Schools out for summer!!
Okay, not quite yet, but the end of the school year is just around the corner. This means that parents everywhere are pondering the perfect end of year teacher gift. I have never been a teacher myself, but I do have several teacher friends, and every year they get loaded with loot when that final bell rings.
So, here are my thoughts on the matter. If every year, 30 people brought me little knick knacks at both Christmas and the end of the school year, you would be watching me dig myself out of knick knack hell on Hoarders. No one person needs that many knick knacks.
Now, I’m not saying that the teachers don’t appreciate all your thoughtful gifts, and I’m sure that some don’t end up getting filed in the garbage can, but how much chocolate can one teacher eat?
So, here are my suggestions for the Top 5 Teacher Gifts that don’t suck:
1. A Tim Horton’s gift card. Even if every kid brought in a Tim Horton’s gift card for $10, it would only add up to $300. If the teacher gets a drink there every day of the school year at an average cost of $1.50 that’s $285. Perfect! 

2. A handmade thank-you card. I am certain that this gift will have way more meaning than any box of chocolates or vase that you find at the dollar store. It also takes up very little space and can be stored easily if it has sentimental value.

3. A Staples gift card. Teachers often have to buy supplies and Staples offers teacher discounts and rewards.
4. A travel coffee mug. I think most teachers drink a lot of coffee. There are some very cool reusable coffee mugs out there and they can be used for other beverages too. If your teacher is anything like me, they will lose their mugs often, and having an abundance will be helpful.

5. Nothing. It’s okay not to give a gift to your child’s teacher. They get paid to do their job, so don’t feel bad if a gift isn’t in your budget or you just don’t want to give a gift. Have your child give their teacher a nice hug (are they allowed to hug anymore?) and tell them they really enjoyed being in their class, and then let them be on their way.
Teachers? Do you agree?
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