Holiday shopping for teachers -- WWYD?

[undertheradar]

Honest, these are teachers. Not to belittle the profession, do you tip your mail carrier and the store baggers? Sorry, the teachers are paid to do this job. If you feel that they have gone above and beyond, go ahead and tip away. Otherwise, why would you feel guilty?

 

[scrapquitler]

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.

I didn't see anyone say that teachers are making requests Someone asked if the gifts they were considering would be appropriate. A couple of teachers mentioned the kinds of gifts they like to get and appreciate getting...nobody was requesting anything of their students. In fact, most teachers i've ever seen asked on the DIs and other forums say that they appreciate any thought and most say their preference would be for a note of thanks with a copy to the principal for their file.

 

[scrapquitler]

Honest, these are teachers. Not to belittle the profession, do you tip your mail carrier and the store baggers? Sorry, the teachers are paid to do this job. If you feel that they have gone above and beyond, go ahead and tip away. Otherwise, why would you feel guilty?

At holiday time, yes I do tip the mail carrier, the hairdresser, etc. That's what we are talking about.

 

[undertheradar]

At holiday time, yes I do tip the mail carrier, the hairdresser, etc. That's what we are talking about.

I've always thought that tipping teachers equals tipping a judge. Doesn't look right.

 

[CdnCarrie]

Honest, these are teachers. Not to belittle the profession, do you tip your mail carrier and the store baggers? Sorry, the teachers are paid to do this job. If you feel that they have gone above and beyond, go ahead and tip away. Otherwise, why would you feel guilty?

This is how I feel too. Up in Canada teachers make decent money - $45,000 - $70,000. More if you have a master's degree. I don't understand giving them gifts for doing their job. And then if some kids don't bring something it just makes them feel bad.

I sometimes will send a $5 gift card in at Christmas but not always.

 

[vickxo]

I didn't see anyone say that teachers are making requests Someone asked if the gifts they were considering would be appropriate. A couple of teachers mentioned the kinds of gifts they like to get and appreciate getting...nobody was requesting anything of their students. In fact, most teachers i've ever seen asked on the DIs and other forums say that they appreciate any thought and most say their preference would be for a note of thanks with a copy to the principal for their file.

I don't think it came out the way it sounded, i just meant to stress that fact that so many people are so used to giving and getting gift cards as compared to when i was in school it was a crazy thought something we weren't even allowed to do. we couldn't bring in valentines because it made people feel bad if they didn't get one or give one so the idea of giving a gift to a teacher for christmas was big no. sorry if you think i was being rude

 

[luvsJack]

I've always thought that tipping teachers equals tipping a judge. Doesn't look right.

Why so cynical? Teachers do a lot for our kids that is not part of the job description. Sometimes its nice to show that its appreciated.

 

[torinsmom]

When my hairdresser or mail carrier spends more of his awake time with my child than I do, I will be sure to give him/her a $5 gift card, LOL. If you don't want to "tip" your child's teacher(s), then don't. If you are giving me a gift grudgingly, I would prefer you go buy yourself a coffee with that money. I appreciate every gift, whether it is a handmade card or a $20 gift card, but I don't keep score on whose parents gave me a gift. I love what I do, but it is nice to know that the extra things I do are appreciated. So often, teachers only hear when parents are upset about something. Its nice to get an " 'atta girl!" once in a while.

BTW, that mail carrier and hair dresser are making more than many teachers, especially in the South. People tend to point out the teacher salaries in Northern states and assume we all make great money. Even with 30 years experience and a Master's, you don't make much more than $50K in NC.

 

[nilseks]

Honest, these are teachers. Not to belittle the profession, do you tip your mail carrier and the store baggers? Sorry, the teachers are paid to do this job. If you feel that they have gone above and beyond, go ahead and tip away. Otherwise, why would you feel guilty?

Yes, I do give our mail carrier a gift. And our newspaper delivery person. Something small, but a gift nonetheless.

