Ideas for Xmas gift for teacher?

[kpadalik]

I am making an altered paint can for my daughter's kindergarten teacher for Xmas. I have some ideas for what to put in it, but I would like to hear some ideas from everyone else! I don't want to spend a ton of money, but I would love to show her teacher how much I appreciate her and all she has done for my DD and the rest of the class. She is a wonderful teacher and my DD absolutely adores her. DD has already learned so much - she's reading, doing basic math, etc - and loves school. Any ideas? TIA to all!

 

[daisyduck123]

I teach 1st grade & can honestly say that my favorite gifts are gift cards. With these, I can treat myself to something I want/need, & I don't end up with knick knacks that clutter up my house or go in my annual yard sale.

What I would do is probably put the gift card in the can along with some stickers & other inexpensive school supplies (gluesticks, colored pencils, etc.).

 

[zoemurr]

there are lots of cute small things on the vera bradley site right now for $5. Movie tickets and snacks are fun, as are gift cards for a treat.

Maybe have each child in the class write a short note about why they like their teacher.. or a favorite memory? That would be very special.

Please include your child, and have them sign the card. I am always surprised/disappointed when it seems that the child doesn't participate in the gift.

Handmade cards and thoughtful letters are what we keep. I have one mother this year that e-mails me a sentence or two every few weeks telling me how much her child enjoyed a particular activity. Quick, free, and appreciated.

 

[cerberus]

Not to hijack, but you got me thinking....are you suppose to get a gift for a preschool teacher? My DD goes to preschool twice a week for 2.5 hours?

 

[mom2princessj]

Not to hijack, but you got me thinking....are you suppose to get a gift for a preschool teacher? My DD goes to preschool twice a week for 2.5 hours?

You don't have to...I don't think they are 'expecting' anything from you but I know all the kids in my dd's class got their teachers gifts last year.

I talked to several teachers that told me any type of school supplies and gift cards are appreciated.

Last year I did starbucks cards and a small bag of fannie mae candy. However I recently found out that the teachers get coffee from speedway gas station everyday so this is where I'm getting their gift cards from this year.

OP...I'd do notes from the kids in her class, teacher supplies, and/or gift card. I really like the idea of the can...I'm sure the teacher will really appreciate it!

 

[zoemurr]

Not to hijack, but you got me thinking....are you suppose to get a gift for a preschool teacher? My DD goes to preschool twice a week for 2.5 hours?

and I would say 75% of families bring us a gift. The most popular is $5-$10 gift card.

 

[drcbpearce]

My dd helped me make pumpkin bread and I got plain gift bags and let her decorate them for her teachers (mother's morning out - 2 days 9:30 to 2). They really loved it, it was something that we made just for them and it's delicious. Last year (public schools pre-k), along with the pumpkin bread, we gave them $10 gift cards to a local gas station. It's not much, but with gas prices the way they were, I knew it would be appreciated and used. We'll probably do the same thing again this year. My children ride a bus to school, so I also did this for their driver, he's a very sweet widower who takes really great care of my children, in my mind, it's the least I can do to show my appreciation for the job he does. Unfortunately, teachers are many times the most unappreciated people and they have the most important job. I try to spoil my kids' teachers every chance I get.

 

[nessz79]

I wish more high schoolers would give a note of appreciation for Christmas. I teach high school and it's rare to even get a card. We have a great rapport, but I think very few students think about it.

 

[Cinderella Mom]

I am a teacher as well. I agree with everyone else on gift cards. I love to get gift cards. I don't expect to recieve anything but I'm always appreciative when I do. I love hearing thank yous and kind words of appreciation the most!!!
This year for my son's Kindergarten teacher, my son and I are giving her a "giving tree" along with a copy of Shel Silverstein's book "The Giving Tree". The book is based on a boy who wishes and needs something throughout his childhood and the giving tree provides for the boy throughout his life, much like a teacher gives and devotes his/her talents and time to children/teens. I bought a small Christmas tree and hung gift certificates on the tree from various dining places, bookstores, local teacher supply stores, and Wal Mart. Books-a-Million even carries a gift card with the picture from the cover of "The Giving Tree" book. I also hung teacher ornaments that I bough on sale a while back at our local Hobby Lobby store. I also found at Hallmark a black chalkboard with Dear Santa, at the top. I added, "please be good to our teacher". This gift can be as inexpensive or as expensive as you would like. Hope this helps!!

 

[singlefan]

The best give I ever got from my students was a class donation in my name to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. It literally brought tears to my eyes when the kids told me what they had done.

 

[mickeymouse1017]

The best give I ever got from my students was a class donation in my name to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. It literally brought tears to my eyes when the kids told me what they had done.

You must have had the best room mother ever to think of something like that. I do love my gift cards but that is a wonderful idea. I would have been in tears also.

 

[mommyofjoeyp]

I did a gift card at Christmas last year. this year I am doing personalized stationery that I ordered on etsy.com.

 

[singlefan]

You must have had the best room mother ever to think of something like that. I do love my gift cards but that is a wonderful idea. I would have been in tears also.

Actually I think the idea had come from the kids themselves, although the room mom had handled it all. We had been talking before about various physical disabilities, and how limitations can be self-imposed, or the result of environmental issues beyond our control. One thing led to another in that discussion and the kids had a lot of questions about where programs like Extreme Makeover get their resources. Once they saw what a difference there is between corporate sponsorship and private donation, I really think it sparked the idea to them. I was just so touched that they really "got it."

 

[Pinnie]

The best give I ever got from my students was a class donation in my name to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. It literally brought tears to my eyes when the kids told me what they had done.

I had one of my classes make a donation to SEEDLINGS in my name. They translate children's books to braile. It moved me to tears, too.

pinnie