What do I give to the teachers in my life???

Teachers...the remarkable people who instruct and guide my children everyday are due a gigantic, super-gift for the holidays like a new Mercedes tied with a big, red bow!

We can all agree that this is what most teachers deserve, but the reality is even when times are not "challenging" (new buzz word) I couldn't give it to them because as my 2 children get older, there are multiple teachers whom all deserve the Mercedes such as Ms. Barb in the Library, Coach Robin in PE, Mrs. Lamberth in Music, and, of course, Ms. Janet, the school nurse who has served to remind me that I don't necessary HAVE to take my children home each time they are in the nurses office! This rang true when I witnessed my wonderful 6 year old son acting to Academy standards about his "tummy".

Add to that the crossing guards, principals and aides and there are a lot of people surrounding my children! They all deserve some recognition at the holiday season. I am trying to be savvy this season in my gift giving and have come up with some options instead of the Mercedes:

1. Teachers, even the newest ones, probably have enough apples and apple-themed items than they know what to do with.

2. A personal, HAND WRITTEN note from parents and students mean a lot. Try not to have the note be general, like "thanks for all you do", but rather more specific, like when I wrote "...thank you for spending so much time with Mihajla on her comprehension skills. Thanks to you, she is more confident."

3. Go easy on the mugs. While they have many uses in the classroom, there are only so many one human can entertain, even for the most caffeine addicted.

4. The gifts never have to be expensive. Small gift cards are well received like a $5 gift card to the movies may seem small, but if a teacher gets 10 of those, it adds up!

5. Classroom supplies are "all the rage" (although maybe not as pretty). Much of the supplies that teachers need are not covered by the school's budgets or PTO, so maybe you crafty-creative types could figure out a way to make a package of white board markers seem glamorous?

The general theme is that as long as the gift comes from the heart, and you are giving something they want instead of something YOU want, the teacher will most likely accept it with complete gratitude.

Oh, and to Miss Katie, Ms. Jenny and Ms. Brandi - if you wait for that Mercedes with a bow, you may be nearing retirement when I give you a part of it - the BOW!