Teacher Gifts, what's everyone doing this year?

[4Myluvbugs]

I usually have something in mind or have them already purchased by now, but I'm coming up empty this year! Wondering what everyone's giving this year? HAve you found anything great or any awesome deals for your teachers & aides holiday gifts?

J

[MamaMolly]

:popc1: I'm going to stalk this thread. It is Lula's first year at school, and I need ideas!

[egoldber]

Gift cards. Sorry, I don't have time for anything else. Sometimes older DD makes a card too.

I am doing Target for younger DD's preschool teachers. They buy a lot of things for the kids out of their own pocket and they have mentioned buying things there.

Older DD's elementary teachers I have not yet decided, but usually I just do Staples, Michaels or Borders/B&N.

[SnuggleBuggles]

I sent a teacher survey home to all the teachers and aides in our school to get a sense of gifts they would like (plan to hit the entire staff soon but started with teachers). I thought it would be a handy resource to have. My original version was very blunt- do you like gift cards, personal gifts, gifts for your class, homemade gifts...but my collaborators hated it so I went more generic. Hopefully it'll still be helpful. I really wanted a sense though if the person was a g.c. person or a donation to charity kind of person as I have had both.

I'm a room parent and I think I am going to organize a class gift- a gift card. We'll do a personal homemade type gift in May for appreciation week. We'll probably also collect for things like a game, puzzle or books for the class.

Beth

[Corie]

I'm doing Vera Bradley stuff. There was a great sale posted awhile back
in the Bargains forum. I got 25% off the color "Paprika" and then an additional
30% off because the Paprika items were sale items.

So the teachers are getting VB Lunch Totes for Christmas and VB Wristlets
for End-of-the-Year gifts.

[hbridge]

Small Vera Bradley ID bags containing necklaces made by DC.

[Ceepa]

I ordered some canvas bags on sale last month. They're a nice size and pretty sturdy.

[wendibird22]

I have 6 teachers to buy for (4 in the infant rm and 2 in preschool rm). I got VB wristlets, one in each color and I'll tell them that they can swap.

A few weeks ago these were under $9 and free ship:
http://www.verabradley.com/product/Sale/Frill/Hangin-Out-Wristlet/1000971/defaultColor/Make+Me+Blush/pc/785/c/0/sc/690/p/1000971.uts

PS: they arrived in their original packaging...wrapped in paper, wrist strap wrapped, all in sealed plastic bag...I just think it's nice to have something arrive in perfect condition.

[Momof3Labs]

Gift cards. Every time I see a thread on teacher gifts (on this board or elsewhere), the teachers always seem to chime in that gift cards are the best gifts as they can only have so many lotions, coffee cups, ornaments, candy, etc. I usually do Target since you can get anything there.

[Green_Tea]

In the past I have given teachers the potted Smith and Hawkin (for Target) amarylis or paperwhites. They are around $10 and they come in a very pretty pot. A few times the teachers have set them up in the classroom so the kids can watch a flower grow from what essentially starts out as a pot of dirt. They always seem to go over well, and since I need to buy for 5 teachers, the price is right.

For those who give gift cards, how much do you give? I'd like to do that, but feel bad about giving a gift card with only $10-15 on it.

[egoldber]

For those who give gift cards, how much do you give? I'd like to do that, but feel bad about giving a gift card with only $10-15 on it.

Usually I do $15 or $20. If money was tight I would do $10 and not feel at all bad about it.

We also do an end of year gift AND they make a biggish deal about teacher appreciation week. I usually also give a small card at teacher appreciation week and a larger one at the end of the year.

I always struggle with the specialists. Older DD is taking private piano this year and I am wondering what I should do for her....

[wimama]

I usually do gift cards, because I figure the teacher can either use them or regift them as they see fit.

This year, a experienced parent at our son's new school told me there is usually a collaborative monetary gift to the teachers. So, everyone just chips in how ever much money they chose and their name gets on the card. Some parents opt out and do their own gifts. But, I am sure the teachers appreciate a little extra cash around the holidays.

[KHF]

I have to buy for 8 teachers this year. Ugh and double ugh. 3 for my son's main caregivers at the daycare center, 3 for my daughter's main caregiver's at the daycare and 2 for my daughter's kindergarten teacher and her aide. She's only in 1/2 day kinder, so I can't really skimp on her daycare teachers.

Money is tight, so we'll probably go with $10-15 gift cards to Target all around. I have, in the past, also just given cash to the daycare teachers.

[AbbysMom]

I talked to my friend who is a preschool teacher this week about this. She said $15 is normal, $25 is very generous and actually they aren't supposed to accept more than that. She prefers generic gift cards (Walmart, Target etc over school supply stores).

[Momof3Labs]

For those who give gift cards, how much do you give? I'd like to do that, but feel bad about giving a gift card with only $10-15 on it.

I give what I can. In particular, DS2's preschool teachers are so wonderful but so underpaid, so I do $25 for each (there are 3). For DS1, I might do $25 for his main teacher and $5 for anyone else (he loves giving to his PE, art, music, and computer teachers).

[94bruin]

DD's room parent also sent out a survey. Her room teacher said that she prefers gift cards. In fact, I my roommate from college, who is a elementary school teacher, said that she prefers gift cards.

So gift cards it will be this year (as has been for her preschool teachers.) I got some reusable bags from Envirosax, so each teacher will get one along with a gift card.

