This holiday season’s economic forecast is dismal at best. With folks uncertain about jobs and grappling with losses in the stock market, expensive gift giving is taking a backseat to economic frugality. As part of this re-thinking, consider giving your child’s teachers and mentors what they want more than anything this holiday season – the gift of appreciation. Here are a few ideas to show that you recognize all that they do:

1. A letter, pure and simple, outlining why you appreciate the teacher’s work and what he or she has done for your child thus far this year. If the teacher is truly exemplary, copy the principal and school board chairperson on the letter.

2. Send in a ‘coupon’ for an hour or two of your time – you can copy papers, create a bulletin board, or organize supplies. Teachers’ days are stretched thin, especially if they have children of their own, so this gesture is much appreciated!

3. Work with your child to create a list of “lessons learned” from this school year so that the teacher can see the difference she is making in your child.

4. Believe it or not, a home-made gift from students is one of the greatest gifts that teachers can get. I still hang ornaments on my Christmas tree that were given to me by students a decade ago. As I do, I think of them fondly and wonder what life has brought them through the years.

5. Finally, two little words, spoken sincerely: THANK YOU.

Heather