Santa’s not the only one with a holiday list. You likely have one, too, and it’s probably filled with names like “Mom,” “Dad,” “Grandma Suzie” and so on.
Now, on your second run-through of the list — because you’re obviously going to check it twice — did your child’s high school teacher make the cut?
It’s OK if he or she didn’t.
According to a 2013 Consumer Reports survey, just 20 percent of Americans gave a present — whether it was a gift card or physical gift — to their child’s teachers.
But because teachers struggle to make high wages and are so important for your child’s well-being, you might want to consider giving them a gift, experts told Quartz.
“Who else do you want to thank more than your child’s teacher who spends more waking hours with your child than you do?” asked Maralee McKee, a manners teacher, according to Quartz. “It’s a vital relationship and one that needs to be nurtured.”
Then comes the next question — what do you get a teacher? The Consumer Reports survey found most Americans won’t spend more than $20 on a teacher. So, using that price, here are 15 things you can buy your child’s teacher this holiday season.
I’m a Teacher, What’s Your Super Power? mug — $11.30
For $11.30 on Amazon, you can buy this sweet mug that’s perfect for teachers. One Amazon commenter said it was a “great gift for a great teacher.” And it’s definitely going to keep your child’s teacher rushing for the orange juice come Monday morning.
Eureka Teacher Reward Kit — $15.99
Teachers often praise their students for succeeding in class, so why not help them out by buying them this reward set, which features more than 1,400 little notecards and bookmarks for when their students achieve success.
Pin — Student of the Month — $10.18
Like the reward kit, this pin will help teachers identify who the highest-performing student was in the class, and that may give other students motivation to succeed.
Teacher Cartoon-a-Day 2015 Boxed Calendar — $20.76
For just a pinch over $20, you can get your teacher a calendar that will help him or her find levity at work, which can often be stressful and demanding.
Don’t Make Me Use My Teacher Voice Bumper Sticker — $3.99
Teachers have got to let people know who they are, and this bumper sticker will surely help them spread the word.
Teacher Created Resources 2-Minute Sand Timer — $15.99
Classroom activities sometimes require teachers to keep track of the time. Help them do that with this timer, which features Azul colored sand to match its base and top.
Cathedral Art 2-Inch Teacher Heart Key Ring Charm — $9.85
“Teachers are a blessing,” this charm key ring reads. Send it along to your child’s teacher to show them how much of an impact they’ve made in your child’s life.
Post-it Pop-up Notes Apple-Shaped Dispenser — $7.59
Teachers often make notes for their classes, whether it’s about future lesson plans or their students’ individual needs. This clever Post-it note dispenser, made in the shape of an apple, could be the perfect gift this holiday season.
“Teachers Shape the Future” Teacher Pens with Rotating Messages — $16.67
These six pens may be beneficial for your teacher in a number of ways. Not only will they help him or her write, but the pens also include quotes that serve as a reminder of his or her own teaching goals.
Other Ways to Say Chart — $7.71
This chart is helpful in two ways. Not only will it help teachers find other words to praise a student who does something well, but it is also a tool for students to learn how to improve their vocabulary.
Manage Your Class Signs — $8.10
Stop! Please raise your hand! Look and listen! All of these are expressions teachers will belt out during the course of the school year. But with this set of signs, they won’t do much exclaiming. Students will see them and hopefully then follow the teacher’s expectations.
No Yell Bell Classroom Attention-Getter — $19.63
Oh, were those signs not enough for you? Then try the No-Yell Bell that plays seven different electronic sounds to get the attention of all the students in the classroom.
Reading Comprehension Cubes — $10.19
When teaching about certain books, teachers can roll these cubes to find the next question to ask their students. Some of the questions on the cubes include “What is the main idea of the story?” and “Find and define an unfamiliar word.” This will definitely help teachers offer lessons on reading and aid students in getting more out of the books they read.
Kikkerland Fruit Memo Pad, Apple — $2
The teacher-apple cliché is in full-throttle with this gift. It’s a memo pad made in the shape of an apple, which includes “150 ‘slices’ of notepaper,” according to Amazon. Definitely a clever gift to give your child’s teacher this holiday season.
A gift card — $20
This is one of the easier gifts to give during the holiday season, and it’s a good one for teachers. According to Forbes, teachers spend almost $513 a year of their own money on pencils, pens and other classroom products. A $20 gift card could definitely make a teacher’s holiday season shine.
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