Will probably get gift cards to the local mall.

[Clarity]

My dd's are in a community center so last year I bought their teachers a gift card for a 15 minute mini-massage. I added some chocolate and called it a day. I think they liked it.

In years past, I have bought the anti-bacterial foaming soap from BBW, made some homemade bath salts (http://www.ehow.com/how_4669256_candy-cane-peppermint-bath-salts.html) and then added some godiva choc. squares or hot chocolate packets to the gift bag.

[misshollygolightly]

Jonah has two teachers in his nursery school room. I made a charitable donation to World Vision in each of their names (enough to receive two pretty necklaces, which I will give to them). Also planning to make homemade bath salts to give to the two teachers, the director, etc.

[fedoragirl]

Gift cards. Every time I see a thread on teacher gifts (on this board or elsewhere), the teachers always seem to chime in that gift cards are the best gifts as they can only have so many lotions, coffee cups, ornaments, candy, etc. I usually do Target since you can get anything there.

Ditto.
As a teacher, I really appreciate gift cards. A $10 gift card to Starbucks is very thoughtful especially as I am not a huge Starbucks spender. It's a big treat for me to spend $$ there, so a gc is always appreciated.
I did get Vera Bradley stuff one year, and as much as I appreciate the gesture...I am just not a VB person, and gave that gift away. It's too taste specific for me, and most of my colleagues feel the same way.
My mom gets gc to the mall, and she always loves them.

[KpbS]

I am making up a little gift bag for DS2's preschool teachers with chocolate, coffee, cookies, a Christmas hand towel, etc. DS1's teacher is getting one of those Burt's Bees specials they had the other day.

[fedoragirl]

I have to buy for 8 teachers this year. Ugh and double ugh. 3 for my son's main caregivers at the daycare center, 3 for my daughter's main caregiver's at the daycare and 2 for my daughter's kindergarten teacher and her aide. She's only in 1/2 day kinder, so I can't really skimp on her daycare teachers.

Money is tight, so we'll probably go with $10-15 gift cards to Target all around. I have, in the past, also just given cash to the daycare teachers.

I think $10 is quite generous. I don't know but I am one of those sentimental ones that appreciates a card or a thank you note from my students in lieu of monetary gifts. But then again, it's perhaps because I teach teenagers.

[AnnieW625]

For Christmas the teachers get a box of tea, and some of the chocolate coated peppermint Joes Os from Trader Joe's.

DCP, and helpers (2) will get Target cards.

[jse107]

I think $10 is quite generous. I don't know but I am one of those sentimental ones that appreciates a card or a thank you note from my students in lieu of monetary gifts. But then again, it's perhaps because I teach teenagers.

Agreed. As a public school employee I think $10 is a lovely gesture, especially with a personal note. We're not in it for the $$, so gratitude goes a long way in my book.

Just my 2 cents.

[Clarity]

So gift cards it will be this year (as has been for her preschool teachers.) I got some reusable bags from Envirosax, so each teacher will get one /

Oooh, GREAT idea! I think this is my winner this year!

[lhafer]

I have 6 teachers to buy for (4 in the infant rm and 2 in preschool rm). I got VB wristlets, one in each color and I'll tell them that they can swap.

A few weeks ago these were under $9 and free ship:
http://www.verabradley.com/product/Sale/Frill/Hangin-Out-Wristlet/1000971/defaultColor/Make+Me+Blush/pc/785/c/0/sc/690/p/1000971.uts

PS: they arrived in their original packaging...wrapped in paper, wrist strap wrapped, all in sealed plastic bag...I just think it's nice to have something arrive in perfect condition.

Thanks for the link and ideas!! I just ordered 5 wristlets (2 for teachers, the rest for family members), and 2 purses - one for my mom and one for my sister.

[hellokitty]

DS1's first grade teacher will get- a Boy Scout tin of caramel popcorn and vera bradley paper clips. I wanted to get her a book on her wish list, but I guess the other parents already bought those books up.

DS2's preschool teacher doesn't like gifts, I found out from other parents and the librarian this yr (wish someone would have told me last yr). I just found out that she usually has a scholastic wish list and prefers books. Problem is, I went to our book fair, only to find that her wish list is to get any book (I had hoped she was requesting specific titles., and after browsing the books, I didn't see anything that I really liked and a lot of books I have a feeling she already has. So, I'm giving her an extra barefoot book that we have that will be perfect for pj day. It's a $16 book, so that's all we'll give her.

DS2's preschool aid will get a tin of the BSA caramel popcorn and then probably a candle or something. I have a bunch of small bath and bodyworks type of sets that I will re-gift.

[SnuggleBuggles]

A friend of mine is an elementary teacher and shared this with me...after all the kids leave for holiday break they go around and gather up all the lotions, soaps, nicknacks, food and stuff that they just don't need and someone on the staff delivers the items to a local nursing home. I'm glad that it doesn't just sit around collecting dust and I like the sentiment. But, it's why I give gift cards since they know what they really want and need.

Beth

[daphne]

I think gift cards are the way to go. It seems awkward to let them know exactly how much you spent (esp if it doesn't seem like enough), but I think it's almost always a favorite. I usually throw in something with it (an ornament, some chocolates, etc..)

[KHF]

I think $10 is quite generous. I don't know but I am one of those sentimental ones that appreciates a card or a thank you note from my students in lieu of monetary gifts. But then again, it's perhaps because I teach teenagers.