I've been the President of our school PTA for a couple years and I spend a ton of time volunteering in classrooms at our school, which is an overcrowded public school. I know how much the highest paid teacher at our school makes, and my husband makes almost twice that much (but yet here I am giving $5 gift cards because I have massive medical bills from cancer...anyhooo...). Spending as much time at school as I do, believe me when I say they deserve to make twice as much as my husband. If you spend any amount of time in a classroom and you see how much these people give of themselves, you would probably feel differently. But I didn't mean for this subject to be a debate. I'm glad that some teachers chimed in, it's nice to know that a simple $5 gift will be appreciated.

And for the record, I *have* written letters to our administrators regarding great teachers. One of the teachers was not yet tenured and I didn't know it--the next time I saw her, she thanked me with tears in her eyes.

 

[kinntj]

I give something to the teachers every year. Sometimes it's $25 and sometimes it's $5, depending how much we can afford. My 4th grader switches for Science, but I don't plan on getting that teacher anything.

I don't equate giving teachers a holiday and end of year gift with bribing a judge. If teachers made what judges made... The note and gift card is a nice gesture for all the extra things teachers do. I don't feel that this gesture in any way will put my child ahead of the pack and a better position in class. We tend to give these gifts after school, so other kids aren't aware of them. Other parents don't do this, but it just makes it more comfortable for us.

OP, the teacher will appreciate anything you give them. I gave my DD's 3rd grade teacher a $35 gift certificate for a towne center and she said she used it for movie tickets. DD was happy to hear what she used them for. She really loved this teacher!

 

[Suz D]

Honest, these are teachers. Not to belittle the profession, do you tip your mail carrier and the store baggers? Sorry, the teachers are paid to do this job. If you feel that they have gone above and beyond, go ahead and tip away. Otherwise, why would you feel guilty?

I guess I don't think of it as a tip. When I am at a restaurant and have a server that I will maybe see one time in my whole life, I consider that a tip. When it's my child's teacher who sees her every day, takes care of her needs while I'm not there, and most importantly, educates her, I consider that a gift.

When the holidays roll around, I give a gift of a plate of homemade goodies to my neighbors who I never see socially or in any other way than to wave in passing or help take her child to the bus when she needs it. That's definately NOT a tip, it's a gesture of "goodwill towards man" and is in keeping with the season of giving that I love so much. It's not expected...that's what makes it a gift. No strings, no expectations, and definately NO bribe. (saying "that's what makes it a gift" reminds me of Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked. "I'm making you my new project", "you really don't have to do that", "I know. That's what makes me so nice") LOL!

 

[Julia M]

It's always a shame when a thread like this takes a downward turn.

For the record, I have been in education 25 years. In terms of Xmas gifts, many/most of my families over the years have given me nothing. Some have given small gifts or gift cards. Some have even made food (and I guess we're an exception at our school-we eat homemade treats!!). One mom used to be a caterer and brought us a gourmet lunch (sandwiches, a salad and desert) for the holidays and teacher appreciation day. We LOVED that!!

Truthfully, I do appreciate it when I am given a gift, but I would never expect it and it doesn't change how I feel about the kids. But, on a thread on the DIS boards, if someone asks what I'd like better or not, I give an opinion.

If you want to give, give a gift and don't worry about the value. A hearfelt letter is wonderful-I have saved all of mine, but if that's not something you are comfortable doing, that's okay too-many poeple aren't. The point is, people like to show their appreciation on different ways.

Off my soapbox now!

Julia

 

[Gymbomom]

I have bought Bath and Body work stuff the past few years for all the teachers. Both of my kids change classes and have mulitple teachers. I buy the shower gel and hand soap the day after Thanksgiving when they have the incredible deals. I buy the $1 gift boxes and it makes each teacher get aroudn an $8 gift.

I have yet to meet anyone who can't use more shower gel or hand soap. If they had a rare scented allergy, I just helped them with their Christmas shopping and they can re-gift it.

I will say my school does the Teacher Favorites sheets and keeps them in the front office. I try to send something once a month. It might be a block of post its with a note. A $1 box of candy saying I hope you have a great day. I send a pad of post its with a $5 Starbucks giftcard this past Friday. I try to encourage throughout the year and not just on Christmas.

 

[snoopyluvsdis]

Best gifts for teachers(in order of bestness)
1. cheap smelly candles and lotions
2. regift - anything really, its the thought that counts
3. homemade goodies- of course they'll eat it
4. coffee mug
5. christmas ornament
6. framed photo of your kid.