Holiday shopping for teachers -- WWYD?

[nilseks]

Oldest DS is in 5th grade and this is the first year they have switched classes from teacher to teacher. In the past they stayed w/ one teacher all day. This year he has a homeroom teacher who he has 2 study halls and social studies with--then diff teachers for math, reading and science.

He spends the most time w/ his homeroom teacher and really likes him, so I was thinking of getting that teacher a $20 gift card to Dick's. But I don't know what to get the other teachers--I certainly do not plan to spend $20 on each (in the past I spent $30 on the one main teacher or if I *really* think they are a great teacher on rare occasions I will give $50). I was thinking of getting each of the other teachers a $5 Starbucks card. Is that too cheap? Am I better off just giving nothing at all? Or should I really push it and buy a $10 card for each of the 3 of them?

And I should note that I *only* want to do gift cards. I have heard from too many teacher friends in the past that they really only want gift cards and hate getting mugs, bath products and other stuff like that.

 

[nilseks]

I should also mention that I also have to buy a gift for younger DS' teacher, and gifts for each of their religious ed teachers, so that's why I'm trying to keep things economically friendly!

 

[mjkacmom]

We start switching for one subject in third, two in fourth, three in fifth, and four in sixth. I just buy for the homeroom teacher (gift card). I stop in MS.

 

[scrapquitler]

Oldest DS is in 5th grade and this is the first year they have switched classes from teacher to teacher. In the past they stayed w/ one teacher all day. This year he has a homeroom teacher who he has 2 study halls and social studies with--then diff teachers for math, reading and science.

He spends the most time w/ his homeroom teacher and really likes him, so I was thinking of getting that teacher a $20 gift card to Dick's. But I don't know what to get the other teachers--I certainly do not plan to spend $20 on each (in the past I spent $30 on the one main teacher or if I *really* think they are a great teacher on rare occasions I will give $50). I was thinking of getting each of the other teachers a $5 Starbucks card. Is that too cheap? Am I better off just giving nothing at all? Or should I really push it and buy a $10 card for each of the 3 of them?

And I should note that I *only* want to do gift cards. I have heard from too many teacher friends in the past that they really only want gift cards and hate getting mugs, bath products and other stuff like that.

I never gave more than $5 or $10 to any teacher as a gift card. I don't think anyone will think you are being too cheap....that seems to be the norm around here as far as I can tell. I've been known to give them for Michaels, Staples, Dunkin Donuts, Subway, McDonalds, Sonic, etc...

In your case, I'd probably give the $10 to the really great teacher that your DS loves, and $5 for the rest.

 

[Crazy4Disney72]

Speaking as a preschool teacher, we appreciate any amount of a gift card. I have received many $5 gift cards to Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Subway, etc. I think by middle school, many people don't do anything for the teachers anymore, so it would even be more appreciated.

 

[Cindy B]

I teach 6th grade. In my school this is the first year they switch classes. My students have me for Reading, Literacy and Writing as well as Social Studies. The students travel for Math and Science which are two separate teachers. They also have different specials teachers.

In these times, I'd say really a card saying how much the student appreciates the teacher would be worth more than anything. A huge gift for me would be a copy of that letter sent to the principal on my behalf. I'm not tenured yet and a gesture like that would go a LONG way.

 

[richmond282]

I don't see a problem at all with a $5 gift card.

 

[crusoe2]

I teach 6th grade. In my school this is the first year they switch classes. My students have me for Reading, Literacy and Writing as well as Social Studies. The students travel for Math and Science which are two separate teachers. They also have different specials teachers.

In these times, I'd say really a card saying how much the student appreciates the teacher would be worth more than anything. A huge gift for me would be a copy of that letter sent to the principal on my behalf. I'm not tenured yet and a gesture like that would go a LONG way.

I'm a tenured teacher myself and wanted to say that this idea is one of my favorites. It feels great to get positive feedback (a rare event, I'm afraid) and can really boost your spirits. The copy to the principal is a great idea too. In these rough economic times, no job is completely secure - even for those of us who are tenured.

 

[Julia M]

I don't see a problem at all with a $5 gift card.

I agree....a $5 GC is very approppriate, especially in junior high, where they pften aren't remembered at all.

I'm more of an administrator, not a person who interacts directly with kids, but I do interact alot with parents (special needs program-so I check in alot). When I am remembered with a GC like that, I am truly thrilled.