I just realized that my post may have come across as if I didn't want to spend much money on my kids' teachers. Quite the opposite...I love all of their teachers, especially the ones from the daycare.

My DD will definitely be writing thank you notes to her teachers (to the best of her ability). We usually make the cards that they give the cards in.

I have to say though, I'm glad to hear that the general opinion is that $10 is OK. $8200 for a new HVAC system last week means Christmas is looking a little slim this year.

[Mikey0709]

Just had to chime in - - my dad is a maintenance helper at a local public elementary school and you would not believe the amount of stuff that he takes out of the teacher trash cans during the holidays. It's a shame. All those knick knacks and gifts, etc.... so many of them are just trashed which is hard to believe.

Most of the stuff is untouched and unopened.... and being the thrifty family we are - he cannot see it going to a landfill. He has brought home TONS of mugs, pen sets, lotions, knicknacks, etc...and most he will donate to goodwill. He has even found Starbucks coffee sets and some really pricey stuff that i guess the teachers just didn't want to bother to take home. You would be suprised at the amount of art supplies and REALLY NICE gift packs of stuff! Again - just tossed.

Alot of the food goes in a public area - and just sits there after everyone leaves... MOST untouched or unopened - - and he is told to trash it so it doesn't sit through the holiday break - - but he is allowed to take it home.

After talking about this with him - - i think i'm just going to give a small cash donation to teachers this year... especially in this economy i think that is the best bet. Gifts are nice, but i know everyone has different tastes and likes.

[Tinkerbell313]

I do gift cards from Target for the majority of teachers as well as her bus driver.

For the crossing guard I do a gift card from the chain gas station (Sheetz).

DD6 has her homeroom teacher as well as her math teacher and instructional aid, and her reading teacher and instructional aid. Then I also buy for all the special teachers (Art, Music, PE, Computers, Library). And each one of those has an instructional aide.

This year (this is our second year at this school), I also need to buy for the nurse as well. DD gets frequent bloddy noses so the nurse and I are now on a first name basis.

All gift cards, no matter what store they are from, are in the amount of $10.00. With the number I buy, I can't afford anymore than that. I think I just counted up 18 teachers!!!

We live in an area where teachers are severely underpaid. And, IMO each teacher offers some type of education to my child. We see the teachers out alot at local restuarants and stores...and they are always greeting DD with big hugs and are very friendly to us. So, whatever I give, I give.

Last year, the bus driver and librarian were very, very grateful. DD got a thank you note and then I got a phone call thanking me from each of them. The librarian actually bought a book for the school library and put that DD donated the book to the library!!

I am sure whatever you choose, how big or small, the teacher will be grateful

[Tinkerbell313]

This year our PTO has posted a teachers wishlist to the PTO website. All the staff wrote down what they wanted for their classroom. And, you can purchase something from that list for Christmas...or just for anytime of the year.

Examples of items include board games (Chutes and Ladders, Memory...which I just bought with the Toys R Us deal), paint brushes, sweat pants (the nurse requested these), mallets for the xylophone (the music teacher gave us the website where to order these), little gifts for the grab jar, etc.

I think that's a great idea.

I realize we always want to buy something for the teacher herself...but, alot of times, their passion is teaching...and I know they spend lots of their own income on items for the classroom.

[gcc2k]

I've worked as a 5th grade teacher for 5 years, then an elementary librarian for 5 years, and now a middle school librarian.

As a classroom teacher, gift cards are extremely appreciated. I would rather get a $5 gift card then a $10 gift of lotions, candles, etc.

As a librarian (this applies to music teachers, art teachers, PE teachers, etc.) we rarely get gifts. Out of about 420 students at my old school, maybe 5 would give me a Christmas gift, and it was usually a little baggie of homemade goodies. So just a little note to all you overeaching moms, if you have a little something to give to the other teachers who teach your children, (even if it is just a card) it is VERY appreciated to be remembered!!

As a middle school librarian, I don't expect to get anything this year!

[peanut520]

i got $10 gc for a.c.moore to each of the 2 teachers in dd's room at dayycare, but she only goes 1 day a week. the question i have is do i need to do anything for the helpers? they have helpers that float between the rooms and to help with early morning and pick times.

[jse107]

Just another thought that has gone over well here:
If you would like to do something for a large part of the staff, bring in a home-baked goodie that can be shared in the staff lounge or sign-in room. For me, I always get a smile on my face when a parent drops off a whole batch of brownies or cookies to be shared. Usually a parent leaves a little note with it.

[fedoragirl]

Just another thought that has gone over well here:
If you would like to do something for a large part of the staff, bring in a home-baked goodie that can be shared in the staff lounge or sign-in room. For me, I always get a smile on my face when a parent drops off a whole batch of brownies or cookies to be shared. Usually a parent leaves a little note with it.

I hate to burst this bubble, but in the few schools I worked at, all homemade goodies went straight in the trash (after school, of course). No teacher wants to eat something made at home, however well intentioned it may be. It's sad but the truth. I never eat any food from my students. That's the policy of all the teachers I teach with.

[SnuggleBuggles]

I hate to burst this bubble, but in the few schools I worked at, all homemade goodies went straight in the trash (after school, of course). No teacher wants to eat something made at home, however well intentioned it may be. It's sad but the truth. I never eat any food from my students. That's the policy of all the teachers I teach with.

