Gift cards as Teacher appreciation gifts

A few days ago I came across a post in Real Simple's Simply Stated Blog where the author discusses trying to find appropriate Teacher appreciation gifts. She didn't have the time make a personal handmade gift but wondered if giving a gift certificate/gift card is too impersonal. A number of teachers responded to the post and said they love to receive gift cards and did not find them impersonal. Generally, I don't think gift cards are impersonal. In fact, they are great gifts for people who you don't know very well. But, I also think that there are little things you can do to add a more personal touch to gift cards. You can include a handwritten note to the recipient. You can also include some inexpensive related gifts with the gift card. For example, say you are planning to give someone a gift card to a bookstore. In addition to the gift card you could also include a bookmark, a book by the recipient's favorite author, and maybe some tea bags or a bag of coffee beans. Another way to make a gift card more personal is to purchase a gift card that encourages the recipient's hobby. You can read a post I wrote on this subject here. If you are still struggling with giving a gift certificate/gift card as a gift to your child's teacher, I think a great alternative is to give a subscription to a monthly book club. There are also other great monthly club options, including a bouquet of the month and tea of the month clubs. What are some of the gifts you've given to your child's teacher?

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