With the new school year fast approaching it’s never too early to start thinking about those year-round gifts for that special teacher in your child’s life.  And, with so many gift-giving occasions like, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Teachers Appreciation Day, and more on the horizon, finding budget-friendly gifts is essential, especially for us price conscience moms.

So, in an effort to show our gratitude to those important educator’s, but also keep our bank accounts in order, I’ve come up with a list of 10 gifts, for $10 or less, that will warm hearts, bring a smile and make extra-ordinary people feel extra special.  

1.     Homemade Cookies – Who said homemade cookies had to be made from scratch?  Bring out the cookie dough, have your kids’ add some sprinkles or icing, then you’ve all just made a beautiful and yummy masterpiece that will be sure to put a smile on a hard-working teacher’s face.

2.     Fruit Basket – Find a cheap basket at a consignment shop, or, on sale at a crafts store.  Now, make this gift special by adding a colorful assortment of fruits like grapes, mangos, apples, small melons, or even a pineapple, if it’s in season.

3.     Candy Bag – Buy a gift bag and fill it with jellybeans, or decadent chocolates.  I don’t know any teacher who doesn’t love sweets.  Tie an attractive bow around the bag, and be conscious of the colors and wrapping.  With economical gifts, presentation is key, and it will make the treat so much more special.  You can even find a small box, instead of a bag, and do the same thing.

4.     DVD’s – It’s easy to locate an inexpensive, Classic, or Romantic movie from the supermarket aisle. Wrap it in nice paper, add a personal note and, voila, it’s sure to be an amazing gift.  Most teachers need to relax after a long day spent with kids, so try to find a fun film that they can unwind with.  

5.     Coffee House Gift Card – Most teachers would appreciate a Starbucks or Peets Coffee gift card?  Whether they drink coffee or juice, there is something at a coffee house for everyone.  If one of the places mentioned above isn’t their favorite hangout, figure out where they like to go to relax with a cup of Joe, and get a gift card there.

6.     Books – Teachers are always reading, so, locate a bestseller or book you think they’ll enjoy and present that to them.  Most bookstores have a clearance section where you can find good, reasonably priced, books.

7.     Magazine Subscription – There are plenty of magazines on the market that offer a yearlong subscription for under ten bucks.  Try to find out what hobbies your child’s teacher enjoys and order the magazines accordingly.  It doesn’t matter if it’s horseback riding or golfing, putting some real thought behind it will make the gift meaningful.

8.     Frame – When the opportunity strikes, get the teacher together with the class and snap a nice picture.  Find a stunning photo frame at a department store, and you’ll instantly create a memorable moment in time that they will never forget.

9.     Vase with Fresh Flowers – Find a nice vase, even if it’s one from around the house, and fill it with the teacher’s favorite flowers.  They can be from your garden, your neighborhood, or a local store.  The flowers are sure to bring a smile to their face, and the vase will be a reminder of your thoughtfulness. 

10. Mug Filled with Tea Bags – A relaxing cup of tea after a long day sounds like a perfect way to unwind.  Fabulous mugs can be found at any grocery or department store for a bargain.  And, since the cup is a keepsake, anytime the teacher takes a sip they’ll think about how special your child is for remembering them.

A teacher has the ability to inspire and encourage, and guide your child to greatness; an unbelievable privilege, filled with undeniable pressure.  Teachers are oftentimes underpaid and undervalued; they deserve so much more than what they receive.  So, do something for the teacher in your child’s life and give them a thought-inspired gift to say thank you for all that they do.