Inexpensive presents for large group of paraprofessionals?

[minniebride]

Hi there,

I am an autism specialist for a public preschool. I supervise about 35 autism paraprofessionals. My paras work really hard & I would like to give them each a small gift to say thank you at the end of the year.

I am not rich though & I can only afford a small gift. Any ideas what to give them???

I thought about an autism awareness ribbon, but they all bought them at a fundraiser we did a few months ago.

Any suggestions (& the price per person!) would be much appreciated!!!

 

[Swan4Me]

Go to Dollar store and buy 35 mugs=$35
Go to Sam's and buy a giant bag of hershey's kisses or hard candies
Fill mugs-wrap with saran-add curly ribbon bow

 

[golfgal]

How much do you want to spend? How about a fun Wine Glass for everyone. They have all kinds of painted one out in various specialty shops.

 

[kirstenb1]

I'd buy them each a large candy bar, tie it with a bow, tuck in a lottery ticket, and a brief thank you note (with so many people, you could do it on the computer)

 

[NaLisa]

I would not do wine glasses or lottery tickets; there could be a recovering alcoholic, non-drinker, problem gambler, etc. in the group.

Maybe cater in lunch for everyone one day? Autism Awareness car magnet or a small potted plant for each.

 

[woodkins]

Do you need to wear ID tags on lanyards for work? You can easily bead very pretty id lanyards for each of them. Hit a craft store buy some beading string/wire, beads and the clips. Simply string them on and you are done. You can package each in a cello bag (you can find these in the candy making aisle at the craft store).

 

[NaLisa]

Do you need to wear ID tags on lanyards for work? You can easily bead very pretty id lanyards for each of them. Hit a craft store buy some beading string/wire, beads and the clips. Simply string them on and you are done. You can package each in a cello bag (you can find these in the candy making aisle at the craft store).

Love this idea.

 

[McKelly]

How about a small notebook and pen, or some type of list/scratch pad? I am forever writing myself notes, lists, reminders. Maybe you can even order some with "Autism Awareness" printed at the top?

 

[FormrCastMbr]

You can do a $5 coffee gift card, a small plant (you can buy a whole flat and poil foil wrap around the pot to make it look pretty), gc for a manicure (maybe a local place will give you a discount if you buy 35).

 

[daughtersrus]

Do you need to wear ID tags on lanyards for work? You can easily bead very pretty id lanyards for each of them. Hit a craft store buy some beading string/wire, beads and the clips. Simply string them on and you are done. You can package each in a cello bag (you can find these in the candy making aisle at the craft store).

I was going to suggest the same thing. My DD is a SpEd teacher and very crafty. She made one for herself and was quickly asked by many of the other staff members to make them one. She chose school colors but some people had other requests.

If you have a Hobby Lobby near by, they have 1/2 off all jewelry making supplies this week.

 

[Cindy B]

As a former paraprofessional, I would say save the small trinkets. I never needed a mug, umbrella, etc..
I really like the idea of a catered lunch. If you felt a need to give something.. maybe a small plant or flowers --you can go to Produce Junction and get something inexpensive in bulk.

 

[Deb in IA]

I'd be surprised if they wear lanyards when working with autistic kids. They are big time choking hazards.

How about $5 gift cards to Starbucks?

 

[Wendy31]

How about packs of flower seeds... "Thank you for 'Sewing Seeds' this year!". You could package it up w/ a little clay pot & some of the cellaphane wrap & curly ribbon.

Or a candle - "Thank you for being a 'Guiding Light' this year!"

Or beach towels - sometimes, you can find them for around $5.00 or so - "Have a Beach-y Summer!"

Last spring/summer, our local Target had the plastic drink canisters (the ones w/ the pour spouts) for less than $5.00. Something like that might be cute w/ a lemonade mix - "Have a Refreshing Summer!"

 

[horseshowmom]

As a former paraprofessional, I would say save the small trinkets. I never needed a mug, umbrella, etc..
I really like the idea of a catered lunch. If you felt a need to give something.. maybe a small plant or flowers --you can go to Produce Junction and get something inexpensive in bulk.

I agree with the idea of lunch if you can afford it.

The lanyards sounded great too, but I can see where that might not be an option when dealing with autistic students.

 

[Cindy B]

I agree with the idea of lunch if you can afford it.

The lanyards sounded great too, but I can see where that might not be an option when dealing with autistic students.

Even if a full lunch can't be done, maybe a nice sweet table-- some brownies, cookies, cakes, candy would be appreciated. If you felt the need to give, have only a few items and "door prize" them out...

If dessert won't work (due to different lunch schedules) you can cater in a breakfast. A lot of places around here have a breakfast catering menu -Manhattan Bagel, etc.

 

[horseshowmom]

Even if a full lunch can't be done, maybe a nice sweet table-- some brownies, cookies, cakes, candy would be appreciated. If you felt the need to give, have only a few items and "door prize" them out...

If dessert won't work (due to different lunch schedules) you can cater in a breakfast. A lot of places around here have a breakfast catering menu -Manhattan Bagel, etc.

Breakfast is a great idea!

You can also check with grocery store delis to see what type of trays they offer (meat and cheese, dessert, finger sandwiches, etc.). They often have very good prices.

 

[dis-happy]

I led a team of children's workers at our church and as an end of the year gift I gave out photo albums containing photos of our year together with the kids. Do you have pictures you could draw from? The books were from the dollar store and reprints were cheap; I made a few fun captions (title page, thank you page) on my computer and inserted them in place of the photos on some of the pages. It seemed to go over well as a gift.


Other than that, I'd go with a small plant, maybe an herb of some type. Should be pretty cheap. I have some chives that live on my kitchen window that have lasted for years...just need a little snip now and then when I want to use them.