Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Teachers

Presents From Students for End of Year or Teacher Week

Jun 15, 2009

Special teachers deserve a thoughtful thank you from their students. Try giving one of these meaningful gifts to a beloved instructor for end of year or teacher week.

Whether it is teacher appreciation week or the end of the year, students will enjoy putting their special touches on a semi-handmade gift for one of the most important adults in their lives. Artistic use of handprints, creatively placed pictures capturing memorable moments, or hand written poems will each show a teacher how much their students have grown and learned throughout the year, and how deeply they are appreciated.

Hand Wreaths or Placemats

For this special gift for a preschool or kindergarten teacher, arrange for each child in the class to trace and cut out a handprint from colored construction paper. Have the students label their handprints with names so that the teacher will remember the thoughtful class that put the hand crafted present together. Cut out a large, cardboard ring with a hole in the center. Glue the handprints around the ring to form a wreath.

Another great teacher gift idea is to create a handprint placemat by having children sign or draw a picture on a large piece of sturdy construction paper and then laminate it.

Autographed Canvas Tote Bag or Shirt

For this project, young children can be asked to place a handprint, fingerprint, or their names on a white tote bag or shirt with fabric markers, three dimensional colored glue, or finger paint. Older children can write a meaningful message along with their signatures. Alternatively, a large decorative plate can also be made to accept fingerprints, handprints, and signings.

Framed Classroom Photo Collages

Often in a classroom, parent volunteers are asked in periodically and may have handy pictures of students and the teacher in the class. Another source of pictures may be a teacher’s aide. Pictures are great to use and can be put together in a wonderful collage, which in turn is fodder for an unforgettable framed gift or even a calendar for the next school season.

Mystery Seeds and Teacher Poem

A teacher who loves plants and gardening may enjoy this special gift. A child can choose a flowerpot, decorate it, and plant an unknown seed in it for her teacher. Along with the mystery seed, attach a touching poem that explains the gift and its significance. Here is a poem idea:

Handmade Teacher Card and a Hug

So simple and yet not often done, a handmade card with construction paper and artwork, meaningful words, and a hug to let teacher know that she is cherished can be the most touching gift of all for a teacher. Best of all, it is an affordable gift that any student can provide.

As the school year comes to an end, remember that a child’s teacher is in many ways responsible for how much she has grown, learned, and developed. Determine what this incredible transformation is worth. Then, put a little ingenuity and time into a special gift of thanks. A present for the teacher doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated; a message of deepest gratitude will be equally appreciated.

The copyright of the article Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Teachers in Kids Activities is owned by Karen Plumley. Permission to republish Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Teachers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.