Question re. Christmas gifts for teachers

[monorailsilver]

Last year I gave my kids (well now just my youngest's) preschool teachers the snowmen door stop that is on the Family Fun site. They still talk about them almost a year later.

I forget what I gave my older 2's teachers.

This year I got the preschool teachers a muffin mix that you cook in a flower pot (Yankee Candle). I thought it was cute & different.

I am thinking of having my other 2 kids make their teachers flower pots that I think were either on the Family Fun site or Kaboose. You take a terra cotta (?-the brown ones) flower pot & get some broken glass/tiles/plates (obviously not sharp) & put them on with tile cement stuff & then grout it between. I think... Then I will have my youngest make them at the end of the year for her teachers if I think it is easy enough.

 

[smartkim]

A jar candle is always a nice gift for a lady and I wouldn't spend more that $10 on a teacher gift.

 

[mad_for_mickey]

Last year I went a bit out of the box for my kids' teachers. Their school is near a nice carwash (my favorite to go to when I have the $). We live in an area that gets snow, which turns into a gray mess on everyone's car within a few days, so I thought a free car wash would be useful to everyone. (And the car wash owner gave me an excellent deal since I bought so many gift cards, I wanted to remember all the people who don't seem to get remembered, custodians, lunch ladies, etc.)

The kids always write a thank you note on holiday stationary including something specific the teacher has done.

Threads on this board made me very discouraged about homemade foods, scented anything, anything that collects dust, etc.

(Of course, now someone will probably point out the big flaw in my car wash gift certificate idea )

 

[Nina1]

Thanks again, all. It seems that gift cards are definitely the way to go. Our son goes to a Catholic school, so I'll check first to see if there is a group gift or some sort of recommended shopping list for the class. If not, I'll bake some goodies and attach a gift card to them for each teacher. They are so thoughtful and my son just loves them, so I want to give them something they will use/like. No coffee mugs, candles or soap...

Thanks again!

 

[DisneyScraps]

There have been a lot of threads dealing with this and I was surprised at how the teachers felt about the gifts. A lot of them said they have more coffee mugs than they could ever need, more candles, body stuff etc. Think about it 20+ kids over how many years? Christmas gifts, birthday gifts end of school gifts. That is a lot of coffee mugs anything with an apple....they are pretty much over that kind of thing. Most didn't want baked goods.

At first after reading the long thread I was kind of ticked off, it's a gift! Then after thinking about it I reralized that a gift certificate would be the right thing.

I always get my DDs teacher a gift certificate to a local restaurant. I typically spend 50.00. I KNOW that is a lot but here is my reasoning. This teacher spends a lot of time each day with my DD, she isn't paid much
and I want to truely give her something I know she will enjoy. Fifty dollars should pay for the meal and that is what I was going for.

Lisa

 

[jme829]

I always tend to give GC for bookstores. That way they can get a book for themselves or for their classroom. Sams club usually has a four pack of coffee mugs that has a candy cane, single serve hot cocoa mix and some giradelli chocolates (maybe $20 for 4 mug "sets") so I'll give one to each teacher with the gift card tucked inside.

Works out to $5 for the mug/treats and then however much you want the gc to be.

I only have one left in elementary this year, so only one teacher gift to buy for!!! (I stop in middle school/high school....waaayy to many to buy for!)

 

[ilovejack02]

There have been a lot of threads dealing with this and I was surprised at how the teachers felt about the gifts. A lot of them said they have more coffee mugs than they could ever need, more candles, body stuff etc. Think about it 20+ kids over how many years? Christmas gifts, birthday gifts end of school gifts. That is a lot of coffee mugs anything with an apple....they are pretty much over that kind of thing. Most didn't want baked goods.

At first after reading the long thread I was kind of ticked off, it's a gift! Then after thinking about it I reralized that a gift certificate would be the right thing.

I always get my DDs teacher a gift certificate to a local restaurant. I typically spend 50.00. I KNOW that is a lot but here is my reasoning. This teacher spends a lot of time each day with my DD, she isn't paid much
and I want to truely give her something I know she will enjoy. Fifty dollars should pay for the meal and that is what I was going for.

Lisa

My Mom always spent that much on my teachers, figured she owed them plenty for putting up with me LOL.

I can't spend that much on one, due to the fact that we have three.