At our school there is an annual staff appreciation luncheon that is potluck by the families. There are a few other times during the year that we make food for them and at *our* school they have always been appreciated. I wonder which experience is more the norm?

Beth

[jse107]

There are a few other times during the year that we make food for them and at *our* school they have always been appreciated. I wonder which experience is more the norm?

Beth

I don't know. At my school, we *love* homebaked goods. I guess if someone is interested in doing that, one could always ask the front office staff. They'd know if it would go over well.

[YouAreTheFocus]

This will be our first yr being in daycare over the holidays. I'm so glad I read this board, as I wouldn't have even realized we're supposed to give gifts. :bag
I'm now thinking this is why there's a bulletin board in the hallway w/ the teachers' pictures and birthdays? Yikes. Did we totally screw up by not giving them bday gifts? Double :bag !

So it sounds like the overall vote goes to giftcards, especially to Target. Here's my situation--we have 4 teachers in the infant room, plus the director who is usually in there as well. At least 2 of them either walk to work or take PT. I'm not sure they even have cars (as they live/work in an urban area). Should I take this all into consideration, or is this over-thinking it? I will add that I'm not a big fan of giving ppl cash.

What should I do?

[SnuggleBuggles]

This will be our first yr being in daycare over the holidays. I'm so glad I read this board, as I wouldn't have even realized we're supposed to give gifts. :bag
I'm now thinking this is why there's a bulletin board in the hallway w/ the teachers' pictures and birthdays? Yikes. Did we totally screw up by not giving them bday gifts? Double :bag !

So it sounds like the overall vote goes to giftcards, especially to Target. Here's my situation--we have 4 teachers in the infant room, plus the director who is usually in there as well. At least 2 of them either walk to work or take PT. I'm not sure they even have cars (as they live/work in an urban area). Should I take this all into consideration, or is this over-thinking it? I will add that I'm not a big fan of giving ppl cash.

What should I do?

1. I have never done a b-day thing for the teachers. Odds are it is there just so the kids know teachers have birthdays too, some may even share one which is just cool. :) Our PTO sends cards to everyone on their b-days though.

2. Overthinking. :) Just get a simple gift card and write a thank you note.

[inmypjs]

For an elementary school teacher, I'm planning to do a $10 Target gift card, some homemade goodies (those pretzel/rolo/pecan treats that people posted about last year), and some scented candles, as well as a thank you note. I'm going to put them all in an empty 2 liter bottle and decorate that with Christmas ribbon and a label which says "Bottled especially for Mrs. xxxx by xxxx. I got the 2 liter bottle idea here too!

For preschool, I will probably do the same homemade pretzel/rolo/pecan treats for the teachers (there are 3), a $10 Target gift card for the school as a whole, and then for the director I ordered a personalized notepad from expressionery.com's last clearance sale.

[fortato]

I hate to burst this bubble, but in the few schools I worked at, all homemade goodies went straight in the trash (after school, of course). No teacher wants to eat something made at home, however well intentioned it may be. It's sad but the truth. I never eat any food from my students. That's the policy of all the teachers I teach with.

It's different from school to school. We never threw away something the parents made for us. It's very appreciated... sometimes more than getting something as impersonal as a gift card....

[HIU8]

OUr preschool does a class gift for each teacher (usually a gift card). There are 15 kids in each class and they are asking for $50 per family. That comes to $750 split 4 ways, which is $187.50 per teacher. That means I contribute $12.50 per teacher ($50 does sound like a lot, but if I were doing individual gifts I would probably spend up to $20/per teacher myself). At least they didn't up the gift to $75/per family (I've been waiting for some of the very wealthy families to suggest that).

[ehf]

I think it's really strange when organizations start dictating the price of presents! It feels more like an obligation and not at all like a present.

At our school (I teach middle school), I've never heard of teachers throwing away anything (except the occasional, sketchy, homebaked goods!). Unfortunately, the school district sent a letter home to parents about a new law that says government employees cannot accept gifts over $50 in order to avoid the appearance of bribes. I have NEVER been offered a gift over about $20, but since that letter two years ago, I haven't gotten more than one or two gifts for the holidays. The parents, I guess, thought the letter frowned upon gifts at all.

It's sad. I enjoyed my little $10 gift cards or coffee mugs or baked goods. It was kind of festive and fun and warm.

More to the point, the "best" gifts I've gotten:
-a homemade single, large gingerbread man decorated in white piping with my name on it (cute, small, delicious)
-gift card to a local deli to have lunch ($7, but great for those professional days or parents night or whatever when we need to eat in town)
-a cactus (after I killed three plants in a row in my room)
-a gigantic stuffed pencil (after I ranted about the students never having one!)
-an inflatable palm tree (to go with the random huge prop tree that was in my room for some reason when I was hired.)

In other words, it's nice to have the students themselves paying some kind of attention! that's for older kids, though.

[sariana]

I'm planning to order some of those Scholastic gift cards, so the teachers can order books for the classroom. DS has two teachers (split contract) with very unequal days (one is there 4 days, the other only 1). By doing the Scholastic GCs, I can do a larger amount and give it to both of them. I think I also will give each one a small token gift, so that they get something individual as well.

PP mentioned the crossing guard. I didn't even think of that! We see her every day; of course we should get her something! Thanks for the reminder!

We also have the RSP teacher. I'll think I'll give her a Scholastic card, too, plus a small personal gift.

And BTW, by personal gift I most likely mean Target GC! I'm just not that creative. Target allows them to get something for themselves or something for the classroom.

