What GIFTS can I bring back to dd's 3rd Grade class?????

[SandraC]

Hi, I would like to bring back gifts for dd's 3rd grade class from WDW, but WHAT? Last year, we just bought necklaces for dd's 3 closest friends and a Mickey pin for her teacher.

This year, I would love to get something for the class. What can I get? Are their Mickey cookies or something like that? The teacher is easy, always nice things to pick up for her. But what can I get for 25 kids!?!?!?!?!?!

THANKS! Sandra

[campingcorgi]

I teach, and a year or so ago I found a bag that had 24 (or so) small glow-in-the-dark flat plastic heads of Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, etc. I think they were about $3 a bag, and they were a real hit with my class! That was the time that I asked a CM for some extra stickers, and he gave me two rolls! I'm still using those for treats!!

52 days to go

[tjmw2727]

In the countries at Epcot you can get a "dream tale" star. I got 25 from the CM at Germany in-tact - not with the star punched out. Then dd went to each country and the CM wrote the word "dream" in the language of the country. We used her star as a model and sent the 25 blank ones to her first grade class. They were a big hit! My dd and I did a little letter describing the country in 1-2 sentences and the way to write "dream" in each language. The class and my dd loved it. You will see what I mean when you visit the "kidcot" stations at epcot, also it was free!
Enjoy
TJ

[Talking Hands]

I always take back stickers and send postcards to my class. Of course there are only 7 in the class this year.

[Jordan's MOM]

We did find Micky Shaped cookies, candy and crackers at the World of Disney. They aslo had these tiny pre-shrank wash clothes that were pretty cheap. We only got one not thinking it could be much. When we got home and wet it, the wash cloth was real cute with Tigger and the words WDW on it. I can't remember though how much they were. They also had pencils and stickers and erasers. I got postcards for my class too.They were .50 each.We found the best ideas and even some SALES at the World of Disney.


Jordan's mom

[Dr. Happy]

Hi There,
I don't want to sound cold and unfeeling, but why would you want to bring back items FOR THE WHOLE CLASS??? What are you trying to prove?? Accomplish?? Become?? With this kind of extravagence???

I would say just bring back items for your child's friends and maybe the teacher, too. Unexpected giving is awkward and can make people feel indebted or obligated.

I say save your money and bring souveigners back for the ones who would appreciate them...

:confused:

[Spinning]

Some people like to give for no other reason than give something! Each year we go to visit my mom in Florida and go to a beach to collect shark's teeth. In the past I usually find enough to make up enough bags to give to each child in my kids class. ( and if I don't my Step dad has a huge can from years of collecting I can use) It goes along with show and tell. We also give the teacher a bag with the really big ones and extra things we find neat little jaw bones and stuff...My kids love it and so do the kids that get them..has nothing to do with "proving" accomplishment" etc....
I think if we didnt' head to this beach I would bring back some type of food, for class snack.

[tjmw2727]

Gee, I can't speak for others but personally I am not trying to prove anything nor am I extravagent. We are just sharing a great experience with DD's class. As Spinning mentioned we also made it part of show & tell. Dosen't have to be expensive and can be a great learning experience. In fact our "class gift" cost nothing but dd learning to write the word "dream" in several different languages and teaching her class. On our Clearwater Beach trip dd's collected seashells and we also made a "goodie" bag for both classes. It consisted of some sand, seawater and a shell. It was my dd (7 yo's) idea to share a beach in a bag.

I also don't "expect" anyone else to do or bring for the class but in our experience many do. Some spend more than I do but that's their decision.

[Meagansmom]

I agree with both sides on this idea. And I also think this is a matter of personal opinion. I also have thought of picking up something for a class I volunteer for. I volunteer 3 times a week for a first grade class. I got involved with my daughter being in another 1st grade class. I go in to help them to learn to read. I have grown somewhat fond of some and I thought I would maybe look at the book store at DTD. Now I do not plan to spend a fortune in now way or if I even do this. I just thought it would be great to maybe give a gift of something to read and give me alittle smile to hear some of them read a book to me. Just a thought.

[Kermit]

I once saw a family using a penny press that had a basic Mickey head to make a penny for each child in the class. It's only $.51 for each penny.

