Occupational Therapy Gifts, Physical Therapy Gifts, and Teachers Gifts – Take your pick!

Here at Your Therapy Source we frequently get asked for suggestions for easy and frugal occupational therapy gifts, PT gifts and teacher gifts.  Parents want to show their appreciation for their child or children's occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, teachers, bus drivers, school nurse, coaches, or whoever played a part in keeping your child safe, offering guidance, and educating them this year.

Here at Your Therapy Source we frequently get asked for suggestions for easy and frugal occupational therapy gifts, PT gifts and teacher gifts.  Parents want to show their appreciation for their child or children’s occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, teachers, bus drivers, school nurse, coaches, or whoever played a part in keeping your child safe, offering guidance and educating them this year.

Now more than ever, it means so much to the therapists, teachers, school staff, and caregivers who give their all to make a difference in our children’s lives. It’s no small thing to be able to place your trust in someone who starts out as a stranger, hoping that each day your child will be treated with respect, taught to get along with others, inspired to do his or her best, and positively influenced in a lasting way.

But the thing is … you’re not the only person thinking about what to get the school staff as a way to say thanks for all their hard work and dedication. If you’re determined not to be just another person out of 30 who sends in a mug, then take a look at these creative and unique gift ideas to show gratitude to your child’s educators and caregivers.

“Best Memories” Photo Collage

If you’ve taken lots of pictures on class trips, at school parties, and sports events with your child and his or her classmates, therapists, teachers and coaches this year, a photo collage makes a terrific and memorable gift that your child’s teacher will cherish for years to come. Keep in mind that other parents may have photo memories of the class that would look nice as part of the collage. Reach out to them via text or social media as you’re putting this project together.

If you prefer to go thrifty, head down to your nearest Goodwill store or other consignment shop and pick up a gently used frame. Big Lots and other overstock and “odd lot” stores like this often have picture collage frames marked down as well.

Need to put this gift together in a hurry? An alternative to a photo collage made at home is one done completely on the computer. Head to your favorite photo printing website like Snapfish or Shutterfly, where you can upload your favorite images directly from your smart phone, computer or other device, directly to their platform. Select a collage design and frame, place your order online and you’re good to go.

Potted Plant or Hanging Basket

A bouquet of flowers will surely be appreciated, but cut flowers soon wither and die. Why not take your gift one step further with a potted plant or hanging basket that he or she can enjoy all summer long and maybe even have for years to come? A trip to your local nursery, Home Depot or Lowes, or even a quick pit-stop to the grocery store parking lot could result in a beautiful and economical plant for your child’s teacher. You can even write a cute message on the card like, A special plant to match your nurturing spirit, thank you for all of your hard work this year.”

Letter of Thanks

Money can’t buy everything, especially when you’ve got a reason to express your heartfelt gratitude to someone else for going above and beyond. Sometimes the most cherished gift of all is a letter of appreciation. Take some time to write down all the ways your child’s teacher, care giver, coach or bus driver has made a difference for your child as well as others in the class.

One of the most meaningful gifts I ever received was a card from a mother. I provided physical therapy for her son for several months. The words of gratitude she expressed in the thank you card have stuck with me for more than 20 years. Although I no longer still have the card, I can still picture her cursive handwriting and her words.

Was there a special project that he or she conducted with expert guidance and let the children to greater learning and success? Did your child’s therapist or teacher step in with one-on-one support for a tough personal or learning challenge? Did he or she vouch for your child in some way? Pen your letter on stationery, and also type it up on email to send to this person’s boss i.e. the principal if this is your child’s teacher. With education jobs being what they are these days, this testament to a teacher’s worth could make the difference in future employment scenarios.

Small, Homemade Gift

Are you into candle making, pouring soap, or crocheting? Does your child paint or do pottery? A small knick knack or home décor item can be a welcomed gift for the end of the school year. Just be sure to allow yourself enough lead time to get crafting or creating without turning this into a high-stress endeavor. Occupational therapists love handmade items so crafts would make great occupational therapy gifts.

“I’ll Remember You” Bio

Here is a gift that’s unquestionably personal, best for the therapist or teacher who has really made an impression and positive influence on your child’s life. You may want to convey special thanks for helping deal with a personal challenge, guiding your child to overcome learning obstacles, going above and beyond with a school project, volunteering after hours, or otherwise helping and making a difference for your child or for the class as a whole.

Your child’s therapist or teacher has likely sent them home with an array of precious memories – artwork that they personalized for your Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Gifts, special holiday projects focusing around your family, or other sweet keepers that you will cherish forever. Why not repay the favor and have your child spend an hour or two making the therapist or teacher feel good?

Here are some simple ideas:

  • a list of the therapist or teacher’s favorites (child can even interview the therapist or teacher briefly for this)
  • cartoon-drawn caricature of the teacher
  • photos of the teacher and class, pasted onto construction paper with various captions
  • Certificate of Recognition for being a Super Awesome Therapist or Teacher.

The details will depend on the age of your child and how much of a personal connection they and/or you made with the therapist or teacher during the school year. Whatever details you decide, know that this is one of the nicest and most cherished gifts someone can receive at the end of another challenging school year!

Motivational Poster for the Room

Walk into any school and you will see many encouraging posters on the wall.  How about providing your child’s therapist or teacher with some wall art?  Whether it be to promote OT or to encourage students for $5 you will have a unique gift.  Check out these posters:

Pediatric OT Collage

Practice Makes Progress Not Perfect

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn” – Benjamin Franklin

DIY Play or Craft Kits

Why not try creating your own play or craft kids to give to the therapist or teacher to use with their class next year. Just like the craft stores sell all of those kits to create anything that you can think of, how about creating some fun playtime kits on your own. Read ideas here.

Gift CardS

If all else fails and you can’t think of any occupational therapy gifts, how about a simple gift card? This is my personal go-to gift every year. Mostly because I forget until the last minute…

School staff loves a hot or cold cup of their favorite caffeinated (or even decaf) beverage. Even just a $10 gift certificate yields 2 or 3 cups of coffee or tea, or 2 cups of coffee and a muffin, donut or small cup of munchkins. Don’t underestimate the power of coffee to deliver a hearty “thanks for keeping my kid alive, sane and happy at school this year!” Throw in a box of donut holes for the class to enjoy, and you’ve got an end-of-the-year gesture of thanks that will surely be appreciated.

Here at Your Therapy Source we frequently get asked for suggestions for easy and frugal occupational therapy gifts, PT gifts and teacher gifts.  Parents want to show their appreciation for their child or children's occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, teachers, bus drivers, school nurse, coaches, or whoever played a part in keeping your child safe, offering guidance, and educating them this year.