Any 3rd grade teachers on here?

[jennsvs]

I need advice on a gift for my son's teacher. She has been through a lot with him this year and I want to show my appreciation. My son has had some special accomodations this year and his teacher has been great. My son wants to give her a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble since that is his favorite gift to get. (He loves to read.) She is his (this is in his words, I hear them every day) "most favoritist teacher in my whole life as long as I lived". That is what he says when he talks about her. I know to forgo the "world's greatest teacher" gifts. I know that most teachers have a lot of that stuff and don't really want more. I would like some other options though. I don't want to just hand her a gift card in a card. I was thinking of making some kind of basket with some other things in it along with a gift card.

Do you think that this is over the top? I don't want it to be. I just want to do something really nice for her. She has been great to us. She has worked with us all year and didn't act like it was a burden. No other teacher has been this way. My son actually looked forward to going to school each day this year. When his was sick, he got really mad because he couldn't see his teacher.

As far as the gift card, do you think a book store one is a good option or should I do like a Target or WalMart. It is my son's idea for the Barnes and Noble. I mean most people like to read, even if she doesn't, there are other things there.

For the basket, what kind of things would be good. I will be honest, I have never really put much effort into a teacher gift. My son didn't like his previous teachers much. I mean, I got them good gifts, but it was something I picked up at the store while I was out. Don't get me wrong, I appreciated them and all, but I didn't plan their gifts. I would see something that they would like, so I picked it up. One teacher suggested school supplies, so I filled up a tote with school supplies.

His teacher this year, though, I feel the need to get something better. She has changed his entire outlook of school. Previously, I would have to drag him out of bed and homework was a nightmare. Now, he is up before I am and does all of his homework the first day it is given. He hates to wait until Friday to turn it in.

Anyway, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[kbullsexy07]

my very good friend and former roomate is a 2nd grade bilingual teacher and the kids/parents love her to death! they shower her with a trunk load of gifts every holiday- candy, stuffed animals etc

she has a little boy last year that gave up his favorite childhood stuffed animal (very worn- you could tell he loved it!) beacause he wanted her to have it.

i really think a $10 -$15 gift card to maybe a book store or her favorite coffee shop, hallmark store etc would be most appreciative- but the best gift of all would be a note of appreciation of how she has truly changed your sons life, just by reading your post I think that would mean more to her than anything!

[hellokittygirl]

I agree with the note thing. I think that would be really special for the teacher to get a handwritten note from your son, and maybe from you, too.

I have a few teachers who I adored and were my favorites, and I have kept in touch with them over the years. I think they really appreciate it. I owe them so much.

[saving-n-va]

As a teacher/sub you name it, I've done it...I think a gift card would be great! A teacher can only use so many "#1 Teacher" mugs, etc. A handmade thank you card from your son would be a nice addition. I loved the handmade cards.

[jennsvs]

My plan is to have my son make her a card. He is a crafty little thing. I am going to give her a card too telling her how much we have appreciated everything she has done. After talking to my son before he went to sleep, the gift card is a must. He even said he would even buy it with his own money. He wants to give his favorite teacher his favorite gift. Do you think that is enough with the cards? I just thought it would be weird giving a gift card and a card. I keep thinking that I need to give the gift card in something. Does that make sense? I don't know. I still have all of May to decide. Thanks for the replies and keep them coming.

[Macaela25]

I think one of the best things you can do is to send a letter to her principal, district supervisor, etc detailing what she has done for your son, how she has worked with him, and what gains he has made in the school year.

The gift card is a great idea. If you don't choose the bookstore, consider something to a spa. Even a pedicure or short massage would be much appreciated.

[CSchunk]

I am sure any teacher could easily use a cert to target or walmart, with all these budget cuts teachers are dipping into their own pockets for supplies.

And the handmade card with a letter from you are the icing on any gift.

[kbullsexy07]

I think one of the best things you can do is to send a letter to her principal, district supervisor, etc detailing what she has done for your son, how she has worked with him, and what gains he has made in the school year.

The gift card is a great idea. If you don't choose the bookstore, consider something to a spa. Even a pedicure or short massage would be much appreciated.

this idea is perfect!! i would def send a letter to the principal, school district or maybe school newsletter letting them know what an awesome teacher she is!

[jen276here]

You know what else would be great - a letter to the school board commending her performance. In my district letters like this are taken very seriously and do go in their employee file. It could go a long way for her.

[$Saving!]

Oh, the gift card, handmade cards are wonderful and always appreciated by teachers. But to take a few minutes and send a handwritten or typed letter, snailmail to her principal would be especially appropriate.

My sister is retiring this year from teaching K-3 grade over a span of 40 years. The volume of books she bought for her classrooms over the years is tremendous, so I agree with your adorable son, a book store gift card would be appreciated a great deal!

Any dedicated teacher (which she sounds like one of those gems!) would always appreciate a book store gift card quite a bit, they usually are the types that pour it back into the classroom and every time she uses one of those books, she'll remember how she came by it.

That teacher will be one your son will remember his whole life. My daughter, 22, still holds a very special spot in her heart for her K teacher, we all do. She was exceptional!