Here are some ideas for the teachers on your list (or anyone else that you want to show appreciation to without spending a fortune):
- Keep an eye out all year for items on sale/clearance
- The only thing better than finding the perfect $10 gift is finding the perfect $20 gift and only spending $10 for it!
- Package gift cards in fun ways
- Put a Sonic gift card into a Sonic cup or a Starbucks gift card into a Starbucks cup instead of a gift bag.
- Put together “packages” that increase the perceived value
- Purchase a gift card for a movie rental that equals the price of one new release plus tax, but package it with a popcorn bucket and a bag of microwave popcorn for extra cute factor.
- Don’t give junk!
- Don’t give away something you would not want to receive. Make sure that you are thrifty without being cheap.
- Plan ahead
- When you see a great deal, stock up! I recently found a deal on $15 lunch totes for less than $5. I bought 6! I will find ways to personalize them or add other items to the totes to make the perfect, inexpensive gift.
Here are some sources of inspiration:
Randi always has fun party and gift ideas!
Look for stocking stuffers – these work great for appreciation gifts!
Search for keywords like “teacher Christmas gifts” for tons of fun ideas!
If you have other ideas for fun, inexpensive appreciation gifts, post it on our Facebook page!