by Joan Celebi, Ed.M., CLC
Founder, SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com

At the end of the school year, we parents often like to recognize the hard work and dedication of the many teachers and professionals in our children's lives.  Over the years, I've collected some ideas for simple gifts -- thoughtful gifts that aren't too complicated or expensive.  If possible, let your kids help in some way.  Kids love to feel they're a part of the gift giving. 

"Tea Bundles" - this is one of my personal favorites.  I buy boxes of two different kinds of teabags, individually wrapped in festive colors.  I take 3 of each and layer them, alternating the colors, making a little stack of 6 teabags.  Then I tie a ribbon around the stack and attach a homemade gift tag made by my children.  Kids love to help with the stacking, too.  Looks so pretty - everybody loves these! 

Amaryllis bulbs aren't just for the winter holidays anymore.  They're not too expensive and they're easy to give: they come in a small box, they're lightweight, and they're easy to wrap!  Have your child help decorate some homemade wrapping paper using stamps or markers.  They're so much fun to grow, and so gorgeous when they bloom! 

If your child likes to help in the kitchen, he or she may enjoy making chocolate dipped pretzel sticks.  Dip big pretzel sticks into some melted chocolate, then dip into sprinkles in rainbow  colors.  When cool and dry, arrange a bunch in a plastic bag tied with pretty ribbon and a homemade gift tag.  Yum!

Have you ever done those "gifts in a jar?"  This idea is a little more complicated than the others on this list, but I include it here because they are really fun to make!  Kids love scooping, measuring, and pouring in the ingredients.  Just google "gifts in a jar" and you'll get tons of ideas.  There are instructions for all kinds of gifts in jars: soup mixes, cookie mixes, and more! 

A gift card for an ice cream, a cup of coffee, or a movie rental can be inexpensive yet fun, and much appreciated by the recipient.  Have your child draw a picture to go with it!

If your child likes making things, he or she may enjoy making little homemade cards.  These can be small in size, yet so precious.  As a former teacher, I can tell you that receiving a homemade card from a student is one of the most touching experiences.  And that's true whether your students are 2 or 22!

Give a donation to the school library in honor of your child's teachers, or to a favorite charity in honor of the professionals who work with your child.  Then give a card to each of them, with a message inside telling them of the gift.  For example, if you are donating in honor of 12 teachers, aides, specialists, professionals, etc., a $3 donation for each of them adds up to a $36 gift to the school library. 

A thank you letter.  If there are teachers and professionals who have made a real difference in your child's life, sit down and write them a letter.  Mention a few of  the wonderful things they've done.  Pass along some of the nice comments your child has made about them.  Those thank you notes will be cherished for years to come!

What are your favorite thank-you gifts to give to teachers?  Post a comment and let us know!