Teacher Christmas Gifts -- The Good and The Bad

My son is a first grade teacher in an inner city school and it's always fun to hear about the array of Christmas gifts he gets every year from his students.

There's everything from crude handmade Christmas gifts to surprisingly elaborate gifts picked out by the parents.  Of course it's always the ones created by the kids themselves that are the most memorable.

I don't know if parents are trying to "keep up with the Jones" or whether they just don't realize how meaningful it is to receive a hand crafted gift that lets the child's personality and creativity shine through.  Some of the gifts my son has received really bring a lump to the throat when you think about where the child comes from and how they went to all the trouble to create a gift from whatever they could find around their home. 

The "Good" Teacher Christmas Gifts

As I said before, any handmade Christmas gift is always welcomed by teachers.  Personalized gifts like Christmas ornaments are popular.  Gift cards are easy to use.  Office supplies are another needed item as well as note cards or thank-you cards.  Movie passes or movie rental coupons are good and even just a simple handmade note saying how much they are appreciated is always welcome.

The "Bad" Teacher Christmas Gifts
Avoid buying anything like perfume or cologne.  Stuffed animals are another "bad" gift idea as well as collectibles and knickknacks.  You can just imagine how much stuff like that a veteran teacher has accumulated over the years!    And just pass on "best teacher" coffee mugs!  (Again, they probably already have a sizable coffee mug collection!)  And lastly, just say no to ties and jewelry. 

If you're stuck on what to buy your child's teacher I'd recommend letting your child try to come up with an idea of their own.  They do spend a lot of time with this person and they just might surprise you with the things they think their teacher would like.  Their little minds work in wondrous ways!

Or just sit them down with a table full of paper, markers, crayons, glue, Christmas wrapping paper and ribbon and any other craft supplies you might have on hand and leave them to their own devices. If they have a picture of themselves they can incorporate it will remind their teacher of them for years to come.   Chances are when their teacher gets their gift they'll appreciate it more than you can imagine. 

Still looking for gifts for Xmas for people on your list?  Check out SantasBestGifts.com for some unique ideas for all ages.  And be sure to check out Last Minute Deals for the latest coupons, sales and specials from our retailers.