Julia

 

[worm761]

When DS was in middle school I made a basket for the teachers lounge rather give a gift to all of his teachers. Everyone loved it, remembered it, and thanked me. Now, he went to a small Catholic school and they eat homemade treats so I made cookies and wrapped up individual portions in Saran wrap and tied with a piece of string, yarn or ribbon. I always included those small bags of gourmet coffees, hot chocolates, and hot tea bags. I would start buying them once school started so I had a nice gift that didn't really seem to cost too much since the cost was absorbed by my grocery budget. I bought a nice basket at Michael's using a 40% coupon that first year. After that, I knew I would do it again so I bought the cute Christmas baskets when they went on end of season clearance.

 

[DizneyLizzy]

I've been teaching middle school for 7 years and I love getting gift cards - $5 doesn't seem cheap to me at all - it seems thoughtful. $5 at Starbucks is like taking me out for coffee and a snack - and I think that's great!

 

[MrsPete]

From a teacher:

Please do nothing. It isn't necessary by any means. The vast majority of students do not give gifts to their students. It isn't expected, and, frankly, I'm uncomfortable receiving gifts for doing my job.

Above all, please don't send homemade food gifts. While it's a lovely thought, teachers won't eat them. Too much risk.

If you'd like to do something nice for your child's teacher, a simple handwritten card mentioning something specific that you've appreciated is a wonderful thought. If you can't think of something specific that you appreciate, why would you be buying a gift in the first place?

Really, do nothing.

 

[Cindy B]

From a teacher:

Please do nothing. It isn't necessary by any means. The vast majority of students do not give gifts to their students. It isn't expected, and, frankly, I'm uncomfortable receiving gifts for doing my job.

Above all, please don't send homemade food gifts. While it's a lovely thought, teachers won't eat them. Too much risk.

If you'd like to do something nice for your child's teacher, a simple handwritten card mentioning something specific that you've appreciated is a wonderful thought. If you can't think of something specific that you appreciate, why would you be buying a gift in the first place?

Really, do nothing.

I'm with you. I teach in such a high poverty area, I'm uncomfortable even accepting anything from my students. As for treats, well.. I've never gotten them. However, some have and have given them to our security and police officers in the building. They work very long hours and they seem to appreciate the goodies.

 

[nilseks]

Thanks for all the feedback! It's really refreshing to hear that $5 from Starbuck's would be a welcomed gift.

And MrsPete, that is very sweet of you to feel that way, as if you don't deserve a gift for doing your job. But IMO, teachers are so ridiculously underpaid and give so much of themselves to begin with. You should all be making a million dollars, you are doing the most important job there is! So if I can at least send a cup of coffee their way and brighten their day just a little bit, I'd like to at least acknowledge them.

 

[torinsmom]

MS and HS teachers get very few gifts, so anything you do will be appreciated, I am sure.

As for home baked goods, I don't agree they would be thrown out. There have been occasions where I didn't want or like what was sent, buy I always passed it on to other teachers who did. And I was very thankful those parents thought of me.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I know you said you preferred to give a gift card, but another suggestion would be to fill a small gift bag with some supplies like pencils, pens, post-its, etc.

 

[acrayon]

I'm a teacher, and I agree with all of the above--small gift cards are nice, but not needed. The most memorable gift I got was from a student last year for teacher appreciation week. (i'm a first grade teacher for over 10 years) He brought in a 12 pack of diet pepsi! Simple, cheap and thoughtful (it was also accompanied with a handmade card by the student)

 

[hanutedmansionmomma]

Sometimes we'll get a big popcorn tin or cookie tray from the "Family of Kid X" for the lounge in my building. It's a nice snack, and everyone can enjoy; music teacher, secretary, classroom teachers, etc.

That said, I don't expect gifts at all! A nice note would wonderful.

 

[vickxo]

i think it's funny that everyone here finds it so common for teachers to make requests for what kind of gift they would like. when i was in grade school that kind of thing was not tolerated. teachers weren't allowed to accept gifts at all let along say "i'd prefer a gift card." as a kid i always thought that kinda stinks, who doesn't want a gift? when the teachers were give them back to the students but then i also understood because if you couldn't afford to get something you shouldn't be made to feel bad about it or feel like a teacher would like you less than another student who bought them something. i went to a public school and i guess we had some pretty strict private school rules.

 

[DisGirl819]

As a HS teacher, anything that shows a student or his/her family appreciates me goes a long way. Kind words to the administration, especially! I love the cards and letters students and parents have given me (I have them all in a box to remind me why I teach). Gift cards are a fantastic bonus but certainly not expected. I would be thrilled with any token of appreciation, even a simple thank you for being my teacher, from a student.