 

[hffmnheidi]

As a pre-school teacher, gift cards are usually best. Please avoid food gifts because some teachers are health/weight conscious as well as a variety of food allergies are in a lot of teacher's lives.

Any amount of gift cards are appreciated because they will get used. I don't know how many candles/notepads/pens parents think teachers need.

 

[mjkacmom]

ISams club usually has a four pack of coffee mugs that has a candy cane, single serve hot cocoa mix and some giradelli chocolates (maybe $20 for 4 mug "sets") so I'll give one to each teacher with the gift card tucked inside.

After reading numerous threads on this subject, you might want to re-think the mugs. I almost always do bookstore gc's, for the reason you mentioned.

 

[luvmy3]

I'm giving my ds's 2nd grade teacher a LE tote filled with things she can use for her classroom, plus I got 4 book certificates from my ds's scholastic book order that I'll put in there too.
I'm not sure what to do about my ds in 5th since he switches classes between 2 teachers but one class has an assistant teacher and an aide. I may just get them all a pound of coffee and a travel mug (is that too much like a teacher themed mug, maybe I should give them a pkg. of disposable ones?)
My dd is in 7th grade so I wasn't planning on giving any of her teacher gifts but she really loves her Foods teacher so she is going to give her a gift. We took a cooking class together and dd said her teacher was excited for her so she wants to give her the cookbook that she got for taking the class. (I don't have a problem with that, I have my own copy ) I feel bad about not getting any of the other teacher's anything, but this is dd's favorite class and her teacher has really inspired her.

 

[disneychrista]

I honestly would lean towards buying something for the classroom. Giftcards to Staples or Walmart/Target are another good option.

I would really avoid the coffee cups & ornaments. And you never know if the teacher is allergic to something (foods, scents etc).

 

[jilliemom]

last year I gave my DD's teacher a pen holder (filled w/pens, pencils, highlighters) and put a Staples gift card with it.

 

[hockeyprincess]

Last year I gave all teachers (4 total) an apple from Mrs. Prindables. I got many compliments on them and so did my kids. It was nice to know the teachers really appreciated them.

This year, I was leaning towards a tote (nice, outside pockets, one big interior pocket) for the female teachers. The company I sell for has them on sale this month for $5 each, (reg $22) and I thought that would be a nice gift. So I'm torn... I have the Mrs Prindables ordered again this year, for delivery right before Christmas so I can cancel if needed, but I love the tote idea.

But what to do for male teachers? (Does it help to add that I really don't like the male teacher? ) We live in a small town so a gift card to a Starbucks is not practical, we really only have a Pizza Hut chain in our town. Not even a Wal-Mart! (There is one within a 15 minute drive though)

ETA I REALLY like the teachers creating a gift list to a Wal-Mart of items they need for their classrooms! Wish our teachers did that.... it would make this decision much easier!

 

[mjkacmom]

Last year I gave all teachers (4 total) an apple from Mrs. Prindables. I got many compliments on them and so did my kids. It was nice to know the teachers really appreciated them.

This year, I was leaning towards a tote (nice, outside pockets, one big interior pocket) for the female teachers. The company I sell for has them on sale this month for $5 each, (reg $22) and I thought that would be a nice gift. So I'm torn... I have the Mrs Prindables ordered again this year, for delivery right before Christmas so I can cancel if needed, but I love the tote idea.

But what to do for male teachers? (Does it help to add that I really don't like the male teacher? ) We live in a small town so a gift card to a Starbucks is not practical, we really only have a Pizza Hut chain in our town. Not even a Wal-Mart! (There is one within a 15 minute drive though)

ETA I REALLY like the teachers creating a gift list to a Wal-Mart of items they need for their classrooms! Wish our teachers did that.... it would make this decision much easier!

From these threads, I've learned that totes are also overdone.

 

[daisyduck123]

From these threads, I've learned that totes are also overdone.

Yes, they are (especially for us teachers who have been teaching many years). I have had sooo many totes, and sadly, haven't been able to put the several of them in my yard sales since they have my name embroidered on them, Mrs. _______. I had to give several to DH's sister & mom since they have the same last name as I do! Even they don't even need any more totes now!

One year, a mom gave me an embroidered tote with my name spelled incorrectly.

