I love making crafts and think they make lovely presents and gifts… but truth be told, there’s plenty of crafty things to make during the holidays and I usually realize I need to get gifts for the teachers the Wednesday before school is out for the winter break.

Consider this your reminder (and mine) that it’s holiday gifting time and if you’ve got a particularly fabulous teacher you might want to put them on your list this year.

First things first, pass on the knick knacks, 30 kids for just 5 years and you already have the potential for a loooootta “greatest teacher” goods.

Here are some easy gifts teachers will love:

Books Your favorite book or your child’s favorite book for their classroom.  Have your child write a special note inside if they are old enough.

Games for the Classroom Pick up a board game for kids to play when recess is inside.  Find a fun educational game, or go with a classic favorite (try to avoid Monopoly and other games that last 3+ hours).  Puzzles are great for younger kids and preschoolers as well.

Practical Gift Cards Target, Amazon, book stores, teacher supply stores… Even MARTIN’S.

Divide your budget up and split the gift cards for the classroom and for themselves (for example one Barnes & Noble gift card for themselves and one to buy a book for their classroom) packs of multiple gift cards are perfect for this idea.

Fun Gift Cards  Teachers are people too and gift cards are a great one-size-fits-all gift, especially if you haven’t gotten a chance to get to know them well. Gift cards for movie tickets or a dinner out is always a great gift that teachers can enjoy with their family or spouse.

Multi-Family Gift Talk to a few other parents and go in on a massage from Massage Envy for a little R&R.

School Supply Basket Many teachers spend a lot of their own money on additional classroom supplies and by mid-year a lot of their supplies have depleted. Put together a little classroom supply refresher gift basket.

Include:
-Pencils and Pens
-Loose leaf paper
-Tissues (and more tissues)
-Hand sanitizer
-Glue sticks (lots and lots of glue sticks)
-Post-it notes
-Dry erase markers
-Favorite snack (get your kid to do some detective work)

A Handmade Card I don’t have time to be crafty, but that doesn’t mean I can’t put the kids to work. Keep it simple and have your kids make a card with a special note inside.  Sometimes a heart felt note is worth much more than any gift.

Gotta little time?  If you can’t send in a gift without a crafty touch. Check out our Pinterest Board with a lot teacher gift ideas.

Ever Present by JD Hancock is licensed under CreativeCommons license 2.0.  Modified to include type.

Show your child’s teacher how much you appreciate them and celebrate the teachers in your lives with Teacher Appreciation Week May 5th – 9th, 2014. Check with your local school to see if they have any events planned, and if they don’t, how about organizing some of your own? As a former teacher, I know any token of appreciation is cherished.

Congratulations from Richmondmom to all the nominees, runner ups and all the staff at Tuckaway for your dedication to making Tuckaway a wonderful place for children.

And the winners are…

The Mary Jones ASA (for making Tuckaway feel like a second home for the children)

Winner: Katrina Nelson
Tuckaway-Varina

“We made the move to a ‘commercial’ daycare, but because of Katrina, Tuckaway has never felt like a ‘commercial’ daycare at all!”

Runner-up: Nikki Hall
Tuckaway-Innsbrook

The Betty Voltz ASA (for outstanding customer service)

Winner: Cindy Green
Tuckaway-Varina

“Our child has some allergies as well as some pickiness, and Cindy is always available to make last minute changes to her meals, or sustitute something we brought.”

Runner-up: Shannon Gibson
Tuckaway-Harbor

The Alberta Taylor ASA (for love and affection)

Winner: Penny Turner
Tuckaway-Barony

“Penny is so loving and makes him feel like his class is his second home. Our son asks for her at home! She goes above and beyond in the room and gets awesome books from the library weekly to make the theme come to life!”

Runner-up: Enid Faison
Tuckaway-Varina

The Audrey Wells ASA (for dedication to the job, the children, and their parents)

Winner: Alissa Ashworth
Tuckaway-Harbor

“Alissa goes above and beyond! She is always coming up with new ways to engage my child, even making items herself that he uses in class.”

Runner-up: Amanda Ferrell
Tuckaway-Varina

The Joan Durvin ASA (for on the job flexibility)

Winner: Kendall Galloway
Tuckaway-West

“I have seen Kendall working in every position!  No matter what classroom she is in, or eve if she is in the kitchen or office, she is always helpful and smiling!”

Runner-up: Alex Anliker
Tuckaway-Innsbrook

Tuckaway’s educational programs develop the whole child – emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially. Tuckaway’s nationally recognized Developmentally Appropriate Practice teaching methods, known as “DAP,” promote activities that reinforce cooperative living and sharing and enhance a child’s self esteem.

Tuckaway is a sponsor of Richmondmom.com