Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas that Rank A+

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Whether a student, or a parent helping their student child, coming up with a great teacher appreciation gift ideas can seem like a daunting task. After all, you want to get just the right gift; one that reflects just how much he or she is esteemed.

Today there are countless local, mail order, and on-line resources that offer special gifts for teachers, in appreciation for all they have done.

Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas for Any Budget

• Books relevant to the teacher's curriculum are always a good choice. Provide a personal touch by having the student include an inscription for the teacher inside the cover.

  Purchasing a book and donating it to the school library, along with a dedication or inscription of appreciation in honor of the teacher inside the book cover is another option. Even with a limited budget, this is an excellent choice.

  By utilizing Albris.com you can save up to 80% by ordering slightly used books on any given subject, including hard-to-find and out of print books. Use the author, title, or subject search option to find the book desired. It is not uncommon to pay only $3 or $4 for slightly used books with hardly any wear. The same book might cost $20 or more if purchased new at a book store.

• Magazine subscriptions that relate to the teacher's area of expertise or interest are a good way to say "thank you," and might be useful in the classroom, too.

  Again, by using on-line resources you can realize huge savings on a publication such as National Geographic, which offers timeless teaching potential for the classroom. Subscriptions can often be found on the internet at 50 – 60% or more off the regular newsstand price.

• Gift certificates also make an excellent choice. And with limited classroom budgets, teachers can use them to supplement classroom resources such as teaching aids or art supplies. Visit an arts and crafts store or office and school supplier in your community to find out if they offer gift certificates. Purchase one in the amount that best meets your particular budget.

• For class room decorations, arts and craft supplies, awards, stickers, and many more items, Teacher's Paradise.com offers on-line gift certificates. Certificates can be purchased in amounts of $10 to $200.

• A specialized gift might relate to a teacher's personal interest or hobby. A teacher who is an avid fly fisherman, for instance, might enjoy fly-tying supplies. Check out the assortment of feathers for fly-tying found at Cabelas.com; also visit the miscellaneous fly-tying section. There are a variety of nice items available, such as a fly hook sharpening tool for as little as $5.95.

• Teaching aids for future classroom use make a thoughtful gift. For younger grades, classroom peanut bush starting kits are available at National Gardening Association.com, for as little as $15.95. Students learn about germination and root development using a fun, "hands-on" method.

• A laser pointer/pen makes an unusual gift. They are great for use in class room presentations or lectures; available for as little as $12.95 at ThinkGeek.com. For that extra-special touch, have the pointer engraved with a the teacher's name and year of presentation.

• Here is an unusual gift idea for the history teacher. Visit Store.aetv.com and purchase an educational DVD set. The one on John F. Kennedy from the A&E Channel is only $29.95, for instance. Your teacher is sure to remember your thoughtful gift each time the DVDs are viewed in future classes.

• Traditional "Apple Theme" gifts, inspired by the custom of bringing an apple to the teacher, these type gifts are always sure to be a hit.

  Select from a nearly endless assortment of items such as apple clipboards, apple top pencils, apple-theme mugs, or apple tote bags. Just type teacher in the search box and browse the selection of over 2000 items at Oriental Trading.com.

  Many items are good teacher appreciation gift ideas, and are modestly priced at $2.95 and up, to fit any budget.

Thrill A Teacher With A Thoughtful Homemade Gift

Some of the most meaningful and treasured gifts for teachers are the ones crafted by the students themselves.

• A student scrap book is a creative gift idea that can be assembled as the school year progresses by including photos from special events such as a school play or fundraiser. Add special assignments or projects, presented in the scrapbook as mementos and keepsakes. A heartfelt introductory note, written by the student to the teacher in the front of a scrap book, is sure to be cherished for many years.

• Thoughtful specialized hand-made gifts are sure to please any teacher. An English or literature instructor might delight in a special hand-painted book shelf or book ends that contain a message of thanks from the student.

• An attractive living plant (which symbolizes growth and continuity) in a container with an engraved metal tag bearing a message or tribute from the student would be another excellent keepsake. One to be kept in the classroom for years to come. Why not research the plant and how to care for it, handwriting the information inside the accompanying card?

  Visit the garden section of a local department store such as Walmart for affordable plants and containers. Some great choices for a plant might be a jade plant, prayer plant, or a Christmas cactus; each of which, if properly cared for, could outlive the career of the teacher and serve as a warm reminder of school days!

Other Gift Ideas

You might also consider homemade items that can be used as helpful teaching tools; a homemade barometer, for instance. Use a decorative glass bottle or attractive container for the barometer, and follow the simple instructions located online at BBC.co.uk. Complete the project by attaching an engraved metal tag with a personal message.

The choices and selection of teacher appreciation gifts are as limitless and creative as young imaginations nurtured by a good teacher. So doesn't it seem fitting to make a lasting, memorable impression on that teacher, as well?

Great teacher appreciation gift ideas don't have to be expensive, just considerate. Select your teacher's gift with thoughtful care, and say thank you for a job well done!