Teacher Gift Tribute

Before all the kids start singing Alice Cooper and officially mark the start of summer vacation parents stress over what they should get their child's teacher. I know this post topic has nothing to do with parties but as parents most of us will face this challenge eventually.

I've received 100's of gifts in my years as a classroom teacher and have complied a list from my experience of gifts to avoid and gifts that will be used. I like to be creative with my gift giving but also give things that will not be thrown out or re gifted. Here are some of my favorite gifts that I have given to some of my children's many daycare/school teachers.

Movie Night In

This is by far my favorite gift to give. I start by getting a glass popcorn bowl. They have some nice ones at Party Packagers in a set of 4. What I did was use one bowl per teacher. You can also buy them at Home Outfitters and other Decor specialty stores.

Then inside the bowl I put a package of microwave popcorn, a shaker of popcorn flavouring, and a blockbuster gift card. You could also use a Kernels gift card or buy already popped kernels popcorn if you like. If you want to be a little more elaborate you can add movie theme related items such as; packages of licorice or a cute glass bottle of coke.

Then arrange the items inside the bowl, use popped popcorn as filler for decoration and wrap in cellophane.

This gift can cost as little as $20

The Caffeine Fix

This is a very simple gift that is sure to be used. Start with a coffee mug of choice. I like to get an over sized mug or a Tim Horton's mug. Then I add a Tim Horton's gift card (you could use Star Bucks instead, but don't tell me). Then fill the mug with coffee beans (for decoration) and place the gift card inside and wrap in cellophane. The gift card can be valued as low as $5.

This gift can cost as little as $10

Pamper Me Spoiled

You will see in my gifts to avoid section that I do not recommend buying many pampering items so this gift is very simple to put together. Start with a gift card to a spa or salon. One near the school or from Spa Finder are best. I like to add something to my gift cards (as you may have noticed) so I would add a pair of flip flops for a pedicure for example.

You could also do an at home pamper gift with a house coat, slippers and gift card for Shoppers Drug Mart.

This gift can cost as little as $50

Picture Perfect

A popular trend I've noticed is parents giving framed pictures of their child to the teacher. Now I have loved many children that have passed through my classrooms but do not necessarily want their pictures on my fireplace mantel. The best place to put your child's photo is taped inside the card.

Gift Cards

You may have noticed that my gift ideas all revolve around gift cards. The reason for that is gift cards are useful and by creating a theme around the gift card you add a personal touch. I also like that you can get gift cards for as little as $5 and up to whatever dollar amount you like.

Gifts To Avoid

Although it is always the thought that counts and I assure you teacher's appreciate everything someone gives them, there are certain things that I recommend you avoid buying for many reasons.

No Chocolate! Why? Because teachers receive too much chocolate. One year I remember getting 15 boxes of chocolate. Some teachers might not like chocolate, or they might love chocolate but be trying to diet, or they might be allergic etc.

No Soap or Lotion sets! Why? Because the teacher might have sensitive skin, might not like scented items and because soap is a personal item that should be bought personally.

No Home Decor! Why? because you haven't seen the teacher's home and do not know what their style is or their colour theme. These gifts are likely to end up in the closet until the next garage sale.

I hope you enjoyed my teacher gift tribute blog and that you find shopping this year a little easier. Now, where is my Alice Cooper CD...

Simple Decorating Tips

The difference between a party and a gathering really is the decorations. Decorating can be very simple or very elaborate, either way it will help set the mood for your event. Here are a few quick tips and tricks to make your decorating process easier:

Balloon clusters: Poke a safety pin through the tie of 3-5 blown up balloons and close pin. This makes placing a clutter of balloons much easier.

Condense Decorations: Go all out with themed decorations in one select area (i.e. the food table) to maximize the effect. Then spread out streamers and balloons around other areas in colours that tie in with your theme.

Outdoor Decorating: Use thumb tacks to affix streamers and your safety pinned balloon clutters to your backyard fence. This will hold your decorations in place even on a breezy day.