OT-Holiday Presents for school staff?

[Twingle]

What do you do for the support staff at your childs school? I know about giving gifts to teachers and assistants, but what about principals, assistant principals, office assistants, resource teachers, etc?

Just curious what others here do. Last year I was in the hospital before Christmas and didn't have to worry about it, my little guy only gave a present to his teacher.

Thanks for any input!

 

[jessmsw]

Last year (my son's first year in grade school) we just gave the teacher a 'real' present (a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble book store) and gave the classroom paraprofessionals plates of cookies we'd made. That's it for us-- no room in the budget to get (and no time to make) gifts for all those others.

Love,
Jess

 

[powellrj]

my kids love to give gifts to everyone at christmas. We usually give a basket of candy to the office and lunch room staff. We give a mug or gift bag with candy to support teachers like PE, art and music and then larger gifts and gift cards to the main teachers.

I use to make candy and cookies until I started reading posts from teachers that said they usually threw homemade treats away. I now give mini candy bars and kisses.

 

[ferris198]

You know, until reading this post, I never thought about anyone but my son's teacher or the assistant.
I had already found a recipe for clay to make christmas decoratations, and I was going to do that for presents for the teacher, and others, I never thought of the extras
I am gonna have my son make decorations for their trees.
If you want the recipe let me me and I will gladdy post it.

 

[meeskamouska]

Somewhere on this board I saw a suggestion of taking a whisk, putting kisses in it and wrapping with cellophane. On the tag they said they put "I whisk you a Merry Christmas"!!! I have no idea who posted this but it sticks out in my mind and I thank you!!!!!!

 

[emma'smom]

I bought a bunch of boxes of tea at Starbucks. I just popped a mini-bow on each and passed these out to support staff. Tea is sealed...and even if one doesn't drink tea regularly, it is always nice to have in your cupboard for a day when you are sick or when you have guests who drink tea. They were colorful tin boxes...so they looked very classy (imo).

 

[camdensmom]

Gosh, I hope this doesn't sound cruel, but I am going to be honest.

Teachers really are not fans of edible gifts, homemade knick-knacks or mugs. I know that sounds harsh and ungrateful, but I find myself each and every year on the day before vacation with a desk full of plates of cookies, mugs, candy and an array of things to "decorate my tree." I feel guilty if I toss it, but at the same time I logistically can not eat it all, couldn't possibly use yet another mug and decorate my home for the holidays in a very specific way. Teachers are teachers Monday-Friday and yes we are passionate about what we do, but we typically have our own families and children and don't really want our house to look like a refridgerator door displaying arts and crafts from students of years past.

The other problem is that we feel it is important to model good social skills to our little ones and therefore must spend a chunk of time during our vacation writing "Thank you for the lovely ceramic mug. It is unlike any other in my collection and I will always think of you when I drink from it. etc. etc. etc." and then mail them out.

I personally send a note out after Thanksgiving Break about the holiday season. I ask how each family celebrates so that I know if it is OK to do any special crafts, lessons or projects in the classroom that year. I also use that opportunity to request that the children do not bring in holiday presents for myself or for each other.

I stress that it can be hurtful to those children who do not bring in a gift to see others giving me something. If parents do respond (and often they do) that they really would (or as they put it "the child had their heart set on buying you a gift) I simply request that they buy something for the classroom (i.e. a book or a game) that all the students will enjoy in years to come.

So with that being said, and again my intention was not to sound cruel (just honest), if you are inclined to give a gift to your child's teacher here are some insights from behind the door in the teacher's room:

• You might not always know the teacher's dietary concerns: diabetes, weight loss, general health reasons, etc. Stay away from anything edible (esp. home made goodies)
• Teachers have lives outside of their careers. Getting a teaching degree does not mean that the person has a love for apples or any apple objects. Likewise, anything that reads 'teacher' does not guarantee it will be loved and used.
• Avoid personal items: this includes lotions, perfumes, articles to be worn like mittens, scarves, pins, jewelry, etc.) The reason being it is hurtful to children if you do not wear their item.
• Knick Knacks to be displayed fall under the same category.

