big problem was what do you give a teacher who is actually a multi-millionaire and just teaches for fun?  Well it’s nothing a simple trip to the local second hand bookshop won’t fix.  I found a copy of the Silmarillion, which was still in a very good condition and there was even a dedication from the previous owner in French ( I didn’t understand it but I thought it gave the book a rustic charm).  I gave the book to the teacher plainly wrapped in recycled paper.  Then the only problem was explaining to my parents how I took a D and turned it into an A++ without threatening to kill someone.
2.  Remember it’s not the price, but the thought that counts – using the same example, the book I got from the second hand bookshop only cost me 40 bucks, now I know that isn’t much but what really matters, though it may sound like a total cliché, is the thought behind the gift.  A new Apple iPod would surely be appreciated, but what gets people to truly appreciate something is for that something to be connected to their passion.  I would prefer a box of crayons over a box of chocolate because I love art, but I’m sure somebody who loves food would appreciate the former.
3. Always write a good dedication – though this is often bypassed these days, the truth is words still have the power to stir emotions.  Happy words beget happy feelings, and cleverly constructing your sentences and infusing them with wit and charm will surely tickle your favorite teacher’s happy bone.  Remember that gifts count, but words that lift up the spirit will surely count more.
4. Love and respect – above all, these two are the greatest gifts any teacher would care to receive from their students.  The two always come hand in hand, and one is not likely to exist without the other.  Teachers encounter a lot of students in their professional lives, but the ones they remember are those who give them these two and those who give them sincerely.

Teachers, generally, are giving and warm individuals and they usually appreciate any gift their students give.  You’ll probably save a little money by following these steps but what makes it worthwhile is that it’ll ensure your teacher will feel extra good about being an educator.

Popularity: 60% [?]