When you’re making your Christmas list this year, don’t forget to add the name of your child’s teacher to your list. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to appreciate the person who is helping to educate your child. But, there are some guidelines that might make shopping for teachers easier. Read the steps below to help you choose the perfect gift.

Step 1: Avoid the mug aisle.

Seriously, your child’s teacher has mugs overflowing out of her kitchen cabinets. She has mugs with all the clever sayings; “A+ Teacher”, “Head of the Class” and “2 Teach + 2 Learn = 4 Ever” adorn all of these mugs. Don’t waste your money!

Step 2: Avoid the food aisle.

Your child’s teacher is physically incapable of eating all of chocolate and candy that she will receive this year. (Most of which is presented inside a mug!)

Step 3: Keep the cash in your wallet.

Although it’s widely accepted that a teacher’s salary is not enough to compensate for the work required, resist the urge to give your child’s teacher money. As much as she probably wants to, your child’s teacher should not accept a cash gift from you.

Step 4: Think about her needs.

Teachers typically spend hundreds of dollars of their own money each year buying supplies for their classrooms. Although it might not sound like a glamorous gift, you can never go wrong with purchasing supplies for your child’s classroom.

Step 5: Think about her wants.

If you want to purchase something more exciting for your child’s teacher, you could give her a gift card. There are certain gift cards that are always appropriate, regardless of the recipient. Most people would appreciate a gift card to a local restaurant, movie theatre, bookstore or coffee shop. The bottom line is you can’t go wrong with a gift card.

Step 6: Get personal.

It’s likely that your child’s teacher spends more time with your child than you do…maybe it’s time you got to know her better. If you spend a little bit of time talking with your child’s teacher you will probably find out what her hobbies and interests are. If you develop a personal relationship with the teacher, it will be easy to pick out a gift that you know she will love.

Step 7: Get sneaky.

Ask one of the teacher’s friends at school what she would like to receive as a gift. Or, if your child is old enough to know the meaning of subtlety, maybe he or she can nose around and get an idea of what their teacher would like to receive.

Step 8: You can never go wrong with pampering.

Teachers typically work long hours and spend much of the day on their feet. Some days they spend the whole day alternating between sitting on very small chairs and sitting on very colorful rugs. Either way, it’s safe to assume your child’s teacher has an aching back and would probably benefit from a massage.

If you’re generous to your child’s teacher, she might return the favor when it comes time to assign grades to your child!

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