Now matter how well intended, most teachers have received many #1 teacher cups, trinkets, teaching books, etc. Most have enough, and teachers should be able to select their own choices for summer reading! This is their time off! If you feel compelled to give them something for reading, I'm sure a certificate to a book store would greatly be appreciated. Teachers spend considerable amounts of money and time on their classrooms and students throughout the year. Gift cards are a wonderful way to to say thanks! Some favorite gift cards are for restaurants, movie passes, the local mall, Target, Walmart, a spa, a pedicure, a manicure, etc. At our school, the room mothers request a donation from each student's family for a collective gift. It is their choice to participate, but most are thrilled to send in $5 - $10 and be part of a group gift. This enables the room moms to select a gift tailored for their teacher. When I lost my two favorite Magnolia trees to a series of hurricanes, my class bought me a beautiful replacement! My parents know I spend a lot of my own money buying things for my classroom and science center on Ebay. This year I received gift cards for book stores, restaurants, and Ebay! They were all placed inside a huge conch shell! We finished the year studying the coral reef. This was a perfect gift! I can't wait to purchase something personal on Ebay and some more things to add to our coral reef for next year! Please consider suggesting a class donation/gift at your school. It is greatly appreciated!

The last day of school the teachers probably have lots of stuff to carry, and food isn't on their minds, but a lunch throughout the year was something I always appreciated.