[MinniMama]

Dr happy How could a cookie or pencil or sticker make you feel awkward, obligated or inbebted? She stated it was to be a small item like a cookie:confused: :confused: As a teacher I can tell you many many parents send in treats throoughout the years and I have never had anyone tell me they felt indebted. As a matter of fact I doubt the parents will ever even know as kids tend to eat or use up these type of gifts and kids never feel obligated just appreciative. Be happy- enjoy gifts becasue i can tell you the giver enjoys giving!:D

[Dr. Happy]

Oh, I am not against "token" items, particularly a "cookie" or "teaching others to say a word in 7 languages." I am, however, opposed to extravagent gifting, the kind that I have seen in schools in the North East and the South East...

Case in point: A family (of some affluence) at one of my schools (the highest achieving elementary school in North Carolina - and a public school, I am proud to say...) brought back "goodie bags" that consisted of a pewter Disney collectable, a Disney "school essentials pack" in the shape of a small backpack (pencils, ruler, notepad, erasers, stickers, etc.), Mickey chocolate bars, a miniature statuette of the Contemporary Resort, and a picture of the vacationing child's whole family eating at a character lunch. Now tell me that isn't extravagent???!!!???

When the parent was asked by my colleague about the excessive nature of the gift, the parent replied, "But my child WANTED to do that..." Knowing the child as we did, we were surprised as she is about the most reticent child there is... But Mom & Dad, on the other hand, are two of the most status-conscious and materialistic individuals you have ever encountered. Why drive any car but a Jaguar?? Because it doesn't convey the kind of status like the Jaguar does... Should I go on????? (So the elaborate gifting was more a dynamic of the parents, not the child...)

Doing such things explicitly and implicitly conveys to others what you have done, what they have not done, and is a socialized (i.e., meaning "more acceptable") way of flaunting. Now, try doing that in a "poorer" school (i.e., meaning "lower income families") and you will get a more pronounced response...

And the original poster happened to mention bringing back necklaces. For the entire class?? With all due respect to the original poster, I feel compelled to say "Come on people, let's keep this within some semblance of reason!!!!"

As the poster had mentioned these items were purchased for only a few friends last year. I pray the "voice of reason" will hopefully make itself known in the not-to-distant-future about the current desire to bring back something...

Let's keep the purchases in line with reason and in respect of others who can't return the favor. And if you don't feel awkward in receiving something from some individuals sometime, particularly from someone you don't particularly like, then you must be practicing the age old addage of "not looking a gift horse in the mouth..."

Please pass the Pepto...

:rolleyes:

[RAV]

If bringing each child in the class a small token from your trip is what you want to do then by all means, do it. I hope that you succeed in finding a reasonably priced item. It's lovely to teach your child that she is fortunate and to include her classmates in the vacation experience.

[SandraC]

Hi, thanks for all your replies. Let's get back my original question of what to bring back for my dd's 3rd grade class please.

Now, tell me about these Mickey cookies? How many in a package? What size are they? I was thinking bring back cookies and I would love to pick up "Dream" stars from Epcot, the kids would just love those! I read about Mickey shaped pasta, are they good for crafts? What else????? I am looking for somethings that aren't going to take up too much space as we are flying.

I love these kids soooo much. I have been volunteering in dd's school since kindergarten, 4 years now! I've watched these wonderful children grow up! We have a lovely school with great families. We appreciate each other very much.

When I was in school on Friday, the teacher, dd and I chatted about a project of dd making a video for the class. I printed a list of animals that are at AK for dd to check off ~ the animals will be a big hit with the class. Since we are staying at CSR, she will video tape the Dig Site and we'll even make up a little questionnaire for the class. dd's is already writing her video plan, it's so cute and the kids will love it! I told the teacher that we'll make the video educational and not too much "here's is dd with Mickey!" The teacher laughed and wants to see dd with Mickey!

We are so lucky to have such wonderful friends, teachers, staff and volutneers at our school. I would do anything for them. We share mutual love and respect.

So please KEEP THOSE IDEAS COMING!!!! Only 14 more days! THANKS ALL!

