Need Ideas for a Teacher's Birthday Gift...

Volenteer to grade papers, cut out things that have been laminated, donate paper, pencils, crayons and any other school supply she/he may need. Most teachers wind up buying most of those out of their own pocket.

My son gave his teacher his favorite book to add to the class 'library'. Gifts like that always help the teachers out, they usually provide items like that with their own money.

M.,
Something my daughter's class did for the teacher's birthday was for each child to bring one flower to make a bouquet. Our room mother brought a vase and some extra flowers just in case someone forgot. As the kids walked in the door, each greeted the teacher with a flower and a hug. Also, each child made a home made card for her. It was simple and touching.

When I was teaching, I loved gift cards to Mardel. They have lots of teacher stuff like bulleton board stuff, stuff for the treasure chest, and supplies. It's a teacher's heaven :)

Supplies for the classroom or a gift card to an office supply store or wal-mart would be a great gift. To personalize it, put it in a backet of lotions and goodies for pampering!

something that contains # 1 Teacher or The School Yard or Something that like The Best Teacher Ever....!

I have several friends who are teachers and they always buy a lot of 'stuff' for the classroom out of their own pocket. So - how about a gift certificate for USA Toys?

I always get my children's teachers Borders gift cards-that way they can buy something for the classroom, or something for themselves. The office max and walmart gift cards are a great idea, also. As a former teacher-those are much better than the bath soaps and things that I always got from my students.

For any gift for a teacher, I would think gift cards are great. I thought that a gift card for Mardel's (plus, they get a discount there, so it may stretch farther) would be awesome. They have things geared toward teachers. She could get whatever she needed or wanted. I was amazed that my neighbor who is in her 2nd year of teaching has to buy everything for her class. I think they give them a $50 budget for the year and give them one case of paper each semester. They have to purchase the rest.

I know that teachers always appreciate gift cards - if you get her a gift card to wal-mart, target, a grocery store or an office supply store, she is sure to spend some of it on her classroom (and hopefully some of it on herself)!

This might go against 'policy' but what I found my kids' teachers and my kids enjoyed was my picking up lunch for them. My son had lunch with his teacher last week. I take their order (Sonic) and deliver it to the classroom after they have gone to the lunchroom. Then the teacher/student return to have lunch.

I started doing this b/c I figured teachers end up with lots of 'stuff' - and although everything is special and thought out - I know we all can only manage so much stuff.....(esp. #1 teacher things)

The other thought I had was maybe doing a 'treat' for the entire class....I know ds' teacher bought doughnuts for her students...maybe you could do a treat for her birthday-- maybe even something none food....getting them each a pencil or party hat to 'celebrate'.....

I know it isn't original but I know teachers appreciate the gift cards to the supply places or things they use daily...like sticky pads, neat pens/pencils----

As for former public school teacher of many years, I would say....
ignore the school policy and get the teachers gift certificates; restaurant, Target, mall, etc. Just be discreet. I am sure they will be grateful. If you feel guilty, then get a box of dry erase markers for the class to go along with it. Teachers are people too, and Soooo underpaid for what they do--the teacher could probably really use a gift certificate to use this time of year. They will appreciate you.
No apple motif items or mugs!

As a former teacher, the best gift you could give is a gift card to Office Depot, Borders, Target, Teacher Supply Store, and the like. Teachers spend hundreds of their own dollars on supplies for the classroom that is never reimbursed.

Buy a picture frame and let them decorate it, to give it that personal touch, and then offer to take a photo of the whole class to put in the frame. That way she has something to remember them by.

I don't know if this is appropriate under your school's "gift policy" but check out this website. www.initialme.com. The lady lives here in Liberty and is a SAHM that just does this for fun, and her prices are SOOOO reasonable! She has many photos of her work on her site, and there is even one that she did for a teacher. They are all personalized and adorable. Even if this doesn't apply for the gift you need, keep her in mind for your kids or as gifts. I love to support SAHM's that come up with original ideas to help support their families!

S.

You could buy books for their classroom and put in honor of the teacher.

I know you want to do something original, but that's probably not what they need. Teachers spend their own money on school supplies. Last year I asked the teacher and she told me she needed an electric pencil sharpener. Nope, not original, but I can only imagine how much she enjoys having it.

Our PTA has teacher wish lists parents can look at. Once you get an idea, find a way to make it fun-personalize it.