I don't remember anyone on this thread being ungrateful. The OP asked what teachers like, and got some great suggestions. No hated on this thread.
Who is complaining?
Sorry
I think I was having flashbacks to all the threads the last couple of years where a lot of teachers (not all) were offending a lot of parents by complaining about all the 'junk' and 'useless' and 'unwanted' things they got for presents from their students, and how many of them go straight to the trash
Some teacher even complained about having to lug the things home. And one thought it was far too much trouble to even donate her unwanted gifts. The thread was very insulting to all the parents who take the time to buy the teachers gifts. Gifts they truly think the teacher will like.
If you remember, many of them said they only wanted gift cards.
If a candle was given, some complained that it bothered their allergies, didn't like the scent, their cat would knock it over and burn the house down, or it was too cheap.
Bath and Body Works gifts got many of the same responses as above (and one teacher had the nerve to say that she was well aware that parent's got them when they were on sale---not very nice).
Oranaments, gifts with any teacher symbols (apples, rulers, etc...) were unwanted.
Some didn't want gift cards for school supply stores because they felt those were not a gift for 'them' if it benefitted the whole class and not just them.
Many wanted Starbucks giftcards, but some said they don't drink coffee.
Many said that people need to spend time getting to know the teacher and find out their likes and dislikes, and if they didn't, it meant that no thought was put into the gift.
Mugs were a huge no-no.
Candy and food was a big no-no as well (allergies, might not like, might be on a diet, etc..) and if it was homemade it "went straight into the trash".
Some made fun of the 'cheap' gifts that some kids gave---not considering that the child may not have had much money to spend (they only have what their parent gives them), and maybe the child hand-picked the gift and truly thought the teacher would love it.
It got to where the only acceptable gift for many teachers was a giftcard, but even then, there were complaints about where the gift cards were bought from.
When some suggested that parents must get to know the teacher and choose a gift wisely, I couldn't help but remember buying one teacher something with dogs on it since she was such a dog lover and always talked about all her dogs. But then I learned that wasn't acceptable either, because she probably has a million 'dog themed' items because other people bought her those too, knowing she liked dogs.
It seems like a no-win situation to give some teachers gifts, unless it's cash.
And I have been guilty, just as many other parents, of giving Yankee Candles, Bath and Body Works, and other items that many teachers said they didn't like, didn't want, threw away, or sold at a yard sale (before I read those threads I had no idea teachers didn't want them). The most money I spent on a teacher gift (for a wonderful teacher) was a very nice, pricey shirt, but yes...it did have the dreaded teacher symbol on it (I think an apple and ruler). The thought of her possibly throwing it away or complaining about it when we spent so much and really thought she'd enjoy it really bothered me.
I guess I was just raised that you don't dictate what other people buy you as gifts. And it's impolite to complain about them if you don't like them.
I admit, I am also scarred from my sister who hated what I bought her every year we were growing up, no matter how hard I tried to choose something I truly thought she would like. Her comments were very hurtful. I no longer buy her anything.
So, I apologize---I thought this threat was going to turn into a teacher bashing the gift-giver thread, like in years past.
My comment about the travel mugs was because the teacher said she didn't need them because she doesn't drink coffee....so I pointed out that other liquids can be put in them.
I'm glad to hear that some teachers do appreciate the thought, even if they don't like the gift, and even write thank you notes