[Mish]

In the food court at the resorts they have Mickey shaped straws for 35 cents. I took some home to give to my DS friends at his birthday party that was just a few weeks away. Michelle

[Jordan's MOM]

Hi Sandra C,

ABOUT THOSE COOKIES, we found a couple different things that might work. DD had boxes of fancy gormet type cookies with enough in a box for a class. We also found in the parks, single serve bags of character shaped cookies. Theses are a lot like animal crackers. They also had mickey shaped pretzels in these type bags. They were under a dollar each. My 3rd grade DS ended up getting this big bag of sweet tarts with goofy stamped on them. A couple dollars I think. I would have had no problem buying nicer gifts for his class if it had been in our budget. His public school has such a mix of different children. There are children from affluent homes down to children new to our country with families with very low income. Most fall in the middle. How sad that parents want to use gifts as status symbols. There are several parents of children in DS class that often buy treats for the children with the stipulation that the children or parents aren't told who they are from. The morning we spent buying gifts for others was one of my favorite things at WDW. Buy what you are comfortable buying.

Jordan's mom
(The other Sandra C)

[disneyvacationmom]

The gift shops sell bags of mickey shaped pretzels. They're cute and not too expensive. Have fun Sandra.

[Jenn]

I just purchased cookies for my daughter's class 3 weeks ago. I bought 2 boxes of Mickey shaped vanilla cream cookies (think Oreo but vanilla). They were $3.50 per box I think.

My feeling was this - she missed a week of school which her teachers were totally fine with (just preschool mind you) and all her little friends knew she was at Disney. So, we thought it would be nice to bring back a little something - key word - little. The Mickey pretzels were also in the running but DD decided on the cookies. They had the cookies for snack the day she got back and the teachers sent home a little note saying thanks and welcome back.

[MinnieGi]

PENCILS!

Inexpensive and very useful! :)

Your video idea sounds great. Good luck with it!

[Dr. Happy]

If the video for the class was actually limited to animals at AK, I can see how that might be OK, but if "other" material gets filmed, i.e., cousin Zev on the Dumbo ride, Aunt Barbara in line for Haunted Mansion, Grandpa Tibor resting by a flower stand on Main Street, I as a parent would definitely have objections about it...

In all due respect to the original poster, I see very little relevency in having your home movies occupy the instructional time in a child's class. If you could actually keep the movie entirely on animals at AK that might be alright, but I really don't see how you could easily do that, unless you change tapes frequently or use a different camcorder...

Again, it just sounds like another example of "Hey everyone! Let's ALL WATCH how much fun my family had at Disney World!!!"

Forgive me, but that sounds very tacky...

:confused:

[SandraC]

6 Days to go and we are thrilled! I still can't get over my kids ~ they love Disney, but this trip they are absolutely BEAMING about it! My son gets all bright eyed when chatting about Dumbo ride and my daughter is looking forward to Cindy's. Disney added Spectro Magic three times during our trip so I'm going to surprise her with that!

Thank you all for your great suggestions, I've decided on a couple boxes of Disney cookies for a recess snack and the Mickey Pastas for both dd's class and my art class (I teach kids art) for crafts. Did the cookies travel well? I don't want to end up with cookie dust for the kids LOL! I love the pencil idea too! I will send a postcard to the class as well, they'll love that! Another family from dd's class is going to WDW in the summer and asked that I bring back info, so I'll do that for them. They are such a great family! They will have a blast! I love all your gift ideas for dd's class ~ keep them coming! I AM SOOOO EXICTED! Sandra :)

[waughzee]

I brought back little goody bags for the children in my son's class last December. I got 25 of the smallest bags they have (free for the asking!) Then I found lots of freebies to put in...the soaps, shampoos, resort pens (Mousekeeping will leave extra if you leave a little note with a couple extra bucks. ;) ) We also got stickers, straws and I bought chocolate coins with Disney characters on them!

I do like the pressed penny idea-might have to do that this year! :)

[RAV]

We wrapped some clothing that we didn't wear around the cookies to keep them whole on our return trip. The pasta was also a big hit with our son's friends.

[jennie]

How about a book or two for the classroom library? Did you say they were studying animals?? I bet AK would have lots of choices.

My daughter's 2nd grade teacher actually gave my daughter money to get a postcard for everyone in the class. That was a suprise...and how she suffered over each card. LOL

Even cheaper...how about brochures, maps, Disney napkins etc..

The pretzels and cookies sound like a great idea too!

Jennie

[Spinning]

Actually Dr P a video tape can be a very good study/learning project. Especially from the way Sandy has describe it. DD would be making up ?? about animals and different educational stuff. Granted I agree the tape should just be the educational side of Disney. Usually when kids make these types of tapes they are about 10 minutes in length. And you can easily transfer what you want off the tape to another tape. Do it all the time and I am not a film expert. I am sure her child has homework assignments to do and this is a neat way to add to it. She has to think, organize and present the information. Do you think it was right my DD in Kindergarten had to do a journal and PRESENT it to her class when she returned? She talked all about Disney, the beach etc...all fun stuff and I am sure most of her class didn't have a vacation to Disney.

