<p>Ok…there is a certain teacher that I have had for three years this year (2 years as an English teacher, this year as a student aide). She has become like a second mother to me and is more like a friend than a teacher. I want to give her something special at the end of the year, but I have no idea what. Any ideas?</p>
<p>She doesn’t wear much jewelry, if that helps.</p>
<p>Are there any interests that you and your teacher share? Since she’s an English teacher, perhaps you both enjoy certain novels? Word games? Maybe you can get her a journal to write?</p>
<p>Or, if you know her more personally, how about something related to a favorite movie she may have? Or hobby?</p>
<p>You can always go with giftcards to be safe, but I would suggest a store like Barnes and Nobles over a clothing/jewelry one.</p>
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<p>I might suggest being careful about the big chain bookstores. Some of them, especially Borders, are in financial trouble. I read Borders was filing for bankruptcy.</p>
<p>Any recommendations are going to be dependent on what you wish to spend.</p>
<p>Starbucks? or someplace local. Our kids HS teachers really enjoyed cookies. It’s a nice way to say thank you.</p>
<p>How about a travel coffee mug from the college you will be attending? So when she uses it she will be reminded of you. You could fill it with homemade cookies or candies.</p>
<p>^Ohhh…that’s a great idea! :)</p>
<p>A heartfelt letter to the teacher thanking her for all she has done would mean more than an expensive gift. Perhaps roll it up and stick it in the coffee mug?</p>
<p>Some of those book stores carry the most interesting sets of book ends. Those always come in handy, and she would think of you when she arranges her favorite books on the shelf. You are such a thoughtful person. It is a pleasure to read your posts.</p>
<p>I’m with dragonmom. A letter (or card) thanking her for what she’s done for you would mean a lot (and we know you write well since we saw the thank you letter you wrote to parents recently). In addition, a token gift would also be OK, especially some of the ideas mentioned. I once gave a book to a boss who was retiring, and stuck a thank-you letter inside the front cover.</p>
<p>I’m a Mom, but I made a scrapbook for my son’s coach to commemorate his first state championship, the trips we took to national competitions and the end of the year party we had. The kids helped put it together. Really fun.</p>
<p>Love the combination of MominVA’s idea and Dragonmom…a heartfelt note inserted in a mug or vase or some other insignia item from the college you will be attending.</p>
<p>Thank you all for the great ideas. 
(And thank you, yayverily, for the nice comments about my writing…coincidentally, the teacher I spoke of pretty much taught me all about being a great writer! :))</p>
<p>I think I’m going to go with the mug, but I’m thinking of doing one of those picture tumblers so I can do a fun design on the outside. :)</p>
<p>A gift certificate to an office supply or art supply store. Teachers, esp. in public schools, spend a lot of their own money to provide supplies for their students. It would help her continue to pass on her gifts to others.</p>
<p>As with many middle aged folks, I like gifts that will have a limited life and not end up in a garage sale sometime! Personalized notepads are good and I also have some weekly schedule pads that help you organize from donovandesignsinc (around $12). A gift certificate to a local bakery,deli, or eatery would be appreciated as well.</p>
<p>Haven’t read the whole thread, so maybe this is a repeat: If she is the ‘t-shirt type’, she might enjoy a t-shirt from your future school—something for hanging out, etc. </p>
<p>Another idea: a nice fruit basket or gift card. I’d steer clear of trinkets, mugs, etc. as teachers tend to get a lot of this kind of thing and few like the clutter that accumulates at the end of the school year! </p>
<p>Certainly whatever gift you choose should be accompanied by a nice, handwritten note expressing your appreciation!</p>
<p>Wife of teacher here: Just say no to mugs!!</p>
<p>A heartfelt note is the best. Seriously.</p>
<p>But if you want to do a gift, I do like the idea of tying it to your future college. My poorly paid dh loves gift cards, too.</p>
<p>Heartfelt letters with copies sent to the administration. We gave fancy chocolate, but homemade cookies or breads I think would generally be appreciated and more personal. When kids were younger and I was doing the giving, I used to give blank cards with a reproduction of a watercolor of the school on them. (With programs like adobe you can fake a watercolor or other effects from a photo.) Candles are a possibility - I think unscented are safer.</p>
<p>Heartfelt is best-- a note from parent/child or both; a framed photograph of the class with a signed notes from all the kids/parents. I’ve never been given a gift I really cared about, but I’ve saved every note.</p>
<p>Can your teacher have plants in her classroom? If so, get a flower pot and paint your note of appreciation or quotes from literature on it and get a nice plant to put in it.</p>