Go-To Guide for Teacher Appreciation Gifts

School's out all too soon, and it's time to show your appreciation to your child's teachers. Who gets what? And how much should you spend? We've got the answers.

1. How much should I spend?
First rule of gift giving: There are no hard-and-fast rules. Only you know what your wallet can handle. Our informal poll of parents revealed that when it's within one's means, doling out between $10 and $25 is pretty much standard. But what parents spend can vary from community to community, household to household. Know that some schools prohibit personal gifts or place a cap on expenditures (so check the policy with the school office).

2. Who should get a gift?
Typically, the top priority is the teacher, since he or she has shared the most time with your child. After that, consider who has had the greatest impact. If your child connected more with an inspiring coach than the principal, then that's whom you should acknowledge.

Think about thanking the…
• Assistant teacher
• Literacy tutor
• Speech therapist
• Team coach
• Crossing guard
• Principal
• Music instructor
• School janitor
• Bus driver
• Security guard

3. What should I buy?
A framed class photo-which teachers usually have to buy themselves-or personalized stationary tend to be huge hits with teachers. Go with what's really useful and avoid items that clutter, like that No. 1 Teacher mug. (Next year, a great way to save on a gift that will be appreciated is to pay attention to the instructor's needs in the classroom, such as new books or fresh art supplies. That way, you can buy when things are on sale and give them at the end of the year.) And to get a bigger bang for your buck, pitch in with others for a more sizable gift. If you collect $5 from each family in a 20-student classroom, the teacher can receive a $100 gift card.

Stumped for ideas? See our favorite gift ideas for teacher, coaches and more »

4. What if I don't want to buy anything?
The gift teachers told us was their flat-out favorite? A handwritten card from your little one. It's easy to make, full of heart and costs only pennies. Best of all, it's a beautiful reminder of what he or she meant to your child.

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