Need Epic Gift for Retiring Teacher of 40 years

[Fairy]

DS's first grade teacher is retiring this year after 40 years. She's wonderful. Loved by her students, the parents, everyone. Two of us have taken it upon ourselves to get her a retirement gift from the class. We're going to collect $25 from each student (or whatever they can give), and we're hoping to net $500 total. The question is what the heck to get? Somehow, a spa gift card just doesn't seem to cut it for 40 years of service. We've considered and rejected every standard fare gift. Does anyone have any ideas that are really and truly unique and epic in nature?

FYI, we're also going to have a note from each current student, which we're then going to arrange on a board of some kind and frame. We don't want poster-size, so this is trickier, but we're doing soemthing like that, too. We thought of going to every former student in the grammar & middle school for a note (K-8), but that will be HARD. Overall open to ideas here, too.

BTW, it's our job. Not the PTO or the office. So, it's up to us if we want to see it happen, no one else is gonna do it :-(

[maydaymommy]

This may not be what you're after, but what about using the money to give something permanent to the school, w/ her name on it? You could get a park bench or a tree or a fountain, or outdoor easels, or a special collection for the library.

[jse107]

How about airfare gift cards? You could put them in a basket with lots of different travel brochures.

[zag95]

You could do a small size scrapbook with a message from each kiddo and their picture. Maybe standardize it so that each kid tells what they learned, or what they loved about their school year with Mrs.X. You could have them write them, and scan in the writings and do a digital book.

If any parents have photos from the year, put those in too! Also, see if the school or Mrs. X's spouse/family, has a photo of her from when she first started teaching- that would be cool! If you are at a smaller school and the office can help you contact alumni, you might see if they could email you a little message about Mrs. X that you could put in the back of the book, including the yr they were in Mrs. X's class.

When my mom retired from teaching 2nd grade after 31 yrs, she got a special scrapbook made for by some of the parents. She also got a really cool quilt of a scene in Africa. She always wanted to go. Last Oct, after having been retired for 14 yrs, she finally made it to Africa and rode an elephant!

See what special thing the teacher wants to do when she retires- and see what you can get in that realm.

I think a spa or pampering isn't a bad thing- esp if she doesn't do it regularly. Maybe you can do a basket of things- spa, book certificates, dinner out and a big item (plane ticket voucher or hotel stay somewhere; if she likes to cook, cooking lessons gift cert; or whatever). A beautiful vase or other special piece would also be a way to honor her.

A donation to the school library would also be a great legacy.

Congratulations to her! And have fun getting something together!

[LD92599]

Can you easily network to reach out to students from her tenure? Ask for letters about her, photo's from the 40 years ago?

[Mikey0709]

Just a thought -- cause i JUST bought a high value gift certifcate off of craigslist from a lady who got it for retirement from her co-workers.... she said she didn't want to tell them she was selling it - - but she really could use the money more! It was for $800 - and she sold it to me for $600. UGH - then I felt bad... but she had it listed for sale for a long time and she was so appreciative to finally have cash. (we met and verified it was valid at the store)

Honestly - - in this economy... i would say a MEMORABLE gift of a shutterfly book or scrap boook made from the kids....

AND CASH.

OF course spa giftcards and airfare is nice... but not everyone is into the spa ( i know my retired mother wouldn't be)... and airfare would STILL require additional funds to be able to use them.

I know many people who have retired cause of medical reasons - - not financial.... so I think a nice note - - saying that you want her to treat HERSELF to however she wishes... but think of the wonderful students who are proud to have had you and appreciate all you have done....

[Fairy]

Originally Posted by maydaymommy

This may not be what you're after, but what about using the money to give something permanent to the school, w/ her name on it? You could get a park bench or a tree or a fountain, or outdoor easels, or a special collection for the library.

While this is a very nice idea, I agree, we want something concerete to give to her to be used by her. A legacy thing is not what we're after.

[Fairy]

Originally Posted by LD92599

Can you easily network to reach out to students from her tenure? Ask for letters about her, photo's from the 40 years ago?

No, too hard.

[Fairy]

Hmm, cash. I hadn't thought of that. That's not a bad idea at all. She's a widow, so even handier. That along with the board -- tho zag's idea of a scrapbook approach is alot better, I think. Lemme chew on how to do the photos/notes. But cash ... possibly. Interesting story about the teacher and Craig's List. Definitely making me think ...

[dowlinal]

This is my daughter's teacher's first year, but the gift would work for you too. To commentate her first year, I'm making a photo book at shutterfly. Each kid has drawn a picture which will be scanned in and answers some questions about their favorite memories which will be typed in next to their picture. then the rest of the book will be photos of activities from the year. You could include pictures from other years too.