Get an A+ for Healthy Teacher Gifts

Finding the right end-of-the-year teacher gift can be as difficult a scramble as getting your 2^nd grader to the bus on time. Obviously, parents owe the sweet and patient teacher their right arm after she/he stayed late to help struggling Sammie with his word problems, and bent over backwards to rescue darling Tanisha’s spelling fiascos, not to mention the efficient way she dealt with fussy Noah’s little attention issue.

So what is the best way to say “thank you” without either: A) going overboard or over budget; B) being unoriginal (Starbucks gift card, anyone?); or C) putting the sweet and patient teacher into a sugar coma or bouquet sneezing fit?

Here are some gift suggestions that will show your teachers how much you appreciate them by helping them be their healthiest self.

• A bowl or basket filled with fresh fruit (local, if available, perhaps some Boone Hall strawberries?). Add some green teas and a decorative tea towel that your child personalizes with either a sharpie or some fabric paint.
• A Mason jar or decorative container of homemade granola and a jar of local honey (with a gift-tag/personal note telling him/her how “sweet” they are).
• A gift bag of sunscreen and a cute beach hat (or bill cap), along with a book or magazine (or gift certificate to local bookstore) for summer beach reading and relaxing.

• If you know what your teacher likes to do for exercise, arrange a gift bag of tennis or golf balls, a swim cap and googles, a yoga headband, or have your child create/decorate a walking stick, add a water bottle (PVC and BPA-free) and some energy bars. Tuck in a copy of Roper St. Francis Advantage for a schedule of affordable classes.
• If your budget allows (or if you can go in with a classmate’s family), a massage or spa gift certificate is a sure way to send a healthy “here’s to a relaxing summer!” message of appreciation.