Teacher/Neighbor/Mailperson/Bus Driver Gifts: How to Give Gifts That Express Gratitude

Amy Hannold, FamilyTimeandMoney.com

Gifts for caregivers, important service providers, and teachers must come from the heart.

Think “Thought” and not “Cost”. Bypass the “#1 Teacher” magnets, and go for something that treats someone special to a great gift.

If the recipient is in your child’s life, be sure to include the child in the buying and/or creating of the gift. I often tell my kids to “play detective” and bring back to me clues which help us choose the right gift. They love finding the answers and keeping the “gift secrets”.

Teachers and other professionals would likely say that a handmade gift and/or handwritten note of thanks beat any gift. Encourage your child to write a note or draw a picture of what they love most about their teacher and their class. When you’re gifting to a mail carrier or bus driver, thank them specifically for what they do to make your life easier. For example, to my mail carrier I would say “Thank you for taking the extra step to make sure my mail is out of the weather”. Recognizing their efforts goes a long ways towards reminding them why they do what they do. The flip side to that is never to appear as though you are buying favor or trying to impress. It robs your child of the opportunity to be a part of true gratitude and warps them of how we maintain relationships with the important people in our lives.

Group gifts are a great way to work together to get something special, or to include everyone in giving a basket of goodies. Group gifts and basket gifts are affordable, reasonable ways that everyone can participate within their budget.

Quick Guidelines:
Give Yourself Enough Time: Don’t rush these gifts, or leave them to the last moment. A gift that is thoughtfully created and given with a personal note speaks volumes to the recipient.

Give Them Small Luxuries:
Think of things that they may deny themselves, in preference to their students or clients. What do they love, when they’re not at work? (Dining, reading, travel, baking, scrapbooking, sports, etc).

Gift Ideas:
Movie Night Basket: Complete with a movie gift certificate, popcorn, and their favorite beverage.
Stationery Basket: Stamps, blank cards and a nice set of pens is thoughtful and useful.
Books: Some schools post a “Teacher’s Wishlist” during book fairs for books they’re want for the classroom – or give them a gift certificate to a local bookstore. If you’re not sure what books or classroom needs your child’s class has, it’s ok to ask.
Travel Basket: Disposable camera, gift certificate for film developing, wash-wipes, journal, postcard stamps, and snacks.
Emergency Preparedness: Help them prepare for an emergency with a flashlight, small first aid kit, car blanket, batteries, keychain whistle/flashlight, anti-bacterial hand wash, etc.
Holiday Basket: Fill with traditional holiday treats, sparkling cider, cocoa, tea, and a few holiday décor items (candle, cute snowman napkins, etc.)