Inexpensive Teacher’s Gifts

Looking for teacher’s gift ideas that won’t break the bank? Try one of these:

Stickers- Teacher’s go through a lot of stickers, so why not help your favorite teacher to replenish her stash? To find inexpensive stickers, just head to a dollar store or check the clearance section of your local discount stores—you might even have an untouched stash at home that would be perfect to give.

Toy chest- Does your child’s teacher reward students with small toys from a treasure chest? If so, replenishing the chest would make for a much-appreciated gift. Just pick up small trinkets from thrift stores, yard sales or the clearance section of stores. Then, box them up, and you’ve got a real winner of a gift.

Note: For a completely free gift, ask your child to sort through his or her room, and find small kid’s meal toys and cereal prizes that he/she no longer needs. Like-new prizes will be just as appreciated—and you’ll benefit from a cleaner house.

Gift card- Furnishing the supplies for a classroom can get expensive, so why not help your child’s teacher by supplying some of the necessary funds. A simple way to do that is by picking up a gift card to an office supply store—even an increment as low as $5 will be appreciated.

Books- If your child’s classroom has a library, a gift of books is a great idea. Pick up a few age-appropriate classics at yard sales, thrift stores or second-hand bookstores. You won’t spend much, but you’ll be giving a gift of lasting value. To make the gift even more special, create a bookplate on your computer, and adhere one to the inside of each cover. You could even throw in an additional stack of bookplates, so that the teacher can place them on all of the books in the library.

Classroom staples- Every classroom needs a good supply of the basics: construction paper, marking pens, pencils, folders, markers, etc. Ensure your child’s teacher has what she needs by creating a basket of school supplies. Back to school sales are the best time to stock up, so get in the habit of buying a few extras at the beginning of the school year.

Teachers work hard, and deserve to be rewarded for their efforts. Skip all of the apple-shaped memorabilia, and go for something that they really need.
 

-Erin Huffstetler

  Erin Huffstetler is a freelance writer specializing in frugal living tips and tricks. Her work has appeared in numerous print and electronic publications including Family Circle, Guideposts For Kids and Pregnancy. As the stay-at-home mom of two young kids, Erin is always looking for new ways to live better for less. For fun decorating and craft project ideas check out Erin's "Trash to Treasures" and "Bead Making Basics" courses at Suite101.com.