[SandraC]

Hey Spinning! That's right dd is doing the video herself. (well most of it) I am making suggests like, "I don't think the video needs to be three hours long." LOL!

I am guiding dd towards AK since we already printed up a list of animals to be found at AK. We will also take tape of CSR Dig Site Pyramid ~ with the Mexico / Southwest USA theme. dd and I are working on a questionnaire for the class. dd will make little commentary about the animals and Mexico and we'll make questions like, "Gorilla's are found in what part of the world?" or "What is the name of the type of pyramids found in Mexico?" It's going to be great! I think the video will only be about 10 minutes long. With about 5 questions, the whole thing will take about 30 minutes by the time the kids have a cookie and ask some questions ~ teacher will likely run this in with recess. I volunteer at the school and I do a lot of fitness time clubs for the kids at lunchtime and recess (I teach fitness, yoga and chlidren's art classes), so I'm usually there already to assist. We have two VCR's and it's extremely easy to edit our tapes, we do it all the time. Our vacation tapes are excellent if I do say so myself. Last April 2001 WDW trip, we took 4.5 hours of video tape and I managed to edit it to 25 minutes for friends and family to watch. They appreciated the brevity while still getting the idea of the trip. Kind of like a slide show. We (me, dh and the kids) enjoy the 4.5 hours and watch bits and pieces all the time to get ready for next weeks trip!

I adore all your ideas ~ please keep them coming! BOOKS FOR THE CLASS LIBRARY! I LOVE IT! That's on my list now! Sorry to go on and on and on ~ I am just sooooo excited about the trip next week. You all added tremendously to our enjoyment. I hope I can help you too! Chat soon! Sandra

[Dr. Happy]

at least it doesn't rub reality into the noses of children that will never go to WDW...

About the video, I am really skeptical about how this is going to be done. A questionnaire?? Oh please, I don't mean to be a party pooper, but why should other students be exposed to your home video and then asked questions about it??? It certainly wouldn't fly down here. Feel free to be as excited as you want about your Disney trip, just don't rub it in the noses of children to much (they wouldn't want to do yoga, then).

I think this topic is getting just plain silly!! Why stop at a "questionnaire", why not give a test!! Afterall, anything your family does is of absolute interest to every other family in the school...

Those that are delusional, please line up to the left...

:rolleyes:

[SandraC]

Hi all, I have written all your wonderful ideas on a list and I'm certain dd's friends at school are going to enjoy their gifts and the video. dd's teacher made up a lovely little journal for dd to record her daily activities and share with the class ~ she is such a great teacher, very thoughtful and considerate.

I have a question about the penny press that some of you brought back for your children's classes. Did you use one machine or spread it out so the kids got different scenes? Last April we got one at Magic Kingdom and I wish we got more.

Also about getting 25 bags, do you mean the littlest gift bags from the Disney Store? That would be a great idea! I'd pay for them.

dd goes back to the hospital at the end of school for more tests (she has had three open heart operations, her first WDW trip was a MAKE A WISH / GIVE KIDS THE WORLD TRIP) she gets nervous about the hospital (it was waaaaay easier for her when she was younger) I think this trip more than any other has us all thrilled and feeling great because we all face the hospital soon after return! We are soooooooooo grateful for the people in our lives. We truly understand the value of life and of friendships ~ Again we appreciate your time and thoughtful ideas! Have a great day! Sandra

[MinniMama]

Dr Happy those that are critical can line up to the far right please. This has been ana wesome thread and given me nice ideas. Sandra have an awesome trip we will be there at the same time. As a teacher I applaude your efforts to make an educational video. My daughter used postcards to peresent her trip one for each thing we went on. Her teacher loved that she wrote all the cards. Good thoughts for your daughter's recovery! Will you be wearing a green ribbon? We are at POR 4-20-4-26 have a blast!! Buy all the presents you want! Kids love generosity it's just adults who have issues!!

[WDW2002]

I too have questions about why one would bring back something for the class or even the teacher. I understand you being close to the students and the teacher because you have been helping out in the class. I think that this is in a way rubbing it the noses of the children that yours daughter went to WDW (and they didn't)??

