Ideas for inexpensive souvenirs for the whole class?

[TwitterMouse]

My sis works at a nursery/preschool, and teaches 1 1/2yr- 2yr olds. She got a book of Disney stories for them and had a bunch of characters sign it. It was one thing for the whole class, but they loved it

 

[MrsJackSparrow]

We always bring back a big bag of Mickey head pretzels for each DK to share with their class. The kids really like them.

 

[bluejasmine]

I dont think its tacky at all.. Most children dont that way..I have to be suprised that anyone would think that way. I know I am always suprised and grateful when someone else brings me or my kids something back from their vacations..Also I know teachers dont always make alot of money so the fact that you care enough to bring your class back something is very sweet..
Anyhoo, I second going to that store in DTD they sell a bunch of stuff cheap..I cant remember exactly where it was tho..

 

[FOV]

We've been on the giving end AND the receiving end of souveniers from vacations.

My dd's friend went to Florida and brought back seashells she found on Sanibel Island for all the kids in the class. My daughter was in 2nd grade when she received that gift and now she is in 5th and she still treasures her seashell. She has also been given a key chain from Hawaii, many postcards and other misc. trinkets from all sorts of places. She keeps everything in a special little box.

When we went to WDW a few years ago she bought chocolate coins with a picture of the castle on them and handed them out to everyone in her class (with teachers permission, of course.) The kids were very excited - although I like the other ideas in this thread better.

 

[steffali]

I vote for pencils

 

[gems_smiling]

I think the book of Disney stories idea with character signatures is a great idea and something that you can enjoy with the children. If not then stickers always go down well in the school and preschool i have helped out at.

 

[ImagineEar]

Well Metallicat,

If you feel it's tacky, then perhaps YOU shouldn't do it...and perhaps you shouldn't publicly pass judgement on others who choose to either.

 

[kirstiebird]

We've found that we always have tons of "snacks" left on our Disney Meal Plan -- this works out perfectly because we cash in our unused meals and snacks for Mickey rice crispy treats on our last day. Our last 5 day trip netted us 30+ treats, which we brought back to classmates!

 

[BuzzPrincessMom]

I didn't realize the pencils were so expensive...but it is Disney...I will be looking for those straws though.

The children my kids play with in the neighborhood would be estatic with a small present from WDW. I told one today that we would try to send them a e-mail postcard and he just lit up. I am not doing it to brag...these other kids have never been and just want to share some pixie dust.

 

[DisneyDork712]

Really?? Because everytime I've been my class has been so excited. Traveling on an airplane to another state is thrilling to them. We all talk about where Florida is and what types of trips they've been on. They treasure anything I give them (they still love their teacher in 2nd grade) and I would much rather it be something they can hold and keep than something they just consume. My DD has also brought back gifts for her friends and they are thrilled that she thought about them on her trip, just as she is when her friends bring her sourvenirs.

The same goes for my class! I work in an after school program and have mainly 4th and 5th graders in my room. They love looking at my pictures, videos, maps, ANYTHING from my Disney trips! I have found that anything edible (candy, pretzels, suckers, etc) works really well for kids this age. The straws and pencils also went over VERY well last year (Hooray for the Disney Outlets!!) - the kids also love getting things they can use either at home or school. I really like the idea of getting the characters to sigh a book for the class. I can't wait to see what I can find for them next time!!

 

[Wendy1953]

They sell bundles of mickey lollipops, you could buy a few of them and break the bundles up, sheets of stickers, little more expensive but you could purchase a Disney Dollar for each child, take a pad of plain paper and have characters write each childs name and autograph them for you(not the same characte-that would be too much to ask-but ask for two from each character you see), depending on how many days you're there and how many children are in your class---collect the complimentary soaps/shampoos/lotions and hand them out to the class. Also you could get a souvenir penny for each child. You could even purchase a bag of Mickey Pretzels and give each child some!

 

[Bev J]

I have a daycare and my kids always look forward to something from Mickey!
Stickers are always a big hit. I make up little bags for them with the soap and shampoo they can hardly wait to get the bags home (the parents tell me this). I have bought character coloring books and made copies for the kids so they can color them. Last time I got them the little rubber bracelets they loved those.
I also get a new Disney book each trip to take home for reading time.
I am always on the search for something special for my kids but don't want to break the bank doing so!

Bev

 

[corrinna]

I think my 6th grades would LOVE anything I brought them from Disney!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[slp87]

I just remembered something else I did on our first trip with DD. I sent postcards back to her friends. Except instead of being from her I wrote them from the character who was on the front. I think I said something like, "I met your friend Elle today and she told me what a special friend you are so I wanted to say hi!" and I signed the characters name. They all loved it!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I volunteer at our local Community Center and always bring something back for the children I teach to read.

I have found great Disney things (big pens, princess pencils, Christmas Mickey playing cards, etc.) at fantastic prices at the local dollar stores. While they are not actually bought AT DW they seem to delight both the kids and my wallet.

I even do things in reverse as I take some of those items with me on my trip to pass out to the children I often meet in the parks. Sometimes it is for a birthday or other special celebration and even kids are thrilled to get something for FREE at DW. It is especially special at the Holiday times.

I love to share details of my friend's vacations and am delighted that they got to go and am never envious (even when they are at DW and I am not).

I have to admit that the kid's favorite gifts are the Mickey soaps and shampoos though. On our long trips we accumulate quite a few and we have had Mousekeepers bring us in extra (they offered when they found out what we wanted them for).

Slightly Goofy

 

[ImagineEar]

Thank you all for your ideas - I'm writing them all down! But most of all thanks for your support and kind words...

 

[kabbie]

I bet those kids would appreciate an Ice Cream or pizza party FAR BETTER than some trinket souvineer of "YOUR" vacation.

I believe that nowadays teachers are not allowed to throw pizza or ice cream parties. There is a policy in TX on teachers bringing snacks to their classroom.

 

[Sandi12404]

A girl in my daughters class went to Florida a couple months ago (but not WDW- gasp) and brought back a baggie of shells for each kid that she found at the beach. Haleigh was thrilled. She's 8 and just the thought of getting anything makes her happy.

 

[Flora Fan]

I really like the post card idea. You could even have the characters that you see autograph them. If you didn't get to see every character, perhaps the CM at your hotel would be willing to help you out with the project.

I also like the soap idea. Pick up the free paper cups from the food court at the resorts, put a soap in each. Home Depot has those paint samples in the shape of Mickey heads, that would be a nice addition too. Add a few stickers if you run across a CM with free stickers and you'll have a cool gift.

I wonder if you went to town hall and explain your ideas, if they could assist you with ideas. (They may also have some free items too).

The park maps are free as well, I just don't know if the kids would find them cool or not.

The polynesian has lei's that they give away.

Someone stop me...I'm on a roll.

 

[Laurajean1014]

2nd grade - I gave the kids Mickey lollipops. They are about $5 for 6. They loved them. This year - grade 4 I gave them pencils.