End of the Year Gifts?

[breezy1077]

I'm in complete confusion on what to get and at what dollar amts. What do y'all do?

DS has:
Teacher
#1 parapro (who has been with him for 2 yrs)
2nd aid
Intervention Specialist
Speech therapist
OT

DD (she's a peer model in special needs preschool)
Teacher
2 aids

I give cookies and such at other times during the year and leave bigger gift for end. I was thinking gift cards, but how do I decide how much to give. They all do soooo much throughout the year. Also, I think the classroom teacher should get somewhat more than the others, but if I don't watch out, buying for that group can really add up. (I don't begrudge them one penny though - again they do so much!)

Suggestions?

 

[minkydog]

I have done same-gifts and different-gifts over the years. I know what you mean, though, it really adds up.

This year I decided to make it easy on myself (I work in a middle school--this is a stressful time of year.) I bought inexpensive gift bags and put two packages of flower seeds($3), a pair of inexpensive but pretty garden gloves($3), and a trowel($3), along with a handful of hard candies just for fun. I wrote a note to each teacher/para thanking them for helping my son grow this year. That's $9 x 4, so a total of about $36, plus $1 for assorted Jolly Ranchers

We got some cute corn holders($4) and a "butter boy"($4)(thing for buttering corn) for his bus driver and assistant. So, that's $8 x 2, total of $10.

So, I have 6 nice gifts for under $50. If I was made of money I'd love to get each of them a $25 gift card to the local steakhouse, but alas...

 

[HeatherN]

Bath and Body works has a sale coming up starting June 2. They have antibacterial items that will be five for $15.00 or 7 for $20.00. I like to give them a nice hand soap, lotion and maybe a hand sanitizer too. You can package them up really cute.It looks like you spent more than you did and the teachers usually appreciate the good smelling soaps as they wash thier hands a lot. I have also done hanging plants and gift certificates. I usually do a little more for my diaughters teacher and para. I like to give gift card for pedicures, they seem to really like that.

 

[Momma2dakidz]

I love the antibacterial idea! Heck if they have a sink in the classroom I would buy some AB foam soaps, make a few disposable dish sponges, clorox wipes and hand sanitizer, and good lotion (curel is the BEST!) and make it all in a basket and give it as a "classroom gift".

 

[Hasil72]

Bath and Body works has a sale coming up starting June 2. They have antibacterial items that will be five for $15.00 or 7 for $20.00. I like to give them a nice hand soap, lotion and maybe a hand sanitizer too. You can package them up really cute.It looks like you spent more than you did and the teachers usually appreciate the good smelling soaps as they wash thier hands a lot. I have also done hanging plants and gift certificates. I usually do a little more for my diaughters teacher and para. I like to give gift card for pedicures, they seem to really like that.

Thank you so much for that idea!!! And to the OP for this thread. I struggle every year with what to buy on a limited budget.

 

[karynnix]

My son has a teacher, a special ed teacher, and a para. I have found that gift certificates for a gas station come in really handy...especially now!!

 

[merryweather20]

I'll throw my two cents in here. My brother and I taught swimming lessons for years and years fmy students were all types 6 mos to 80 years. I got alot of thoughtful, well intentioned items over the years that I don't have any more. The only things I do have are those that the students made themselves. One student made me a scrapbook of our year swimming, other students brought me in drawings that I put in another scrap book, I also still have a vase and a lovely indoor wind-chime from my students, and a lovely scarf that one of my older students crocheted. The scarf isn't at all my style but somehow it seems extra warm when I know Agnes made it for me

 

[breezy1077]

Thanks for all the ideas. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll make it to June 2nd for the sale. Last day of school is the 4th, but their end of year party is next week (isn't that strange?) I've decided on small gift cards for the teachers, and a flower/plant with that cute note PP mentioned for everybody. DS always does the cards - homemade of course. Used to be that all he could do were a couple lines, but starting last summer, he's actually able to draw pictures . Thanks again and keep the ideas coming in case someone else can use them.

 

[Piper]

As a teacher, I really don't want my parents to spend money on me. I'd really rather they write a letter letting me know that they appreciate how much their child has learned and grown. I also love getting letters from former students.

In my school, gifts aren't the norm--and that's okay with me. My rewards are seeing the children develop their curiosity and love of learning at an early age!

 

[I Love Pluto]

I agree, Piper. The best "gift" a teacher can receive is a thank you note expressing how you as a parent appreciates all that the teacher has done for your child.

 

[MomOf2DisneyKids]

I'm trying to figure out what to do too! teacher, spec ed teacher, 1:1 aide, OT, speech, counselor, psychologist, all the specials teachers (art, music, gym).
I don't know what to do! I'm thinking Target g/c's for some of them, but I never know who gets what and how much!

 

[belle&beast]

I'm a speeh pathologist in a preschool and I don't expect gifts at all. I really like when I receive thanks you notes from parents/ students. Just a note of appreciation means more to me than anything.

 

[breezy1077]

I'm trying to figure out what to do too! teacher, spec ed teacher, 1:1 aide, OT, speech, counselor, psychologist, all the specials teachers (art, music, gym).
I don't know what to do! I'm thinking Target g/c's for some of them, but I never know who gets what and how much!

There's another thread started on the CB that may have some different suggestions.

 

[scojos]

on the creative disigns thread there are chocolate bar wrappers, which you can have personalised with autism ribbon etc on.
just an idea, i am having them done for my kids, with a bottle of wine, what more could a woman want?
i too am a teacher, and a thankyou as the most important.
How about a picture of your child and some class mates in a nice frame?
i got a mousemat that you but pictures in last year from my class with their photos in, treasured gift
tracy

 

[starbox]

Another teacher here - and I agree that a thank you is the best - but small restaurant gift cards - like 5$ at Starbucks, Cold Stone Creamery, or Chick-Fil-A with a note that says "have a cup of coffee/ice cream/sandwich on us" is a gift that is really thoughtful and will surely be used.