[Jo..]

I agree that VB wristlets etc are taste specific. If I got one it would be donated or re-gifted.

As the a huge bargain hunter, it makes me very sad, but we will probably do gift cards this year.

Part of me is screaming "But I could get them a $150 cashmere throw for $7.99"!

Doesn't matter. If they'd rather have a $15 gc than a $150 cashmere throw, that is what we are getting.

I HATE that I cannot put my bargain skills to any use and that they will know exactly what I spent.

We have seven and maybe eight teachers to buy for. Two teachers from each school, the music teacher and the two amazing administration ladies at Leah's school, and maybe Adam's karate teacher (haven't decided).

I think the personalized gingerbread men is a sweet idea and we may make one of them to throw in for each teacher. Just a small nice thoughtful treat.

[KrisM]

I hate to burst this bubble, but in the few schools I worked at, all homemade goodies went straight in the trash (after school, of course). No teacher wants to eat something made at home, however well intentioned it may be. It's sad but the truth. I never eat any food from my students. That's the policy of all the teachers I teach with.

Curious - why? Do you just figure they aren't good cooks? Or food allergies stop you?

We do potluck lunch at the beginning of the year for the teachers as well.

[kmkaull]

I hate to burst this bubble, but in the few schools I worked at, all homemade goodies went straight in the trash (after school, of course). No teacher wants to eat something made at home, however well intentioned it may be. It's sad but the truth. I never eat any food from my students. That's the policy of all the teachers I teach with.

I'm a teacher, too so I'm popping in with another suggestion. One parent this year brought in a fall "bounty" with prepackaged soups, packets of hot chocolate, tea, granola bars, chocolate, little packs of almonds, Craisins, etc. It was a good combo of healthy and sweet stuff. Absolute hit! The teachers I work with love it . . . and we were delighted when this mom said that she'd be bringing in another assortment this winter!

Other than that, I vote for gift cards all the way. Even $5 to Starbucks is great. One parent organized a large American Express gift card one year. I would avoid all food, home decor stuff (I have piles of Christmas gift towels and candles just sitting in storage).

[ellies mom]

Last year for Christmas, I knitted a coffee cup sleeve, shoved it on a starbucks cup and placed a starbucks gift card inside. For the end of year, I sewed a small card holder wallet and stuck another SB gift card inside.

This year, my daughter's teacher has a new baby (4-6 months old) so I'm thinking of making some boutique style baby stuff and throwing in, you guessed it, a Starbucks card.

[larig]

This year our PTO has posted a teachers wishlist to the PTO website. All the staff wrote down what they wanted for their classroom. And, you can purchase something from that list for Christmas...or just for anytime of the year.

Examples of items include board games (Chutes and Ladders, Memory...which I just bought with the Toys R Us deal), paint brushes, sweat pants (the nurse requested these), mallets for the xylophone (the music teacher gave us the website where to order these), little gifts for the grab jar, etc.

I think that's a great idea.

I realize we always want to buy something for the teacher herself...but, alot of times, their passion is teaching...and I know they spend lots of their own income on items for the classroom.

As a former teacher, I'll say this last statement is right on. Well said!

[baymom]

Generally, my go-to gift for teachers is a boring Target gift card--something I know I would like. :love-retry: This year, DC will be missing the last week of school, before the holidays, so that we can go to a wedding abroad. So, instead of giving them a holiday gift, I *think* we will be buying them something special (and practical) from vacation and give it to them when we return.

The thing is, that we would have brought back something for the teachers anyway, so I don't want to look cheap by foregoing a holiday present. I'm justifying it to myself as, this way, I can spend more for something really nice, rather then buy 2 medium gifts... Still, not sure what I will do, though.

[MontrealMum]

This will be our first yr being in daycare over the holidays. I'm so glad I read this board, as I wouldn't have even realized we're supposed to give gifts. :bag
I'm now thinking this is why there's a bulletin board in the hallway w/ the teachers' pictures and birthdays? Yikes. Did we totally screw up by not giving them bday gifts? Double :bag !

So it sounds like the overall vote goes to giftcards, especially to Target. Here's my situation--we have 4 teachers in the infant room, plus the director who is usually in there as well. At least 2 of them either walk to work or take PT. I'm not sure they even have cars (as they live/work in an urban area). Should I take this all into consideration, or is this over-thinking it? I will add that I'm not a big fan of giving ppl cash.

What should I do?

My DS is in daycare too, and we're always in the minority to give holiday gifts at our centre, I don't think anyone does the b-days. I agree with Beth? that it was just posted to let the kids know teachers have b-days too.
This is our third year at the same place and honestly, based on what I've seen there, I don't think you're "supposed" to do gifts. But they're very graciously received if you do.

This year I'm going to do a g/c for all the teachers/aides that have contact with my DS plus the directress, as well as a mini soap from my favorite Etsy seller. My parents were both in education so I'm trying to walk the line between useful (g/c) and fun (an actual gift). The the g/c for the main teacher will be a larger amount, and probably to a more specific place since I know her tastes better, it's his 2nd year with her (we got super lucky!!!), and the bulk of the time he spends there is with her. Also, and this is new for us this year, in addition to that we're going to give her a substantial g/c to TRU so she can buy things for the room.

