Whether it is teacher appreciation week, Christmas 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 for Christmas or any time 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:
This mystery seed I did sow
For you to tend and watch it grow.
Whether gardener or teacher your talents are key;
Just take care of it as you took care of me.
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. Include some thoughtful teacher quotes and sayings in the greeting card, if appropriate.
As the holidays approach or 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 thoughtful gift idea for teachers. A present for the teacher doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated; a message of deepest gratitude will be appreciated.
Karen Plumley - Karen Plumley is a writer specializing in parenting and education. She works for Parenting NH and the Hippo, NH's most widely read ...
