A homemade pie in a nice pie dish. Everytime I used the pie dish, I remembered that student. My husband also knew the origin of the pie dish.

Gift cards to generic place like Amazon or Target

Anonymous wrote:An Hermes scarf

For real? A family gave you a $350 scarf? What a strange gift - not even because of the price. They are works of art for sure but each one is so unique I can't imagine how someone would choose one for you and I cannot imagine most teachers I know actually wearing one.

Honestly, I love re-reading hand-written cards from students and parents. It keeps me going during the days when teaching is tough.

However, I also have a silk wrap in a neutral color that I wear all the time. I also love the silver initial pendant that a family gifted to me.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Flowers. The expression on a child’s face when they hand me flower/s is priceless.

I once had a family bring me flowers after a misunderstanding. The kid was sure I was picking on him and reported that to his parents. The truth was, I had high expectations for him and knew he was a more capable student than he was showing himself to be. Really what the kid needed was some extra help. The flowers were nice. The success the kid found was better.

That is very nice. Made my day reading your sweet sentiment.

Anonymous wrote:Flowers. The expression on a child’s face when they hand me flower/s is priceless.

I once had a family bring me flowers after a misunderstanding. The kid was sure I was picking on him and reported that to his parents. The truth was, I had high expectations for him and knew he was a more capable student than he was showing himself to be. Really what the kid needed was some extra help. The flowers were nice. The success the kid found was better.

Flowers. The expression on a child’s face when they hand me flower/s is priceless.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A thoughtful note from the student is always my favorite gift. I have a box of the ones I’ve received over my 20 years of teaching, and it is one of my most treasured possessions.

I also keep all of the notes I receive in a box near my desk. I refer to them on my bad days, the ones so bad that I think about quitting.

These notes are more valuable to me than gift cards.

I am really happy to read this as well as the PP's comment you replied to. We spend a lot of time coming up with the right card and the right words to say to the men and women who have so greatly impacted our children's lives. I love that their teachers may actually keep those cards.

I gave a gift card to our public school teachers last year to some restaurants in DC that are very pricey but worth it. One messaged me late in the summer to thank me and say they had a celebratory dinner and use the gift card. I was thrilled to hear it!

My number one favorite gifts are notes of appreciation from students. I have saved literally every one and cherish them. Best gifts ever!

Other favorites: Certificate for dinner out; Starbuck's Cards; chocolate.

An Hermes scarf