Looking for Teacher Gift Ideas?
Your child spends a good 8 hours a day at school, most of those with one teacher if they are in elementary school. That teacher deserves a gift that shows you appreciate them, so a gift that they will also appreciate is crucial.
Best: Gift cards the entire class contributed to (yes, this means one parent has to step up and coordinate the collection, but one big gift card can really mean a lot, gifts the entire class donates such as a flower arrangement, handmade gifts the child makes that come from the heart (especially letters), trendy personalized items such as monogrammed coozies or purses, etc.
Make sure to check out SignUp.com's Teacher Appreciation Printables for even more ideas on how to find the perfect gift for your child's teacher.
The easiest way to know if it's going to be something the teacher loves? Think about the teacher as a person and their hobbies, likes or dislikes. If they golf or play tennis, love the beach or collect frogs, those are big hints. If you still don't have a clue just think about what you'd love to get from your boss or colleagues and give that to the teacher. And again, a nice handwritten note about what they mean to you and your child is a super nice bonus!
Celebrating the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Pledge to do GOOD on 9/11 with acts of service and kindness that reflect the spirit and honor the legacy of all the victims and their families from 9/11.
Celebration of Service Event in D.C.
1. Join the celebration in Washington, D.C.: Join AARP Foundation in a life-changing event on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.. The mission – to pack 1Million meals for struggling seniors in the D.C. and surrounding areas, including senior veterans and first responders. Make the difference, fight hunger, and join this special day of service and remembrance. Click to learn more and follow hashtags #911Day #AARPCares on twitter and facebook!
2. Say thank you to local civil servants: No matter where you are, honor the legacy of the firefighters and policemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice by thanking the ones nearest you. Encourage your kids to write cards and letters of thanks to local civil servants, bake a sweet treat and hand deliver.
3. Connect with online resources: Find a volunteer opportunity near you or register your own service project on Serve.gov (click here), or find 9/11 participation guides for organizations and groups over on PointsofLight.org, click here.
4. Share your good deed on social media: 911Day.org makes it easy for folks everywhere to spread the word about helping others and showing kindness on this special day of service, both on twitter and facebook, click here. Find out what strategic partners have planned for volunteer programs with this site too.
5. Volunteer together: Find a cause or organization close to your family's heart and coordinate a time to volunteer there on 9/11. Good service ideas for families include: volunteering at a local animal shelter, sorting and packing food boxes at the local food bank, helping decorate a women and children's shelter in your town for fall, and running a mini-fundraiser, like a lemonade or hot cider stand, to raise and donate proceeds. More family service ideas in our free eBook, download it here.
More about the 1 Million Meal Campaign with AARP Foundation, click here.
5 Times the Family Fun – Helping Others!
Put those Saturday morning chores on the back burner and team up as a family to serve others! National Family Volunteer Day is Saturday, November 23rd. Started by the HandsOn Network, Family Volunteer Day has been jump-starting the holiday season of giving for 22 years. How will you and your family show support this year?
We all know that even sharing a family meal together helps kids with their learning, communication skills and relationship-building. Imagine the impact you will make when you show your child the community benefits of volunteering and helping others.
Here are some great ways kids of all ages can get involved.
Spruce Up the 'Hood! – take a look around your neighborhood and ask your kids what they think is looking a little run down in the neighborhood. Have them help recruit neighbors to get involved (ask what tools/special skills they might offer). Look for projects such as mowing grass, raking leaves, painting fences or benches, picking up trash or planting flowers.
What's Old is New! – plan a charity garage sale and consider teaming up with other families. Let your kids pick a charity they would like to support with the sale proceeds, and donate the unsold items. Teaming up with other families will amp up your appeal to buyers – and be sure to let them know it's for charity! Add signs around the location a day or two before the event to create buzz.
Lend a Hand at Meal Time! – see what your city has to offer in serving hot meals. Area shelters and churches often serve breakfast on Saturday mornings and some offer daily dinner service as well. You could make this a monthly or weekly experience for your family!
Prep and Distribution! – not all people in need of meal are able to make it to the local shelter or church; but great organizations around the country deliver meals to their clients on a regular basis. You and your kids could schedule a week night or weekend day to buy groceries, prep sandwiches and sack lunches or deliver meals.
Share Your Time! – visiting with elderly neighbors can really brighten the day of someone who may not enjoy getting out and about, or have as many social interactions as you do. See if there is a residential facility close to your home that would allow guest visitors. You may even have a neighbor who you think could use some extra care. Letting your kids interact with, do small tasks and share stories with older generations is a great way for them to learn. Have your kids ask their new friends if they have any games, crafts or special interests.
Need some help with the planning or ideas? You can always check out what your local HandsOn Network Volunteer Center may have in the works. After volunteering, remember to celebrate your success as a family and take few moments to visit with your kids and ask them how they felt and what they liked about helping others. Ask them if they would like to plan another volunteer day.
Make helping others a regular part of your family time and add it on your calendar, today!