As I said, I would prefer that parents save their money or purchase a book for the classroom. However, in years past I have had some parents who have collected a "donation" from any student's family that wanted to contribute and put it together to buy me gift certificates (mall, salon, Starbucks, etc.) What I have appreciated about this is that they do it in a way so that there is no pressure, people give what they are comfortable with and they ask ALL of the children to sign the card so even those who's families didn't contribute do not feel left out.

 

[MSSANDRA]

Looking at it from both sides::
I never gave administative staff gifts at DS school but think it is a great idea! The only way that I could think of to do that and keep it in my budget would be a group gift such as a plate of cookies, fruit basket or box of candy. The support staff at DS school is awsome and as this is his last year here we might do one of those things. Staff will pick and choose which families they are comfortable eating homemade goodies from. Sounds terrible but it is true.
As for teacher gifts we planned to stop giiving them in elementry but he has had awsome teachers and with a illness he had last year , they gave him such great support that we just had to aknowledge. Last year we gave resturant gift cards. That was the exception for middle school and really broke our budget with 6 teachers. We have also given small boxes of candy.
Gifts that I have received from students that I really like; gifts cards to resturants, starbucks or the local teacher's store Tree ornaments are good for me, as is candy as we have guests to enjoy it over the hollidays. I agree that i have gotten way to many mugs and candles and lotions.
I truly do not need children to bring me anything and have tried ,but failed to discourage it. When ask not to bring gifts, about 1/2 do anyway making the children who follow the rule feel bad. When asked to donate a book to the class if they wish , most did and then still brought a gift. I am a progam director and in a classroom this year so i get a lot of things. I will not open a gift in front of a group of children unless I do know for a fact that every child has something to give. If a child remarks that they have nothing to give you, try telling them a hug from them is the best gift they could give you.

My favorite thing to give or receive is a gift given in honor of the person to a needy cause. Samaritan's Pruse (the shoe box people) has an awsome gift catalog that you can give so many neat things and they will send a gift card to the reveiver to let them know what was given and by whom. Last year we did this for all our church staff and are planning to do it for teachers this year. Cost can range from 3.00 for a stuffed toy, up to 1000.00+. Last year we gave chickens and coats and goats this way. It is so wonderful and no gifts to wrap.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

mssandra

 

[Diamondintheruff]

Teachers have lives outside of their careers. Getting a teaching degree does not mean that the person has a love for apples or any apple objects. Likewise, anything that reads 'teacher' does not guarantee it will be loved and used.



As a fellow teacher can I add so well said and sooo funny

 

[emma'smom]

Well, also as a teacher, I can say that the most cherished gift I have ever received from a student was a home-made x-mas ornament that I know he made because he really wanted to give me something. It was a piece of colored plastic with a paperclip bent through it to make the "hook". It was from his heart...and it meant a lot to me that this little child who had nothing (literally homeless on the streets of the Bronx) made such an effort. I saw him working on it on the playground and he wrapped it in a piece of paper that he had carefully colored and folded. I still hang it on my tree and that little boy must be a teenager by now!

 

[martyshoney]

Gosh, I hope this doesn't sound cruel, but I am going to be honest.

Teachers really are not fans of edible gifts, homemade knick-knacks or mugs. I know that sounds harsh and ungrateful, but I find myself each and every year on the day before vacation with a desk full of plates of cookies, mugs, candy and an array of things to "decorate my tree." I feel guilty if I toss it, but at the same time I logistically can not eat it all, couldn't possibly use yet another mug and decorate my home for the holidays in a very specific way. Teachers are teachers Monday-Friday and yes we are passionate about what we do, but we typically have our own families and children and don't really want our house to look like a refridgerator door displaying arts and crafts from students of years past.

The other problem is that we feel it is important to model good social skills to our little ones and therefore must spend a chunk of time during our vacation writing "Thank you for the lovely ceramic mug. It is unlike any other in my collection and I will always think of you when I drink from it. etc. etc. etc." and then mail them out.

