Frugal Gift Giving for Teachers

Teachers  can be easily overlooked at Christmas time.  They teach our kids important information all year long, so remembering them at this time of year is important.

I can already hear you saying, “That’s all well and good to include teachers, but where is the extra money coming from?”  With economic pressures settling in for many families, adding more people to the Christmas list can be a stressful thought.

Don’t fret…  I’ve included some frugal gift ideas that any student can give to his or her teacher to show their appreciation:

1.  Give food gifts
You can give cakes, cookies and other inexpensive confection items.  If you desire a gift that will keep, create cookie or soup jars as gifts.  This requires that you combine the dry ingredients of a recipe in layers in a large Mason jar.  Tie a recipe card to the jar with directions for adding the other ingredients later.

2.  Create homemade Christmas cards
A card allows children to write a special greeting to their teachers.  Use construction paper or cardstock for the card and let kids add eye-catching decorations such as glitter, markers and decorative ribbon.

3.  Give a yearbook picture
Each year schools take student photos.  Most parents always buy more than they need and have pictures left over.  Place the picture inside one of these home-made Christmas cards or inside a holiday frame to give to their teachers.

4.  Make a donation in the teacher’s name
You may not have much money but you can use what you have to donate to a number of causes in the teacher’s name.  Present them with a card describing the donation you made in their name.

5.  Homemade gift baskets
Gift baskets allow you to give large or small gifts to others.  You can find inexpensive items and baskets at the dollar store.  Great teacher gift basket ideas are school supplies.  Teachers can always use more supplies in their classroom.  Once you have all your items collected, arrange them nicely in a basket and package the basket with cellophane with a bow.

6.  Commission Your Own Little Artist
Have your child draw a special picture for their teacher.  When it’s completed, frame and wrap it for gift presentation.

Use the above six ideas to get started with your frugal gift giving so each teacher can receive a treat from one of their favorite students.  Involving your child in this process not only makes the gift special, but also gives you the opportunity to teach your child a few Christmas lessons of your own!

Chele Neisler is your host for Moms Love Shopping. As a mother of three boys, Chele is happy to have Moms Love Shopping as an outlet and a connection to other women. Spending every moment with all males isn’t easy! Hosting the show also allows her the chance to return to her two first loves, shopping and chatting.