By Elizabeth from Kamloops Parents

It rolls around every school year; the season of gifts. Actually, for some of us it comes a little more often with the celebration of Christmas and sometimes other holidays, too. It’s always nice to be able to thank those people that love on our kids when we aren’t the ones with them. I like to think that I am a good gift-giver. I like giving gifts. I like trying to think of that perfect little something that my child’s teacher or other care giver might enjoy. I want to let them know that I appreciate them.

Well, this year I have had the chance to try out the shoe on the other foot! I’m back in the saddle, er… the classroom. Back to teaching and now, as well as giving gifts to my own children’s teachers, I am feeling appreciated myself. What a treat!

Every now and then I get little gestures from students to show that I am appreciated, and that they were thinking of me. Cards, notes, stories. That appreciation? Is really what it is about. It’s so nice to have someone say thanks. It’s so nice to have a student show you that they appreciate the time that you have spent thinking about them.

In receiving the student gifts, this year, I have been thinking about “good” gifts to remember and store for future reference when it comes time to give my own teacher-gifts to those that teach my children. I think it is safe to say that it comes down to “getting to know you.”

It is nice to be appreciated, but when the students and their parents take a few extra minutes to think about the receiver of the gift, it makes it all the better!
Some of my favorite student gifts:

Handmade or personalized ornaments (Christmas). I like being able to remember my students and what they meant to me.

Things that I can enjoy with my children. This shows me that my students acknowledge how important my family is to me and that they think it is important, too.

Handmade student creations. Though not always something that I can keep for a very long time, these gifts show that my students have spent some time working on something that I might appreciate.

Gift certificates for coffee and treats are ALWAYS great. This is a gesture of a “little something for you” and I LOVE having my students treat me. It makes me feel good.

Earrings or necklaces…or fun socks. I like to wear earrings, necklaces and fun socks, so I really like it when my students recognize this about me. It makes me feel like something has registered, other than long division, or the natural resources in British Columbia and how they influenced the population of BC, of course.

Things for my garden, yard or outdoor recreation! It’s probably a safe bet to say that the teacher in your life will be significantly changing how they spend the bulk of their time in just a few short weeks. Something creative and fun is always a great idea! I have a few handmade garden stones and I adore them!

If you feel inspired to give a gift but don’t feel comfortable giving, as a suggestion for gift-givers of all kinds…you might want to consider giving to someone in need, in honour of the person receiving the gift! - http://www.kiva.org/ is an amazing way to give back to families and communities in need all over the world!

So, what are your great ideas? Do you feel inspired to thank your child’s caregiver or teacher? My best suggestion… ask your child what they think might be appreciated!

And thanks for saying thanks!

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