Passport to Fun Helps Provide Heart-felt, "Thank You" Gift Ideas for Teachers

Okay, pop quiz: "Where would we be without teachers?" Passport to Fun (SM), a premier recreation and entertainment savings program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows that question has many different answers. And this May, teachers everywhere will be honored; May 6 is National Teacher Day.

All too often, teachers' efforts go largely unappreciated; we just expect them to educate, mentor and guide students, with little or no fanfare. And even though history suggests that the roots of National Teacher Day are unclear, one thing is certain: Everyone has had a teacher who made a difference, who made the seemingly impossible, more than possible. So isn't it time we gave them their proper due?

With that in mind, AP9 PassportToFun would like to recommend these great gift ideas to honor teachers on May 6:

-- Say so in a letter. A picture may say a thousand words, but for a teacher, a heartfelt note from a parent or student can last a lifetime. They say teachers often return to their "thank you" file when times get tough. Try to remember that when composing those well-chosen words of thanks.

-- Pick up the tab. All those hours spent correcting papers, teaching geometry and providing social guidance merit a great meal. Send that special teacher out for some special eats, or -- better yet -- surprise him/her with a home-cooked meal.

-- Read 'em and weep. No educator can resist a good read. So why not treat the teach to some great literature, a magazine subscription or a book on a favorite hobby or pastime? A gift certificate to a bookstore should offer plenty of freedom of choice.

-- That's the ticket. As resilient as they are, even a teacher needs a break from the daily grind. So give that special mentor and guide a different type of education -- an escapist one. Send them to a ball game, show or day spa -- anywhere where the lesson plan calls for just two things: Rest and relaxation.

-- Day by day. It's great to honor that special teacher on May 6, but there's no rule that says things have to -- or should -- stop there. Remember that a little encouragement goes a long way throughout the entire year -- especially for a teacher. Like someone once said, "All professionals can boast, but the teacher taught them all."

Don't forget to honor that special teacher on May 6. And in the meantime, no matter what time of year it is, there's always a way to have fun for less, courtesy of Passport to Fun.