A couple years ago my children bought their teachers and their best friends christmas present a Disneyland. But I would never imagine them doing this at any other time of the year.

[Jordan's MOM]

Hey Sandra C, it's the other Sandra C!

I too have a problem with the video.Why did you not come up with the idea before we took our third grader in January!! He would have loved to have done his report of Disney for school this way. He had to write up a report of Disney and he hates to write. It will be very easy to keep the tape educational. The animals being the focus is a great idea. For the next trip how about one of the countries in the World Showcase? I feel just like I am in the country after a little time or a meal there.I still fail to see how a few gifts can hurt. DS's teacher had to go to a lot of extra trouble to get his work together before our trip and to give him some make up test afterwards. She is a wonderful teacher that values travel as an educational experence.She deserved a gift from Disney. As for the kids, they already know you DD is going to be a DW that week. How can it make them feel worse for her to bring them back a small treat to say,"hey, I though of you while I was gone." I am a early childhood major who has worked with a lot of kids in a lot of different settings and I think sometimes we don't give them enough credit. They are often happy for the good things that happen to other people.

As far as family time and friends, you have a grip on what matters most in life. While we now have a healthy DS,we spent many months in NICU with him as a baby. We learned to vaule family, friends and quality times.We have no problem saying thanks with a small gift. Prayers are comming from me for the precious DD and lots of Disney Magic for that soon coming trip.

Jordan's mom

[Dr. Happy]

that my youngest daughter has an irrepairable kidney defect and although we are happy to bring back gifts from Disney for her close friends we never make it a point of bringing something back for every single child in the class.

The video - educationally lame. Those that profess to be "educators" need to start looking at the outcome research in this area... Very little value...

I think its really presumptuous that you think home movies are educational, that every child in your child's class should view it, and that you will ask questions about its content. You would not be able to do that in my school, North Carolina's highest achieving elementary school (state wide!).

Life does not orbit around one person or one family, my dear...

:cool:

[SandraC]

THANKS JORDAN'S MOM (the original SandraC ~ LOL!)

The countries would have been perfect for the video! I think I'll get a bunch of postcards of the countries for dd's grade 3 class ~ if I end up with 'goody bags' they would make a great addition. Postcards wouldn't be a lot of room in my luggage either. THANKS! Sandra

[BethC]

I'm not sure why this seemingly innocent thread is turning into such a hot topic, but I'd like to remind everyone to not attack others for their ideas.

I'd like to point our that the original question was "What GIFTS can I bring back to dd's 3rd Grade class?" The original poster did not ask if this was a good idea or not, nor did she ask for criticism or personal attacks about the gifts or ideas she chose. If anyone would like to debate whether or not people should bring back gifts to their children's classroom and which type of gifts would be the most appropriate, please feel free to do so on the debate board.

Thank you!

:)

[Dr. Happy]

BethC,
Maybe if you read the whole thread you would see that the topic evolved and that there was dialogue in many different ways on this issue. Just because you disagree with the people that disagree with the original poster doesn't mean you can direct the content. People are free to disagree, please allow them that luxury...

:rolleyes:

[gepetto]

I'm with Dr. Happy on this one. Especially showing your vacation video. It's too much like "see what I got to do every day while y'all were stuck at school all week".

[WDW2002]

As moderator Beth C. requested you can continue to debate this on this thread on the debate board (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=1644740).

[SandraC]

Jordan's Mom got me thinking about Epcot countries (thanks original SandraC). Are there little souveniers in the gifts stores that represent the countries? I don't recall anything from last trip. I remember going into the shops, but nothing jumps out at me on the "little things". I'm thinking flags, pins, food from that country that got be brought home. Thanks! Sandra

[tjmw2727]

Originally posted by SandraC
Jordan's Mom got me thinking about Epcot countries (thanks original SandraC). Are there little souveniers in the gifts stores that represent the countries? I don't recall anything from last trip. I remember going into the shops, but nothing jumps out at me on the "little things". I'm thinking flags, pins, food from that country that got be brought home. Thanks! Sandra

Thinking back on the shops at Epcot that would be fun but could get pricy quick :-)

How about getting a passport book for the clas? IE Mrs. Smith's 3rd grade class and have a CM in each country sign to the class. Some of the CM's are so creative they may elaborate for you. I was thinking of doing this last year but did the dreamfinders instead.