Last year I asked the directress about baking cookies and taking them in for the entire staff to share (there's a strict no-outside-food-rule due to their no-peanut status) and she thought it was a great idea and gave me the go-ahead. Several teachers/aides that have no contact with DS at all thanked me for the cookies, so that made me feel good! We really love our centre and are so lucky, so I really wanted to do something for everone that works there. I'll do cookies again this year, but it looks like the popularity of homebaked items may vary from place-to-place, so YMMV.

The teachers/aides (there's an actual preschool program at our daycare) don't earn a ton, and most of them take pt to work too. Also, many of them don't own cars at all so their ability to get somewhere to actually redeem the g/c is limited. Knowing that, I select stores that I know they can easily get to by bus or metro. I much prefer doing a g/c to cash. It just feels better to me.

My only problem this year is that one of the aides in DS' room is a guy. He was there last year too, but DS didn't have him. I don't think he's going to like frou frou fruity soaps, LOL! I'm not quite sure what to do for him, though I did find some hockey puck soap on Etsy...

[HannaAddict]

Gift cards, gift cards and maybe a nice flower bouquet to accompany said gift card. I've heard from soooo many teachers over the years that they have no desire or space or place for miscellaneous, well meaning trinkets, mugs, erasers, teacher gifts from students and would love a gift card. I do Starbucks, since I know mine go and it is a block from school, and sometimes one to a book store. When we do a large group gift card, it is to a nice mall with wide assortment of shops, from chains to independents.

[essnce629]

Last year we got DS1's teacher a Land's End canvas tote and had her initials monogrammed on it. I think we ended up spending $19. DS said she he saw her using it at school every day.

Is this a good gift or should I just do a gift card this year? I'm really into being environmentally friendly and using reusable bags and I thought the tote could be used for lots of different things.

[Ceepa]

Last year we got DS1's teacher a Land's End canvas tote and had her initials monogrammed on it. I think we ended up spending $19. DS said she he saw her using it at school every day.

Is this a good gift or should I just do a gift card this year? I'm really into being environmentally friendly and using reusable bags and I thought the tote could be used for lots of different things.

Considering the ones I bought last month for gifts were the LE medium-size for $12 each I'm going to say "good gift" LOL!

[snowbunnies300]

I think it is disgusting how many gifts were thrown away by teachers at the one school mentioned! They should be ashamed of themselves. I like how one school goes around and takes the "unwanted" gifts and brings them to nursing homes or charity shops. I understand that they do not need a ton of gifts that they will not use but to throw away the gifts is just unacceptable to me. Gosh this has me really hot under the collar!!!!!!!!!!

I have 5 teachers, 5 aides, 5 speech therapists, 3 physical therapists, 7 occupational therapists and one bus driver. If I include gym (2) and library and music (2) I am getting up there in numbers. All added up that's 39 people to buy for...yes folks you read that correctly. So I don't give a rats fanny if they don't want homemade goodies. It's what they are getting. I took a lot of time this summer to make homemade jams. Hours spent standing in front of a hot stove when it was hot outside to make them a gift. Each teacher will get two pint jars of jam. I would be livid to find out that they threw it away. I mean I have three non-verbal autistic children. Many nights were spent making jam as I don't want to have hot jars of jam sitting out when my children are awake.

Also every time I have brought home baked goods to school they have been eaten right up. Our school still allows you to bring in a home baked goodie for snack to share with the class. Each time the teacher has commented to me that it tasted great. I even bring baked goods to teacher conferences and IEP meetings. I tell everyone that a returned jar = another jar of jam. I get jars back! If a teacher doesn't want baked goods that teacher should let it be known at the beginning of the year that only commercially prepared items are accepted.

[marie]

well, we don't have Targets anywhere and the closest Starbucks is 45 minutes away!

DD1's teacher recently announced that she is pregnant with her first and I'm wondering if the class would like to pitch in and get her a gc for a prenatal massage. Not sure if that's too personal but I'd first ask the school admin asst, who is the grandma-to-be, if she'd like that.

Last year, I made personalized wool felt pins/ornaments for each of the specials teachers. Not sure yet what I'll do for them this year. . .

DD2 goes to a home-based nursery program and I'm thinking about getting a kids music CD for the woman who runs it - she recently asked DH if he had any recs since she wanted to get some new music for the kids.

[hellbennt]

I work in a school & can explain why some staff wouldn't eat the food that's made: worry about varied states of what may be deemed as acceptable cleanliness in others' homes

did I word that 'politically correct' enough ;)?

I'm a counselor to 850 kids (of course not ALL of them!) and don't expect anything this year...I, however, give to my ds' teachers.
Target cards and other 'little' things like jimmy pickles (etsy) wristlets, etc

[maiaann]

Part of me is screaming "But I could get them a $150 cashmere throw for $7.99"!



:yeahthat: Thanks for the laugh, Jo!

[ECMom]

Just had to chime in - - my dad is a maintenance helper at a local public elementary school and you would not believe the amount of stuff that he takes out of the teacher trash cans during the holidays. It's a shame. All those knick knacks and gifts, etc.... so many of them are just trashed which is hard to believe.

Most of the stuff is untouched and unopened.... and being the thrifty family we are - he cannot see it going to a landfill. He has brought home TONS of mugs, pen sets, lotions, knicknacks, etc...and most he will donate to goodwill. He has even found Starbucks coffee sets and some really pricey stuff that i guess the teachers just didn't want to bother to take home. You would be suprised at the amount of art supplies and REALLY NICE gift packs of stuff! Again - just tossed.

