If you've got school-age kids, you know what a huge impact teachers have on their lives. In elementary school, one teacher will spend about a thousand hours with your kids every year. They are probably the most influential person in your kids' lives, outside of a parent or guardian. So it makes sense that you would be overflowing with gratitude for those teachers who are about to embark on a year of being with your children. But choosing a gift for a teacher can be tricky, how do you come up with something thoughtful yet useful! Most people choose a "Teacher-themed" gift. 

After asking teachers what they really want - Read through to find suggestions and the answers they gave. Mugs- I know you think awesome! I can guarantee they already have their favorite mug, travel mug, school, mug, and at home mug. No matter how cute the mug is they do not need it! Instead - A coffee shop gift card, if there is one near the school they probably go there, and if they don’t drink coffee there may be other beverages or snacks they get. They may need a coffee break! Bath Products – Everyone loves soaps, lotions, and smell good stuff! However, people like to choose their own. With so many sensitivities buying these products is not a great idea for someone else. Typically they never get used or given away. Instead – A gift card to spa, salon, or your local body products store like Bath and Body works or Ulta. They may need time to relax! 

Pre- made Gift Baskets – You may think – great it covers all the bases, yet given that pre-made gift baskets are often made up of things like soaps and lotions (which we've already covered), or snacks and edible treats (which can run afoul of dietary needs), they are best avoided. Instead – A custom gift box Instead of a gift basket with a bunch of random things thrown together, they are more likely to appreciate one with something they can use, school supplies and a gift card, all wrapped up with a beautiful bow and a …. 

Drum roll please a thoughtful note, the number one thing they want. Teaching can be a thankless job. Pretty much every teacher has days when they are wondering what all their hard work is for, whether they are really making a difference. Bottom Line – When you give them a gift at the beginning of the year, Avoid teacher-themed gifts, mugs, and bath products. Teachers usually want classroom supplies, gift certificates and consumables.