Thanks to Our Teachers

It's that time of year again! The weather is getting warmer. The kids are almost done with school. And you need to figure out what in the world to give your child's teacher for a thank you gift.

Well, we did a highly unscientific survey of some of the teachers we know (and we know quite a few). Here are the things they told us they would appreciate for end of year or teacher appreciation week presents.

1. Not a Mug

Of all the teachers we spoke to, only one said she didn't mind getting a mug for a present. The others said they have an abundance of "Best Teacher in the World" crockery. Another no-no was lotions and other similar products. Their toiletry baskets overfloweth.

2. Gift Cards

Teachers love gift cards they can use to buy classroom supplies or go out to eat. Alternately, classroom supplies are much appreciated. More than one teacher we spoke to said they always need glue sticks and wet wipes and that their dry-erase markers seem to just get up and walk away. Asking your child's teacher what they need may be the best way to go.

3. Something Personal

If you know your teacher well, you can get them something they actually like. Our daughter had a teacher who collected all things owl. New teachers might also need supplies with their names on them. A package of pencils that read "Please return to Mrs. Wingo," a sign with their name on it, or a personalized stamp or stickers for their library books.

4. Appreciation

We all like to be appreciated. It takes a special person to be a teacher, and the ones we spoke to said their favorite thing to get from their students is a nice note. It could be a drawing, or a poem, or a simple "Thank you for being my teacher."

We are always looking for new ideas. Let us know how you decide to appreciate the teachers in your lives when you leave a comment below.