Alot of the food goes in a public area - and just sits there after everyone leaves... MOST untouched or unopened - - and he is told to trash it so it doesn't sit through the holiday break - - but he is allowed to take it home.

After talking about this with him - - i think i'm just going to give a small cash donation to teachers this year... especially in this economy i think that is the best bet. Gifts are nice, but i know everyone has different tastes and likes.


Wow, after reading this, I don't think they deserve anything. I was brought up learning it's the thought that counts. At least they could take it home to regift or donate.

[MmeSunny]

Wow, after reading this, I don't think they deserve anything. I was brought up learning it's the thought that counts. At least they could take it home to regift or donate.

That is one school, in one district, in one city, in one state. As as 12 year teaching veteran, that IS NOT THE CASE everywhere.

Holiday gifts mean SO much to me. I love the homemade cards, cookies, etc. No, I can't eat them all myself, but I know others who can. Sure, some might get regifted, but NONE is ever simply discarded. My mama raised me better than that, and I don't know of any teacher who would throw students' gifts in the trash.

P.S. Teachers really do LOVE gift cards. Really. Really. Really.

[DrSally]

Burt's bees mini gift bag (little burlap style mini coin purse filled with 3 lip balms) and some godiva choc pretzles. I just realized that I have 7 to buy for, so I think I need to go out and buy more!

[Jo..]

That is one school, in one district, in one city, in one state. As as 12 year teaching veteran, that IS NOT THE CASE everywhere.

Holiday gifts mean SO much to me. I love the homemade cards, cookies, etc. No, I can't eat them all myself, but I know others who can. Sure, some might get regifted, but NONE is ever simply discarded. My mama raised me better than that, and I don't know of any teacher who would throw students' gifts in the trash.

P.S. Teachers really do LOVE gift cards. Really. Really. Really.


Yuh huh. This is just plain rude.

If I knew of a teacher who just THREW stuff out, they would be off my list and get nothing, and I would not feel a pang of regret.

There is always someone who appreciates or wants stuff I might hate, so donate, regift! Throwing it in the trash is INSANELY rude.

[mousemom]

Just to add another perspective, my Dad was a teacher when I was growing up and I remember really enjoying the consumable gifts - the sausage/cheese sets, fancy granola, maple syrup, godiva chocolates, etc. I don't know what my Dad liked best, but as a family we always enjoyed those (or passed them along to someone else if they weren't our taste).

[jerigirl]

I'm planning to order some of those Scholastic gift cards, so the teachers can order books for the classroom.

I ordered some of these gcs as well. I also plan to add a jar of TJ's Pumpkin butter (a rarity here in TX where we don't have TJ's) and for DS1's main teacher, probably something else small.

[bubbaray]

I am doing Starbucks GCs in a LE Lighthouse Tote. Even if they don't like the tote, they can re-gift.

[firsttimemama]

My mom taught at an elementary school for about 30 years. When I got my first job (and I didn't even graduate college), I made more $ than she did. I find it kind of insulting that someone would give a teacher a "gift" that is a giftcard she can spend for her classroom or an object that is for the classroom - UNLESS that is what the teacher asked for. That is not a gift for the teacher. It's a gift for the classroom. Did my mom spend her own money on supplies for her classroom occasionally? Sure. Did that mean she wanted to be recognized at the holidays or end of year with books for her classroom? No.

My mom appreciated home baked things, but she also worked at a small private school and really got to know most people. Gift cards were always helpful because money was tight. Thank you notes were always appreciated.

She got many mugs, ornaments, and bath products that she didn't really want or need. And things with apples on them.

[ehf]

All added up that's 39 people to buy for...yes folks you read that correctly. So I don't give a rats fanny if they don't want homemade goodies. It's what they are getting. If a teacher doesn't want baked goods that teacher should let it be known at the beginning of the year that only commercially prepared items are accepted.

Well then. They'd better like it, I guess.

[ehf]

That is one school, in one district, in one city, in one state. As as 12 year teaching veteran, that IS NOT THE CASE everywhere.

Holiday gifts mean SO much to me. I love the homemade cards, cookies, etc. No, I can't eat them all myself, but I know others who can. Sure, some might get regifted, but NONE is ever simply discarded. My mama raised me better than that, and I don't know of any teacher who would throw students' gifts in the trash.

P.S. Teachers really do LOVE gift cards. Really. Really. Really.

I've taught in four schools in three states and a foreign country. I've never seen teachers throw out presents or edible baked goods. Those that aren't to the teacher's taste end up in the teachers' lounge for people to poach. That being said, some homemade foods just aren't acceptable. If it's going to give you food poisoning, it's not fair to pass it along to someone unsuspecting!!

[ha98ed14]

OUr preschool does a class gift for each teacher (usually a gift card). There are 15 kids in each class and they are asking for $50 per family.

Wow. The preschool must cater to a very wealthy community. I cannot imagine someone asking for that for a teacher gift. Although I guess since it is a pre-school and therefore a private school, maybe it's different.

DH teaches public upper elementary and the one year the room mom did a group gift, they asked for $5 per child. I think they got 1/2 participation because the gift card was for $75 to Lowes. (There are 31 kids in the class).

