Carmine

Teachers add so much to our lives and guide out children with special attention. It always nice to give an appreciation for their thoughtfulness and caring. But what gift would be appropriate and not overwhelm the teacher? Here a just a few:

Fill a basket with things they will need and use all year. Add pens, pencils, notepads, stickers, boxes of staples and paperclips.

Wrap a coffee can with colorful paper and add three or four of your favorite home baked cookies. The plastic lid will keep them fresh for days.

Teachers often burn the midnight candle as they read reports and grade papers. Fill a basket with bags of munchies like peanuts, chips, popcorn.

Make a donation to the local zoo or library in your teachers name. Put the donation card in with a note expressing your appreciation.

Teachers are always reading. Get a gift certificate or card at your local book store and enclose it in a note of your appreciation for their help.

Get a apple made of cloth and filled with soft fibers. Have every member of the class sign the apple in ink.

Teachers are always carrying books and papers. Find a satchel bag with an apple or red, white, and blue flag design. Or make a bag with all the school colors.

At the local bookstore, find a bookmark that says what a great teacher he is. Or one that has apples running the length of the bookmark. You may be able to find one with dunce hats or take another plain bookmark and add dunce hat stickers to it.

Buy a glass or ceramic mug and have your child paint an apple and his name on the side.

Have your child create a pencil cup by decorating a juice can with brightly colored tissue paper.

Adriana Copaceanu is a busy mom of 2. Visit her Busy Moms Online if you are looking for ways to maximize your precious time. And if you are a new mom, you'll find everything you need to know at her Baby's First Year website.