Thank teachers without emptying your wallet

'Tis the season for those of us whose children tromp off to school two or three or five times a week to start thinking about the dreaded holiday teacher gifts. Why dreaded? Do we not appreciate our teachers? I know I can't speak for every parent, but I feel pretty confident speaking for most of us when I say it's really, really difficult to come up just the right teacher gift.

For one thing, often your kid has multiple teachers. That means multiple gifts (and if you have more than one kid... well, you can do the math). For another, if you really do appreciate the teacher(s) -- and most of the time, we really do -- you want to get something that expresses that. And finally, hi, I don't know about you, but I'm not exactly made of money. At the same time that my kids' teachers are being furloughed and their insurance rates are going up, things are tough are over, and I really can't afford to give them the multi-thousand-dollar bonuses they so richly deserve.

So what's a grateful parent on a budget to do? Don't worry! There are still some great ways to say thanks that won't break the bank. Let's talk about some options.

1) Strength (and dollars) in numbers. There's nothing wrong with taking up a collection amongst classroom parents to turn each $5 or $10 contribution into something bigger -- a gift certificate to a local spa, a gift card to the office supply store, an assortment of new books for the classroom, etc. What feels like "not enough" individually can add up to something respectable when everyone chips in. This can become a logistical or political nightmare, however, depending on the people involved, so it's not always feasible.

2) Frugality is always in season. It may not help you out all that much for holiday gifts, this year, but I'll let you in on a little secret to keep in mind, going forward: No time is a bad time to scoop up deals. I keep a "gift closet" stocked all year 'round, and aside from birthday party gifts, the number one thing I have in mind when adding to it is teacher gifts. So, yes, I tell you without shame -- nay, proudly -- that some of my kids' teachers will be receiving adorable travel thermos/mug sets this December which were purchased over the summer. They were on clearance for 80% off, and I had no trouble knowing exactly how I would gift them at the end of the year. (If it's a teacher I like, I'll throw in a tin of fancy hot chocolate, too. I recently bought those in a bulk package on sale at Amazon. Total retail value of each "set" I'll put together is about $25. Total cost to me: around $6.)

3) Think outside the mug. Teachers can only use so many "#1 Teacher!" mugs and Christmas ornaments (please please please do not give religious items unless you are positive of the recipient's affiliation, by the way) and such. When I scope out items for the gift closet, I try to think of items that will either be an aid in the classroom or are just sort of "general use." One of my favorite teacher gifts to give is a fancy label maker, for example (those often go on sale). And if you live somewhere cold, a plush throw blanket is either going to be adored or will be easy to regift. And books -- age-appropriate books for the classroom are always a good choice, and there are so many places and ways to find them inexpensively, too.

4) DIY it, baby. Making it yourself is nearly always cheaper than buying, so get crafty (preferably with your kids!) and make something awesome. Again, do be mindful that even dedicated teachers can store/display only so many popsicle-stick creations and such, but there are lots of great ideas out there for truly practical items that could work in the classroom or at home.

5) Consider an intangible close to the recipient's heart. This one won't necessarily be your cheapest option, but here's the thing about frugality -- the best deals are on the things people really, really want. What is the recipient passionate about? Is there a charity to which making a donation in her name would be truly meaningful?

6) Time is priceless. In many cases the greatest gift you can offer a teacher is to come into the classroom and help! Depending on the situation and how well you know her, you may be able to make a gift "offering" of either classroom time or some other sort of helping-hand contribution, like prepping craft materials for a project. And I don't know a single teacher for whom a heartfelt, handwritten note of appreciation isn't welcome. The best way to say thanks is often to actually just say (or write) it.

Like I said before, 'tis the season. I'm not the only one with frugal teacher gifts on the brain! Check these out:

Etsy's always a good bet when looking for cute, clever, and reasonably-priced; consider PLM DeZigns' teacher tote, Fancy Frames Boutique's teacher's clipboard, or howadorable's teacher survival kit.

Does the teacher have a thing for coffee? Grace Violet is making coffee cozies, and links to both the pattern and a shop where you can buy 'em ready-made, if sewing isn't your thing.

Skip To My Lou details how to make beautiful tile coasters, and they're both cheap and easy. (And honestly, who doesn't need coasters?) This is a great project to do with your kids, too.

Need more ideas? Lincoln Handmade Team has a few, plus Family Fun is always a treasure trove of project ideas. If you're willing to roll up your sleeves, you'll surely find something to suit you there.

Do you have a fantastic teacher gift idea that's both brilliant and budget-savvy? I'd love to hear about it!

BlogHer Contributing Editor Mir also blogs about issues parental and otherwise at Woulda Coulda Shoulda, and about the joys of mindful retail therapy at Want Not.