Teacher Appreciation Week starts today, and as my son’s class room parent, it’s my job to organize the class gift. In addition to a sentimental gift graciously prepared by another mom, I thought their teacher would enjoy something small everyday. Pulling together ideas from a couple of different web sites, I’m doing the following:

Monday – A tube of hand cream with a note that says “You deserve a hand”
Why yes, a tube of Nivea Creme that I got for $0.34 at Target!

Tuesday – A container of pushpins with a note that says “You are ‘sharp’ as a tack”

Wednesday – A pad of post-its and labels with a note that says “Just a ‘note’ to let you know you are a wonderful teacher”

Thursday – A Scotch desk-grip dispenser with a note that says “We are stuck on you”

On Friday, we’ll give her the sentimental gift and some cash, since – like most teachers I know – their teacher spends quite a bit of her own money on her classroom and supplies.

Inspiration found at Surviving a Teacher’s Salary and Skip to My Lou.

Banner ad via Escalate Media Network

Since the World’s Smallest Letter was such a big hit, I want to share another great gift idea, courtesy of my darling husband again (and I’m afraid that I have no idea where he finds these marvelous things). This is actually a gift I received a few years ago, but now that the boys are getting older – and I don’t have to worry about breakage or injury – I can actually wear it, and I’ve found myself going back to it several times a week: it’s the Mommy Tags necklace pictured here. Marc gave it to me after Alex’s birth, and my necklace now has a second tag commemorating Tyler’s birth as well.

I love that the necklace is simple and goes with just about anything – that’s the main reason I wear it so often. Also, even though I went a long period without wearing it when the kids were very young, it’s barely tarnished so it’s very easy to care for.

I have to admit, I was very pleased that Marc had picked a very reasonably priced gift for me – these days, it’s easy to find stories about the extravagant “birth gifts” that some new mothers receive. This necklace is $75 – not cheap, but not crazy expensive either. Unfortunately, I can’t tell how much they charge for shipping. This would be especially appropriate for Mother’s Day, or as a gift from the kids to Mom on Valentine’s Day.

Note: I’m not affiliated with Mommy Tags in any way, I just like my necklace a lot!

The best gift I received last month came from Marc, of course: It’s a letter from The World’s Smallest Postal Service. As you can see, it’s literally a tiny letter, with addresses on the envelope and a letter inside. The text of the letter is customized. Marc chose the chorus of a song that’s special to us (say it with me: Awww!).

The letter comes with a small magnifying glass in a glassine envelope that’s sent out in a larger cardboard envelope. The outer cardboard envelope sat on Marc’s desk for a couple of weeks and I never had a clue what was in it.

Valentine’s Day isn’t that far off, and I highly recommend The World’s Smallest Postal Office as a sweet romantic gift. In fact, in addition to the Letter option, there are Valentine/Anniversary, Birthday, and Tooth Fairy card options. All are just $8.

And, if you’re in the Bay Area, you can actually visit the World’s Smallest Post Office in person.