As a Pre-K teacher, and often a family's first experience in elementary school, many parents really want to do something nice --so they get a mug, candy, tote bag, picture frame, teachery gift (with apples or pencils on it), tea/coffee, lotions, body wash, note pads/pens, etc. not realizing or thinking about how many of these items a teacher gets in her career.
Not to be harsh, because the sentiment is very appreciated and I let my parents know so, but all of these items get donated. I don't drink coffee or tea, and like anyone else, I have my favorite lotions/body wash that I use. I have about 10 tote bags already and more note pads and pens than I could ever use.
The main thing you should think about in giving a gift at any time, is if YOU yourself might like to receive it. Teachers are no different; we're just people. We like to go out to eat, we buy gas and groceries, we don't have an overwhelming need for knick knacks or cutesy dust collectors, just as you don't. I always try to let my families know how much I love Disney at the beginning of the year (my welcome bulletin board has paper Mickey balloons with a child's name on each, tied with string, and a large full size photo of me at the bottom, "holding" the bunch)-- that way, even if I get note pads, etc. they are more like to be Disney themed!
Food is also a good item if you don't have a lot to spend. One of the cutest ideas I saw on Teacher Appreciation week this year was a gallon ziploc bag with a package of graham crackers, 2 Hershey bars and a small sandwich bag of large marshmallows, with a cute handmade cardboard topper that covered the "zip" saying "The world needs S'MORE teachers like you!" It was darling, didn't cost much (so easy to duplicate for several teachers) and actually useful, especially if the teacher has kids of her own. I loved it! (Beware giving a whole box of candy or other sweets though-- so many teachers I know are watching their weight and dieting, especially toward the end of the year as summer approaches.)
Truly and honestly, the very best gifts are (1) a heartfelt note of thanks, especially if you have the time to write one page of how the teacher helped your child, how your child enjoyed their year, what they learned, what they experienced or what activities made an impact. I like this more than anything! And (2), as mentioned, gift cards. We can use them. I don't drink coffee but I do like Starbucks hot chocolate on a cold day! Gift cards to Walgreens, CVS or
Walmart are especially nice for me because I like to print a few photos for each child to give them at the end of the year, to help them remember Pre-K! Its great to be able to use them to pay for the photo printing.
Just my 2 cents. Or ten dollars.
I would give you a gift card if you were my child's teacher!
Or maybe not.