I personally send a note out after Thanksgiving Break about the holiday season. I ask how each family celebrates so that I know if it is OK to do any special crafts, lessons or projects in the classroom that year. I also use that opportunity to request that the children do not bring in holiday presents for myself or for each other.

I stress that it can be hurtful to those children who do not bring in a gift to see others giving me something. If parents do respond (and often they do) that they really would (or as they put it "the child had their heart set on buying you a gift) I simply request that they buy something for the classroom (i.e. a book or a game) that all the students will enjoy in years to come.

So with that being said, and again my intention was not to sound cruel (just honest), if you are inclined to give a gift to your child's teacher here are some insights from behind the door in the teacher's room:

• You might not always know the teacher's dietary concerns: diabetes, weight loss, general health reasons, etc. Stay away from anything edible (esp. home made goodies)
• Teachers have lives outside of their careers. Getting a teaching degree does not mean that the person has a love for apples or any apple objects. Likewise, anything that reads 'teacher' does not guarantee it will be loved and used.
• Avoid personal items: this includes lotions, perfumes, articles to be worn like mittens, scarves, pins, jewelry, etc.) The reason being it is hurtful to children if you do not wear their item.
• Knick Knacks to be displayed fall under the same category.

As I said, I would prefer that parents save their money or purchase a book for the classroom. However, in years past I have had some parents who have collected a "donation" from any student's family that wanted to contribute and put it together to buy me gift certificates (mall, salon, Starbucks, etc.) What I have appreciated about this is that they do it in a way so that there is no pressure, people give what they are comfortable with and they ask ALL of the children to sign the card so even those who's families didn't contribute do not feel left out.

Okay, so now that you have made probably at least 50% of the people bow their heads in shame for giving this stuff what DO you propose that we give teachers? I for one am a person who likes to give to the teachers to show my appreciation for a job well done with my DD. It is extremely frustrating and time consuming to come up with something to give when you don't know them personally. I was just thinking about what to give teachers this year and now you have me more frustrated than ever, so please give me some ideas that won't be thrown away!!

Thanks for your help!

 

[camdensmom]

Okay, so now that you have made probably at least 50% of the people bow their heads in shame for giving this stuff what DO you propose that we give teachers? I for one am a person who likes to give to the teachers to show my appreciation for a job well done with my DD. It is extremely frustrating and time consuming to come up with something to give when you don't know them personally. I was just thinking about what to give teachers this year and now you have me more frustrated than ever, so please give me some ideas that won't be thrown away!!

Thanks for your help!

MartyShoney,

It's great that you want to show appreciation. My point wasn't to insult anyone. However, imagine yourself the day before vacation with a desk full of cookies, mugs, glass vases filled with water and flowers, candles, etc. The thought is nice, but if you don't have a personal relationship with someone it is hard to know what kind of foods they eat or don't eat, what candle scents might repulse them, etc. Most teachers I know wouldn't dream of disposing these things at school and so they all get brought home and all need to have a thank you note written and mailed. To me the saddest thing is when the children come in presenting their gifts like Ralphie in A Christmas Story and there is always two or three sad little faces that say, "I didn't get you anything." It breaks my heart.

If you truly are looking for ideas I would suggest writing the teacher a very thoughtful note explaining what it is that you appreciate about him/her. It is personal, yet you don't need to know his/her personal tastes. If you want to give a tangible gift might I suggest a gift certificate to Starbucks or a Bookstore with a nice note reading something along the lines of, "take some time for yourself over the vacation and relax."

 

[daisyduck123]

Okay, so now that you have made probably at least 50% of the people bow their heads in shame for giving this stuff what DO you propose that we give teachers? I for one am a person who likes to give to the teachers to show my appreciation for a job well done with my DD. It is extremely frustrating and time consuming to come up with something to give when you don't know them personally. I was just thinking about what to give teachers this year and now you have me more frustrated than ever, so please give me some ideas that won't be thrown away!!

Thanks for your help!

A gift card, even just $5.00, is very appreciated & will get used. You can't go wrong there.