I got a really great coloring book at AK with all the animials and some word search pages in it for dd's class. I copied the pages so each child got their own book and then gave the book in-tact to the class. Maybe this could go along with your dd's animal video.

My youngest was in Kindergarten this fall and her class was doing a unit on weather. My dd kept a weather chart during our trip. All the students had fun comparing our florida weather to their Massachusetts weather the following week.

Loving all these ideas - keep them coming!
TJ

[Kermit]

To answer the penny press question--the family that I saw used the same design for all of the pennies. While it did take them a while at one machine (they let other people cut in and use it as they approached the machine), it would prevent the "He got Donald and I got Mickey" arguements.

[AF Brenda]

As I said on the DB thread, I think SandraC has handled herself beautifully in the face of the attacks against her on this thread. I think that it says much more about the person that would publish a PRIVATE message than it does about the sender.

[Spinning]

This is too much! this thread I am sure is going to be locked soon. I like Sandra's style and the way she handled herself with this thread. I am sorry Dr. happy if you feel other wise and felt the need to post her PM.
Sandra Have WONDERFUL trip! We cant' wait for you to tell us all about it! I wish I could be down there and spend time with your family! I know you will have a wonderful time and make many people around you happy!

[SandraC]

WOW! Thanks everyone. Your supportive PM's were so nice to read, thank you all! I think this thread will be locked soon too. That's ok, I got lots of great information from you all. dd's class is going to love their gifts and video! And thanks to you all, our trip is going to be wonderful! I appreciate the time you all took to reply and I am thrilled with the endless amazing new info I read on these boards daily! As our trip approached, our excitement mounts! THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!

In turn, I hope I can help you all with your trip planning ~ I enjoy helping people! THANKS A BUNCH! Sandra C

[Baloo]

As Moderators for these boards we are here to make sure everyone is treated with respect and that no one feels uncomfortable here.Especially when it's a topic as innocent as what sort of inexpensive souvieners can be found for a childs class.I HAVE read the entire thread and can't figure out why some continue to belittle the idea and my fellow Moderator.ENOUGH!!! We have a forum for that. A place we all have agreed it's okay to disagree.It's called the Debate Board. If those of you who wish to continue this "debate" on do you think bringing class gifts back from WDW is a good idea or bad idea feel free to add to the thread that was started over there.I'm not locking this for now as I think there are many great ideas and maybe more out there.

Thanks y'all!

[SPAGo 98]

Sandra, i think bringing back a little token thing for the children is a marvelous idea. i remember when one girl came back from her vacation and gave out little seashells to each student. the teacher then took that idea and ran with it - she incorporated the idea of seashells into a lesson, and fun was had by everyone. they definitely were not expensive or showy, but us kids sure liked them. :)

[SandraC]

SEA SHELLS! Great Idea. I still have sea shells from a Florida trip dh and I took in 1986! dd now plays with them.

Last year at the LARGE Disney Store in DD I saw lots of stickers and kids Mickey tatoos too. I love the ideas that folks came up with here. SEA SHELLS! Again, excellent idea! Thanks Sandra

[campingcorgi]

I teach first grade, and I love it when the children bring souvenirs to share with the class.

Everything is educational to a child! And while they may not be able to go to Disney now, they can learn from others and dream.

P.S. If you ask a CM s/he may give you a whole roll of Mickey stickers. I got a roll several years to use for souvenirs for my class and I'm still using them for treats.

41 days to go

[SandraC]

tjmw2727 ~ you are right about EPCOT shops likely to add up big time $$$$. Funny, I know I went into the shops at Epcot, but I don't remember the little things. I remember clothes. I love the Epcot Passport idea! Our school has a wonderful multi-cultural student body that we are proud of and I think they would all love to see their countries represented in Epcot Passport. That would open discussion for all the students whose families are from different countries! I love it when the kids from dd's class come back from vacation and tell us about their adventures. Last year dd and I where invited to dd's friend/classmate from Egypt. His family went to Egypt for two months in the summer. Upon return we where invited over for treats from Egypt and LOTS of wonderful pictures. dd was so impressed to see Abdalla beside a pyramid. His family brought back such interesting and wonderful things for the school too. I have several stories like that ~ we are a sharing school. Your ideas are great!

I like the *teaching kids other languages too*!

