Thank You Teachers!

It's Teacher Appreciation Week ... and I forgot. Luckily, my kids' school didn't. A sign posted on the front door reminded me to tell my childrens' teachers "Thank You." I'm sure they don't hear it enough.

Of course, some people will want to take their appreciation a step further and give something tangible. Some people think saying thank you, but for those who want to do more (and, really, there is no right or wrong answer in this scenario), here's a few Dos and Don'ts of Teacher Gifts. (Thank you to my sister, an elementary teacher, and friends, high school teachers, for their input.)

1. Forget the coffee mug. Your child's teacher has a coffee mug. In fact, he or she has several. They have personalized mugs, mugs that say 'World's Best Teacher,' mugs covered in apples or chalkboards -- anything related to education whatsoever. Don't add to their collection.

2. Gift cards are not a cop out. You can purchase a gift card for anything you think your child's teacher might need or like, from a restaurant to Starbucks, a book store or office supply outlet. If you don't want the teacher to know the exact amount of money you spent, consider going to those stores and picking out something yourself -- as long as it isn't a coffee cup!

3. Homemade goodies are never a bad thing -- unless you can't cook. If you don't have the Betty Crocker gene, consider buy some sweets for the teachers in your child's life. Who can resist chocolate chip cookies?

4. Make it personal. You can personalize anything these days, from notepads and stationary, to pencils and markers. Teachers write a lot of notes -- and loan a lot of pens. With their names on them, that betters their chances at getting them back!

5. Write it down. Sometimes simple is best. Buy a card and write down exactly what you appreciate about your child's teacher. Your words of thanks could be the boost they need on a day when students won't listen (not your child, of course), an unexpected fire drill messes up the schedule, and an after-school staff meeting runs late.