Fun

• Children love to receive gifts they can play with, such as games and toys. Teachers can choose from a variety including stuffed animals, bouncy balls, small trucks and airplanes, coloring books, purses, balloons and yo-yos. These are relatively inexpensive and can be bought in large quantities. Many of these items are available decorated for Valentine's Day. For example, there are stuffed bears or dogs dressed in red and holding hearts that say "Be Mine" or express other valentine sentiments. The teacher can also give activity books that are filled with valentine pictures to color and activities to complete.
  
  

Practical

• Teachers cannot go wrong if they choose to give gifts that they know their students can use. There are many to select from: pens, pencils, erasers and sticky notes. It is easy to find these with valentine decor on them as February approaches. Personalized pencils are especially well-liked by children on this and any other holiday.
  
  

Original

• Teachers who are creative may want to give original gifts. They may take more time, but the children will appreciate the effort. Some examples are handwritten valentine notes for each child, homemade candy or taffy, and personalized heart-themed bookmarks. Teachers can also get a school picture of each child and make heart-shaped frames from items available in dollar stores or found in craft kits. Children will love this personal touch.
  
  

Miscellaneous

• Candy is an all-time favorite, and a gift bag filled with a variety of edible valentine treats is sure to be a popular gift. If the class is having a valentine party in the classroom, the teacher may want to give candy bags as a take-home gift since there will be plenty of snacks already on hand.
  Stickers are also a favorite of students. Stickers can be valentine-related or motivational ones to help encourage the class to continue good behavior and academic work.
  
  

Considerations

• When giving gifts of any kind, the teacher should consider any special religious beliefs of a child that may preclude her from getting a present. If the teacher is giving an edible gift, it is a good idea to be sure that no students are allergic to chocolate, peanuts, dairy or other snack ingredients.