You all gave such wonderful ideas about what to bring back for dd's class that I think lots will spill into the next trip! LOL! KEEP THEM COMING! Thanks! Sandra

[Jordan's MOM]

Hey Sandra C,

The other Sandra C here, You don't remember the World Shoecase shops because like me, you had the kids along.I love looking there and it seems that DS and DH are always too tired by that point. Next trip we might go with another couple so we can trade off childcare ( not confortable with childcare at WDW) and I plan to spend my night off with DH in World Showcase!!


Jordan's mom

[trishy]

I'm glad I found this thread. I, too, volunteer regularly in my children's classes and have just "fallen" for all of these wonderful kids. The idea of books for the classroom is excellent! I'm going to have to do this. Copying the coloring book pages from the AK book - also excellent. I wonder if there are special WDW logo pencils - that would go over well and be practical and appropriate for the classroom. Anyone know if there are and where these would be found? Those epcot flags were pricey - my kids wanted them in Dec. and I believe they were around $4-$5. I leave in June so I'm taking notes from this thread.:p

[rbuzzotta]

I have given my DD's preschool class gifts (only 10 students). Once a CM gave me enough of those Mickey coloring books and stickers for entire class. I usually buy those Mickey or Pooh lollipops (5 to a bundle@ about $3.) and give each child one.

Only for the preschoolers though!!! They truly appreciate it, not like the Middle School children!!! (my oldest is in Middle School)

[luvdsny]

We like to bring back little token gifts for my children's classes. Lollipops, stickers, toys, etc. It's a nice way to say that I thought of you while I was gone. :) This is a great thread! :) I enjoy the debate too. ;) It's healthy. :)

[Tinkerbells2000]

I love this thread. We have done a couple of things, and have had a couple of different things brought back to us. One of the things that we have done is since my husband and myself do a lot of work with kids and music, for the kids that we work with, ie, Suncday School, and other Church kid things, we always go to the different countries in Epcot, and get few musical instruments that you can not not find around here, tell them where the instrument is from, and during certain songs, different kids get to play around with them. This could easily be done for a classroom too.. Some teachers have stuff like this around for kids to look at and play with. They are not that expensive, and the kids love playing them. Also, there are always little fun things on clearance, and cheap.. WE often hit the sale racks...


What we have had done for our kids at times are Mickey ears... Someone had found some animal kingdom ears on clearance for about $1 a piece, and brought those back for the whole class. Hitting the outlets are always a good idea, we have found a lot of the themepark items there for cheap.... This is a great topic, and has given us some ideas for the next adventure to Disney.......... Only 148 more days to go....

[Pin Wizard]

Great ideas, indeed! I'm all for the stickers, pencils, pretzels, etc. Small items are not a big deal. Kids like them all and I don't see how parents would object whether they are upper, middle, or lower class. When my son was in first grade, one of the girls in class whose parents are both attorneys gave each classmate a CD for Christmas. Fine, it's their choice. You graciously say thank you and keep going. Not a big deal.

[whirlsy]

i think dr. happy needs a dose of his own medicine, happy, i think you need to change your name, we brought back the children in my daughters 1st grade class pencils and stickers and suckers all bought from the walmart in orlando, they had mickey shaped suckers that came 12 in a bag they had mickey and minnie pencils that were 12 to a bag and stickers were dirt cheap, then we added sea shells from our beach trip, i think your doing a wonderful thing including the children, they appreciate it soooo much, and your teaching your child to be a loving and HAPPY child by sharing with others.

[Steffi]

I've never really thought of bringing a memento back for my daughter's whole class...but what a great idea. Cookies, stickers, soaps or other little items...I know we'll be gathering things next time! I have to say...I love it when my friends bring me back little thoughtful things from their vacations. I feel lucky to have been thought of...it never occured to me to think of it as bragging on their part. I can't imagine that children would be any less appreciative than myself, a jaded old woman :) And I know my daughter will love sharing! Thanks for all of the tips on free or inexpensive tokens:)

[Jeno]

My son's teacher went for a trip to WDW during spring break, she brought all the kids back one of the curly straws with Mickey or Minnie sitting on the curls. I can't tell you how much my son LOVES this thing. Straws are always fun for him, and having Mickey share his drink with him is even better. He talks about how Mrs. C went and all the things she told them about WDW and he really can't wait till our trip in august.

I have no clue how much they were, but they were small enough and simple enough I'd think.