Our kids’ teachers are legends. They nurture and guide our kids in a real and positive way and influence their lives more than we actually know.
We all have that one teacher who impacted us the most and who we still think about. For me, it was my 5th and 6th class teacher, Mrs Corish. It was around this time that I started writing more intently, and she recognised my willingness to learn. In secondary school, it was Mrs McGlynn, my English teacher, who was ruthless and stern but imaginative and passionate in how she taught us.
If I could go back in time, I would gift these teachers with something much more meaningful than a box of chocolates or hand cream. But what meaningful gifts could you give your child's teachers?
Notes And Letters
There is nothing like a personal note or letter filled with memories, thoughts, and ideas. Writing a special letter to a teacher who has meant the world will be one of the most meaningful, thoughtful and memorable gifts a teacher could receive. The class could rally together and fill a jar with notes from every student to their favourite teacher.
Poetry And Short Stories
I shared my poetry with my English teacher one year. They were moody and dark, as all the best teenage angst poetry is. Little did I know that she would have preferred to keep the hand-sewn poetry booklet. Writing a poem or short story dedicated to a teacher is a truly meaningful gift. As an adolescent writer, it shares a vulnerability as sharing unedited, raw, and honest writing is always tricky. But, it also highlights the trust and respect in the student/teacher relationship.
A Personalised Gift Basket
These days our kids get to know their teachers much more than we ever did. I never knew my teacher's hobbies, if they had kids, or what their favourite chocolate was. Our kids, however, know quite a lot about their teachers and their personalities. A personalised gift basket full of their teacher's favourite things is a beautiful and thoughtful gift.
Homemade Gifts
I’m not talking about popsicle crafts or pasta pictures, but rather thoughtful homemade gifts that come with a big impact, such as 'Game of Thrones' inspired coasters made from scrabble tile. Homemade knitted or fabric bunting with their favourite fandom or interests is a fun and quirky gift the teacher can keep in the classroom.
A Personalised Planter
A decorated pot with a hard-to-kill plant like a succulent is a wonderful gift to give that teacher who truly helped your little one grow. Hand decorated by your child with their teacher's favourite things and signed by them is one of those memorable gifts.
