Need Help-x-mas Teacher Gift

[jamzots]

I am having a little problem deciding what to do for DS 8 teacher this year. DS doesn't like him and tells me he doesn't want to get him anything. I personally don't like him either as far as his attitude towards the students and the parents. He pretty much has a "who cares" attitude, and has flat out right told me that it's my problem if DS doesn't do his homework. DS also tells me that he screams at him alot and DS came off the bus crying one day because he embarrased him in front of the class. I am going to talk to the principal about this, but it leaves me stuck about a gift for x-mas. Their class party is on Friday, and I know other kids will be bringing in gifts. I think DS should bring in a small gift for the teacher because number 1, he will feel stupid if he comes in empty handed, and number 2, I think you should still show some kind of respect. DS is ADD and he can be a handful as far as attention goes, but he does not have behavior problems. I have asked the teacher repeatedly about this, and he told me no behavior problems. It's just like pulling teeth to get him to do what he is supposed to do, so I know the teacher does put up with alot as far as that goes. Am I sending the wrong message about Christmas to DS if I go out and buy a small gift and have him bring it in out of respect?? BTW there was no gift pool this year for the teacher which puzzles me. Usually the class mom or someone will send out a notice saying they are collecting money, but I didn't get a note. Unless DS didn't bring it home. I want to teach my Son the true meaning of Christmas. Would it be under false pretense to have him bring in a gift?? I don't want to be a hypocrite. <s> Any suggestions?

 

[jamzots]

O.K. I am really starting to get a complex here. I really don't have anybody replying to many of my posts. Did I do something wrong?

 

[jamzots]

duplicate post

 

[shortbun]

Don't over analyze the teacher gift thing. Not all children bring one. Have your son make him a card with a handwritten note.

 

[disykat]

Around here I'd guess about 25% of the kids bring gifts. I'm a teacher, and my kids don't always bring one. They took them when they were younger because they enjoyed choosing something and giving it, but by about 4th grade our only gift to the teacher was books for their classroom from their wishlist at the bookfair and my support volunteering etc. Teachers don't "expect" gifts and it is not a requirement!

 

[mtblujeans]

My boys are older and I have been encouraging them to give a gift to their "favorite teacher" the last couple of years and they give a signed Christmas card to the rest. Youngest DS really, really likes his German teacher this year so I got a nice gift bag and put some inexpensive, fun stuff together. I got some of those melt-in-your-mouth peppermint sticks, a $1 mini-nutcracker, a mug, a mug warmer ($2.50 at Wally World), and some Hershey's kisses together and I think it will be fun for him to enjoy but nothing overly expensive!

I put something like that together for the (female) bus driver, too. In the past I have given her a cookie cookbook or some Bath & Body Works stuff...I think she is just having fun with what she will get each year! She always smiles broadly and waves when I see her on the road in the bus....I just want these goodies to be fun and I think they are appreciative if they are not overly expensive! Just passing along some ideas....

 

[Disney Doll]

How about a gift certificate to a bookstore? Useful, but not overly huggie "you are the best teacher ever". Also a male teacher may not appreciate the little put together gift thing.

 

[LBAK]

How about a gift for the classroom rather then a personal gift for the teacher? Your son will be much more willing to do that I'm sure.

 

[powellrj]

I think a card would be enough in this case. While I like my kids feel its better to give than recieve, sometimes it comes off as phony to them. In this case I think a card would be fine.

 

[merrily]

I think a classroom gift would be a great idea. Maybe a book or two or a game (Connect Four is cheap and well loved by that age group). Last year my DS didn't really care for his teachers so I sent in a bunch of art supplies for classroom use instead of an idividual gift. Remember, gifts aren't mandatory!

 

[Jennifer S]

With the teachers attitude personally I wouldn't get him anything. Why waste your time and money. He will treat your son no different whether he gets him a gift or not. After this year you will never see him again.

 

[taramarie]

As a teacher you don't get a gift from everyone. I personally understand that not everyone has the funds for gifts for me. I think some of the best gifts I got were just notes from kids. But something else I like is munchie baskets. A few candy bars, popcorn, soup mix, hot chocolate, etc... In fact I gave my daughters bus drivers this for Christmas.

Good Luck....I wouldn't put too much thought into it. But sometimes the teacher is mean because he thinks your son might not like him. So a small gift might help everyone!

Tara

 

[mtblujeans]

How about a gift certificate to a bookstore? Useful, but not overly huggie "you are the best teacher ever". Also a male teacher may not appreciate the little put together gift thing.

Our gift bag WAS for a male teacher. DS says he is single so we figured he would pass on what he is not interested in to his girlfriend....thus making it 2 recipients in one!

It rained and froze last night so the last day of school was cancelled today as everything was too icy to drive on the roads. We took the bag in later in the day and found an office employee at the school who let DS put the gift bag in the teacher's "mail slot" so we won't know what he thinks until school resumes in January....

 

[jamzots]

O.K.. I bought the gift. I used the gift bag idea. Thanks mtblujeans!!
I filled the bag with 2 microwave popcorn packs, 2 movie size candies, 2 hot chocolate packages, some lindt truffles and a Blockbuster give card for $10.00. I got everything including the gift card at the supermarket tonight when I went shopping. How cool is that?? I think DS will think it's a great gift. He was sleeping when I got home so I didn't get to show him. Thanks everyone!!

 

[mtblujeans]

That sounds really great! Good job, Mom!

 

[floridafam]

Well, since you asked for opinions...

I probably wouldn't have purchased anything for a teacher who screams at their class and does some of the other things you mentioned.

I guess you are in a bit of a sticky situation. I would try and get to the bottom of it and not worry about a gift.

If you do feel obligated to get a gift, what you picked out sounds nice.

 

[jamzots]

thanks again everyone!!! DS said his teacher LOVED the gift, and that the candy I picked out was his favorite!!

 

[grlpwrd]

I personally don't like him either as far as his attitude towards the students and the parents. He pretty much has a "who cares" attitude, and has flat out right told me that it's my problem if DS doesn't do his homework. DS also tells me that he screams at him alot and DS came off the bus crying one day because he embarrased him in front of the class. I am going to talk to the principal about this, but it leaves me stuck about a gift for x-mas.

It doesn't sound like he deserved a gift, but it was nice of you to give him one.

Are you still going to pursue the issues with the principal? I'm curious about the outcome. It's a very sticky situation, indeed, but I think you did the right thing.