• Remember that special teacher this holiday season with a gift at Thanksgiving time. Not only is it an appropriate time to show your gratitude, but a well-selected present will be especially appreciated before the rush of the holiday season. Symbolic gifts are particularly meaningful at Thanksgiving. Or consider a practical gift that will help her reduce the stress of holiday dinner preparations.
  
  

The Colors of a Teacher's Heart

• Here's a symbolic--and sweet--way to say "thank you" to that special teacher. Buy a clear acrylic heart-shaped box and a bag of jelly beans or gumdrops in red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. Add a gift tag that says:
  
  "Red is for the kindness you show to every student. Orange is for the wisdom you share with us every day. Yellow represents your excellence as a 'gold star' teacher. Green symbolizes the way you help your students sow the seeds of knowledge. Blue shows how you encourage your students to set goals and reach new heights. Purple is for the way you inspire our minds and hearts. Thank you for being a terrific teacher!"
  
  

Something for Thanksgiving Dinner

• Most teachers work the day before Thanksgiving, which means they may be rushing around on Wednesday night to finish their holiday dinner purchases and preparations. Lighten your teacher's load by giving something he can serve for Thanksgiving dinner, like a loaf of fresh-baked bread in a turkey-shaped basket. (See the Resources section for a website that gives instructions on making this basket.) Give him one of your famous apple pies or a certificate for a free pumpkin pie at a nearby bakery. Or make up a gift basket filled with the nonperishable ingredients for your family's favorite day-after-Thanksgiving turkey soup. Don't forget to include the recipe!
  
  

A Night at the Movies

• Why not give her a gift card for a local movie theater so she and her family can enjoy one of the new holiday movie releases on the day after Thanksgiving? Alternately, you could fill a gift basket with a couple of classic Christmas movies and a box of gourmet microwave popcorn.
  
  

"If Teachers Were Flowers" Bouquet

• Everyone knows that red roses represent love. But did you realize that other plants and flowers have symbolic meanings, too? Take advantage of this "silent language" to create a thoughtful bouquet of flowers for that favorite teacher. Work with a florist, who can help you find in-season flowers that fit your budget. You could include a bouquet of just one type of flower or an arrangement with several different ones. Include a gift card explaining the meaning of each flower in the bouquet. For example:
  
  "To my teacher: This bouquet is filled with asters, because you treat every student like a star. Chrysanthemums, because of your cheerful and optimistic nature. Sunflowers, because your classroom is filled with warmth and happiness. Lavender, because of the way you adapt to your students' needs, and pink roses to say thank you for being a great teacher. "
  
  

Time with His Children

• If your child's teacher has his own young children attending other schools, he probably misses most of their holiday parties. Work with your school's principal to give him a few hours off during the school day so he can attend a holiday event at his child's school. Present him with a handmade gift certificate with a phrase like "good for time off to attend your son's preschool Christmas play." Include a disposable camera so he can take photos of that memorable day.