Most teachers at my school don't even use totes anymore. A few years ago we started using those scrapbooking carts on wheels (sold at Staples). These are so much easier to use than carrying a heavy tote, and much better for our backs.

 

[momplus3]

I usually give cookies on a nice holiday tray - even if the teacher cannot eat the cookies and treats, the tray is reusable for a holiday dinner or other treats.

 

[shoney]

10 years ago, my first son was in day care. It was easter and I thought I was being nice by buying a big stuffed bunny (almost 3ft tall...$5 at kmart) and a box of candy. I was proud as a peacock that I thought of her, as I really didn't think it was a teacher/daycare gifting holiday! She was so great she deserved a little something!

Right before I walked into the room another mother got in first with a wrapped box. The girl unwrapped it and it was a place setting to her china. the mother was also proud as peacock "I saw your name on the registry at Fortunoff's"

Ugghhh! Here I am with a stuffed bunny and chocolate......It was all I could afford at the time!

The girl, sweet as pie, reacted the exact same way to both gifts. Suprised and appreciative....that is when I learned it is the thought that counts!!!

So, give what you can....it will always be appreciated!!!

 

[spaceacewannabe]

I am buying DS's 3 teachers 15.00 gift cards to our local grocery , it is about 3 mins from the school . Hopefully they will get them selves a nice bottle of wine or a cpl of steaks as a treat. : )

I would LOVE this. Even if it's just a $5 gc---or even less if the store will allow it Everybody eats!

We usually do a gift card to a local movie theater in an amount that'll cover 2 admissions and popcorn for the teacher and a $20 gift card to Target/Walmart etc.. so they can get stuff for the classroom.

That is REALLY generous.

A teacher at my daughter's old school would sell all of her teacher themed gifts at her yard sale every summer. Nothing like seeing the #1 teacher ornament you bought your child's teacher for a quarter at a yard sale.

Tacky but telling!

Last year I went a bit out of the box for my kids' teachers. Their school is near a nice carwash (my favorite to go to when I have the $).

This is also a great one, because having a clean car is sooooo nice, but not something people usually spend on for themselves.

Right before I walked into the room another mother got in first with a wrapped box. The girl unwrapped it and it was a place setting to her china. the mother was also proud as peacock "I saw your name on the registry at Fortunoff's"

Ugghhh! Here I am with a stuffed bunny and chocolate......It was all I could afford at the time!

The girl, sweet as pie, reacted the exact same way to both gifts. Suprised and appreciative....that is when I learned it is the thought that counts!!!

So, give what you can....it will always be appreciated!!!

Aw, that's sweet! I would have been more comfortable with your gift, actually---I would have felt awkward accepting the china.

 

[crzy4my2]

Last year I got both of the kid's teachers this

http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/VeraBradley/10125010?rgn=0,0,1800,1116&scl=5&id=2YFmZNy1LA44FO2Vuccroi

but not that color. I got them the Hopes Garden one, and in the part that you put your license, I put a gift card (and I put it in a mug..LOL)

at the end of the year they got better gifts.
This year my DD's teacher will get what I got the teachers last year (she has a different teacher) BUT my wish gift for DS's teacher is a Pandora's bracelet with 1 charm(what I want to buy her if I have the $$) I LOVE his teacher and the ONLY reason I would spend that much on her is because he had her last year for 2nd grade and this year she is his 3rd grade teacher. She was told that she could take 3 of her 2nd grade students with her to 3rd and DS is doing SOOO well in school. She is strict and he does well in a class like that.I also sub a lot in the schools so I get to know the teachers. My DD's school is grades K-2 and DS's is grades 3&4, and I can say that there really isn't a teacher that I don't like at either school.

 

[crzy4my2]

OH..I forgot to add as a thought for a gift.. My kids schools are also enrolled with Adopt a Classroom http://www.adoptaclassroom.org/
you could see if your child's teacher is on that and if so, you could donate some money to the class. The teachers never touch the money. Adopt a classroom works with different companies (like Staples). When you donate to the class the teacher gets an email telling them who donated and how much and then the teacher picks what they want from the participating stores lists for that amount and then the products get sent to the school. Last year DS's teacher bought a new electric pencil sharpener. I guess good ones that can withstand a class are very expensive and the school won't pay for them.