Does your child’s teacher deserve an A+ gift? Would you like to thank him/her for the hard work this year? A nice Christmas gift for a teacher is a terrific ways to say “We really appreciate you!” You can purchase these alone, or as a group from the parents in the class. Here are some fantastic Christmas gift ideas for teachers.

Personalized Cartoon Picture

This is a cute gift that would look nice hung by the teacher’s desk. Check out the website www.cowboychuck.com where you can order a personalized teacher cartoon picture. You can even order it framed. You can also purchase a mouse pad version of the picture It’s definitely a fun gift and is perfect for beginning teachers, or any teacher than needs some nice artwork by his/her desk.

Collection of Gourmet Mixes

This is a practical, but not so common gift. Gourmet mixes can come in handy for someone with a busy schedule, or just likes to try something new. You can purchase these at craft malls, holiday bazaars, and online. A few companies to check out are Two Sisters Gourmet (www.twosistersgourmet.com) and Gourmet Cupboard (http://thegourmetcupboard.com). You might purchase an inexpensive basket and fill it with the mixes.

Decorated / Personalized Mug or Plate

This is an excellent gift for a teacher that does not have any kids. The teacher will enjoy having a nice piece of artwork to display at home. Nearly every city and large town has a paint-your-own pottery business. Kids can paint a plate, mug, cup, or other item and have it personalized just for the teacher. For, example, the child can make a footprint and then, for a small fee, an artist can decorate the footprint like a snowman and write something like “Thank-you “SNOW” much for being a great teacher!” There are other ideas that you can do, ask the staff at the studio for advice. To find one near you, google “paint your own pottery” and you cities name.

Homemade Ornament

You can never go wrong with given the teacher a homemade ornament, created by the child. You can by ornament kits, or ornaments to paint at craft stores such as Hobby Lobby and Michael’s. (The store might even have an ornament class you child can go to.) Christmas ornaments, especially homemade ones, are fantastic gifts for teachers. My grandmother was a teacher and she still had all of her ornaments that received as gifts even 40-50 years later.

Personalized Teacher Tapestry Throw Blanket / Cotton Throw

Another excellent gifts for teachers is a blanket created for teachers. Simply google “teacher blanket” and several items to choose from will appear. This is a little pricey, but it makes a great group gift. It is perfect if you live in an are with very cold winters, or even if you don’t.

A Nice Plant

A pretty potted plant makes a great gift for teachers as well. Try to get one that is known for thriving well. He/she will enjoy decorating the room with the plant or taking it home. I highly recommend this gift.

Restaurant Gift Card

When in doubt about the perfect gift, consider purchasing a restaurant gift card. He/she will enjoy going out to eat with a spouse or good friend. I personally recommend Logan’s Roadhouse, Chili’s, or Santa Fe, if they are in your area. It is a thoughtful gift.

Gift Card to an Education Supplies Store

While this isn’t really a gift directly for the teacher, she/he will really appreciate being able to purchase additional supplies, décor and more for her classroom. I recommend Mardell’s which has a nice selection of classroom necessities. There might be another store in your area – ask around. You can also purchase a gift certificate to http://www.teacherstorehouse.com/.

Basket Full of Teacher Supplies and Odds “n Ends

Another wonderful idea is to get a nice basket and fill it with teaching supplies and goodies. It could be post-it notes, a notepad, paper clips, a cute coffee mug, etc. You might try to include something personal for the teacher, such a lotion or a candle. This hodgepodge of teaching essentials would be fun to put together and give to him/her.

Cookie Bouquet

Just because this one is last on the list, doesn”t mean it’s a last resort. A cookie bouquet is cute and “sweet” gift that will make her friends jealous. Most cities have at least one business that specializes in cookie bouquets. Google “cookie bouquet” and your cities name to find if there is one. If there isn’t you can also order one, as you will see from the google search. A cookie bouquet is a collect of decorated cookies in a nice container such as a mug. It is a top-notch gift!

Be sure to include a card with the gift – a homemade card fom you child would be a nice touch. Happy Shopping and Merry Christmas!