Thursday, May 13, 2010

Giving (or Getting) a Gift That Gives Back

Are you a parent that struggles every year with what to get your children’s teachers as an end of the year (or holiday) gift?

As a former teacher, the parents were very generous around the holidays and at the end of the year with presents of appreciation. I would actually have to make multiple trips out to my car to bring them home. Although I was very happy for such generosity, I also felt a little guilty. I often would get things I didn’t need or use and give them away. Lotions and candles are great, but you can only moisturize your hands so many times a day.

Then I got an idea. I knew parents wouldn’t stop altogether with sending a gift, so I that if they wanted to give a gift, a donation to a charity would be wonderful. I even gave suggestions of charities I liked.

On that last day of school, I still received some presents, but many of the families followed my suggestion and donated instead. Some even had their child choose a charity they thought I’d like (I’m into nature, so I received one for the Audubon Society, which was great!).

So parents, if you want to give your children’s teachers a gift they can really appreciate, consider donating. Not only does the money go to a worthy cause (instead of scenting the house with the waxy smell of sugar cookies or lavender), but it teaches your child a lesson in giving. You can also get your child involved by having them think about what charity the teacher would like (or give to a charity your child or family personally supports).

Most charities have ways to easily donate online--simply google the name of the charity. Just think—no more having to shop around for a last minute gift!

And teachers, I hope you’ll think about offering this idea to your parents. All I did was send out a note to the parents in my newsletter. I would recommend doing it about 3 weeks to a month in advance, as one year my parents had already pooled money together for something else.

Below is a list of types of charities I have suggested to my students’ parents or donated to myself. Happy giving!