I remember one time when a student gave me a coffee mug & told me to look INSIDE - - I found a $100.00 bill inside!!!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I am a teaching assistant in a special ed classroom preschool and our parents and students are always very generous to us at holiday time. We appreciate and each and every gift we get. Some parents give us homemade goodies and others do boxes of candy, gift cards, lotions, etc. I don't think there's any right or wrong answer as to what to give your school staff. They will appreciate that you took the time to think of them and thank them for their hard work with your kids.

Now, having said that, I will also say that we sometimes trade and share our gifts. For example, if some teachers are watching their weight and another is expecting 20 people for Chrismas Eve, we would give her the boxed candy and goodies to share with her guests. If one drinks coffee and another drinks tea, we might trade. Many of the homemade goodies are put out in the staff room so everyone can share them before they get stale.

None of these things diminish our thanks and appreciation to the gift giver. Sharing and trading gifts around is all part of the fun. So, give your teachers a gift from your heart. They will love it no matter what it is!

 

[Steve's Girl]

Ughh! I must be the worst gift-giver ever! I often give our kids' teachers lotion, a candle or a Christmas ornament. I always thought those would be useful things. I do stay away from knick knacks since I can't stand that kind of clutter myself. And I often give support staff, bus drivers, etc. homemade tins of fudge, candy, cookies, etc. I thought I was being thoughtful by giving useful or edible gifts. I purchase these gift items throughout the year so to keep it all within budget. Last year we ended up giving over 20 gifts to my three kids' teachers, daycare workers, ballet teachers, etc. I wish I could give them all gift cards, but even at small amounts, that adds up to quite a bit! What to do?

 

[myspecialks]

This year I will give to the teachers, nurse,crossing guard & the kitchen staff...they all take special care of my girls- nothing outrageous....Under $10 ish each...i usually try to do something creative- this year I took photos of the kitchen staff for the yearbook & I made notepads on snapfish for them..... I may do something similar with the teachers....

 

[MSSANDRA]

Please do not think that teachers are ungrateful!! I love every child in my care and a gift is special because it came from the child!! I have ornaments from my first year of teaching and I can tell you who most of them came from!! Trimming my tree is so special every year becasue I think back to so many wonderful families. Yes, we do get a lot of things we do not really use and the worst most teachers think is that they hate that parents spent their hard earned money, not that we did not get something "good". I can not have ANY candles in my home because of DS allergies. Last year a special little girl gave me a very nice, expensive candel set and I felt so bad that it could not come in my home. It is nice to ackowledge your child's teacher but you do not have to spend a lot. A few other low cost items that I have gotten that were really special; a cookie cutter, slipper socks , classroom items such as stickers and notepads, book marks, and a nice ink pen. A handwriten note and a picture of the child is a wonderful way to thank that specail teacher. Please do not stress, just use your heart.

MsSandra

 

[CharmedLife]

I have honestly never thought about the support staff at the school... although to be fair, this is only my daughter's 2nd year there, so I guess I'm not too far behind...

At any rate, for both her preschool, pre-K and kindergarten teachers, what we did was give them a gift certificate for a local learning shop - I know that teachers spend a lot of their own money buying classroom supplies, so this was something they could use to make those purchases. I also give gift cards to book stores, coffee shops, etc.

We usually give a gift at Christmas time and another gift at the end of the schoolyear.

 

[tiggers_pal]

I am a teaching assistant with a room of my own....ICT Suite, I do teach ICT within the school. Not being attached to a class I dont receive a lot of gifts, which isnt a issue, but all the children know that 'miss' is a Tigger nut, and I tend to get gifts along the disney line, this works out fine, I have a mini display area for my Tiggers, pictures etc the kids love this and often have conversations with me about Tigger or Disney......not many of us about in my school......only me lol

 

[marybrat]

I have given gift certificates for the local coffee shop here. My kids love making things, so we sometimes buy the craft kits from Oriental Trading and the kids make something for the teachers. If the teachers keep it or toss it, we never know. The kids see the teacher's smile and that's all they need. Whatever happens to the gift at the end of the day is up to the teacher.