FWIW, the average gift card amount is about $10-$15. A few who have LOVED him gave $20-$25, but that is a rarity, and it is usually from a family whose older DC had DH as a teacher also, and the parents really like him. But most of the families send baked goods, and we always eat them and/ or share with family and friends at our holiday meal. Baked good for anyone who has a family. If a teacher was single, I think I would do a gc to Target because presenting a woman with a whole dozen brownies for herself is not a gift, IMO. ;)

[snowbunnies300]

This thread really got me hot under the collar. I decided that I needed to talk to the people who work with my children. I asked if they accept homemade gifts at Christmas. I was informed that they all accept homemade items. All that had received the jams from us last year said that they were looking forward to receiving them again. I was also thanked for providing baked goods throughout the year. I still stand by what I said previously. If you don't want homemade items then you as a teacher must make that known at the beginning of the year.

And yes, I don't give a rats fanny if they don't like the gift I provide. If one of the teachers/aides/therapists said that they didn't like homemade items I would of course provide something else. If they didn't like the commercial item I purchased I still wouldn't care. My goal is to show our appreciation for all that they do for our children. I cannot control whether or not they will like what I provide as a gift. Throwing away a gift because it doesn't suit you is wrong in my book. There are so many charity shops that could use that item and sell it for profit. If it is a baked item and you suspect that it is bad or you will get sick from it then yes you shouldn't eat it. I don't believe anyone on the board said you should eat something you feel will make you sick.

[squimp]

After about 7 years of giving teacher gifts, I prefer to contribute to a group card if there is one, and usually I have DD make a card or we make something together. I know a heartfelt, handmade card from my child and a giftcard to a store she likes will be appreciated. Our teachers are always really healthy and would not want a pile a sweets.

Last year the whole class also made a scrapbook that had pictures throughout the year, and quotes and drawings from the kids. The teacher really appreciated it and liked how we worked together to create it.

With group gifts we make a donation suggestion - we might say "if every family donated $5 we could give a gift of x". So if there's 25 kids, that is $125, which is great.

[fedoragirl]

I understand that mothers may be outraged about teachers´throwing away homemade goodies. I would be too if I´d spent time and effort to make them up. However, as pp stated, teachers do not know the level of cleanliness that goes into preparing these items. Personally, I would not want to be the guinea pig. So, in the trash it goes.
I also think talking to the teachers may be a good idea, but I teach higher grades, and we don´t expect parents to give us gifts, nor do we get very many, so we don´t go about talking about our "policy" for gifts.
It has been repeated in this post often--do gift cards whenever possible. If you can´t afford it (and that was the case when I was a student), then get a card and have your child sign it or write the note, if they are old enough. I never gave my teachers gifts, but I always made them a card and wrote an appreciative note in it. Some have still kept their notes.

[BabyMine]

M is in K and we are doing a $25 Target GC and a box of Cinnabons. I brought a box a couple weeks ago for her and the class and she couldn't stop talking about them.

[buddyleebaby]

I wouldn't hesitate to send in something homemade. As a teacher, I loved getting homemade things. As a parent, I am asked to send in homemade things for class parties and bake sales all the time. DD1's teacher sent home hand-dipped chocolate pretzels with her for Halloween and DD1 ate them in the car on the way home. It was not even on my radar to reject them because they were not from a commercial kitchen.

That being said, this year I am buying for three teachers. I got them each an embroidered tote from Etsy and a subscription to my favorite teaching magazine. When the totes come in I will decide what goodies to put in them.

[mrshalco]

I am a paraprofessional in a K-1 classroom. I've worked as a para for 5 years. At our school, I've never thrown out gifts from students and I've never seen it done by any other staff member! If a gift is not something you would eat - it usually goes to the staff lunch room - where it is eaten pretty quickly!!

As a staff member (who doesn't make a lot of money) I do make homemade gifts for DS's teachers. I usually make Peanut Butter Balls, Oreo Cookie Balls, and chocolate dipped pretzels. I then put them in or with something I got for a bargain! Sometimes a Jimmy Pickles wristlet, sometimes a giant Martini glass and sometimes a Flip and Tumble Bag.

Still thinking of what to do for DS's teacher for this year!

[Melanie]

We're at a new school this year, so I'm still waiting to see what their tradition is.

At our last school every class had a card, purchased or made by a room parent, for every teacher who saw the class (which is many). Then they were put in the office for every parent to have the opportunity to sign, and add money to. When I was the room parent I stressed how much I thought it would mean for everyone to sign regardless of contribution. I really liked this 'anonymous' it's the thought that counts method. There are people who would put in $100's (I know, I was the room parent) and some who put in $10-15. The teacher got the cash gift from their class. Now, on the side, people often did other things in addition (or perhaps instead of, I made sure not to 'keep track' of who contributed and who didn't). One year my child was hurt he didn't have a "thing" for his teacher like his friends so I generally try to do something else on the side. I do realize it's probably a burden to the teacher (to have to donate it or whatever) but my little kids' feelings are important to me. Of course since then, he probably doesn't care at all, but one year he did. LOL. Trader Joe's had these awesome Sea Salt Caramels one year, so they each got a box of those. Suitable for regifting if they didn't like them. ;)

Last year I gave them all these bookmarks (or maybe that was end-of-year gifts? I forget.). I happen to think they're beautiful and I figured every teacher has a book somewhere to mark:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SuziesArmoire?section_id=5922210

Since we moved schools, I'm thinking perhaps again this year I would do the bookmarks, but I'm going to wait and see what is usually done here. If it's a set amount situation it will likely already be above my comfort level so that will be all we do.