29 Jun 2017

As we head towards the end of the year you might be trying to think of ways to thank your fave teacher. You know the one–the teacher who actually spent time explaining something to you in Maths so you finally understood it, who would let you sit in the staffroom at recess and lunch while you asked them for advice, who would make lame jokes that everyone groaned at but you secretly thought were funny and who would email back when you sent them last minute questions about an exam the next morning. For your quality teachers, you’ll want to do something good, so here’s a helpful guide on ways to thank them that don’t involve gifting a box of cheap chocolates.

1. Letter

Not as lame as it sounds. A solid letter (obviously written by you) can mean a lot to a teacher that’s spent a year or more with you. Write how much you liked their class, why they’re such a great teacher, how much you’ve learnt and what it all means to you. Bonus points if you include an individual or class photo (formal and grad are good opportunities for this).

2. Class party

Everyone knows the last days of class are a bludge anyway, so get everyone to bring food to class or throw in money to buy enough hot chips or pizza for everyone. Be aware that your favourite teacher is probably good enough to have planned their own class party on the last day, but this is still cute.

3. Plant

Moving on to actual items to buy, a plant is a good option. You can attach a tag saying ‘you helped me grow’ if you’re feeling especially cheesy but a little succulent or potted plant is a way to say thanks that could take pride of place on your teacher’s desk.

4. Something personalised

Getting something like a notebook with the teacher’s name or initials personalised on it is a super handy gift and there are options for phonecases or notebooks that are monogrammed, if your budget can stretch it, otherwise keep an eye on places like kikki.K for sales on stationary.

5. Wine or alcohol gift voucher

Warning: do not go for the cheapest goon bag you can find. This pressie is probably best if you’re finishing school, or your parents want to get your teacher something from them. Your teacher will appreciate it, and if you’re not sure what they drink, getting them a voucher to BWS/Liquorland/any bottlo will sort this.

6. Movie tickets

If you’re stuck for ideas, movie tickets are always a safe bet. You can get gift vouchers for Hoyts and Event cinemas from your local Coles or Woolies and chuck as much cash as you can on them. If you’ve got a couple of friends who are willing to go in, Gold Class vouchers are also a good idea.

7. Gift vouchers

You probably don’t realise how much of their own money that teacher’s spend on stuff that you use in the classroom. Book stores, iTunes, Coles/Myer or general eftpos gift cards are a super practical way to say thank you. Like the movie tickets, you can get a group of friends to go in and load a bit more on the card. Combined with a letter this is probably one of the easiest and best things you can get a teacher.

What to avoid

Chocolates, cheap skin care products, coffee cups and other random shit from Kmart/Target are to be avoided at all costs. Teachers, especially the good ones, get a tonne of this stuff and most of it is either a) chucked out, b) sitting in an unopened drawer or c) re-gifted. If your teacher is really your favourite, you’ll follow this advice and get them something from the list above. Trust me.