Question re. Christmas gifts for teachers

[crazyme5kids]

I work in a child care center, but for me personally, I would rather see the money a family would spend on a gift for me used for someone in need.

That said, my coworkers love gift certificates. Last year a mother gave me and the woman I work with one of those automatic Glade air fresheners, with a few refill cartridges. She knew we liked the clean cotton smell, which is a good choice for an infant room . It was the best gift!

 

[StitchBuddy]

I have taught school for 20 plus years from elementary to high school, regular ed and special ed. I must say I loved the apple thing at first. I have been given more mugs than I can count. That being said, I must tell you I still hang ornaments from my some of my very first students on my tree each Christmas. But, I always give my daughter's teachers and coaches gift cards. Everyone is so busy that I figure it might make their life a little easier to go out to eat, or maybe I know they are on a tight budget and a gift card to Walmart might help them out during the holidays. I know I love to get gift cards! I don't drink coffee, but I treat myself and DD to hot chocolate from Starbucks. I promise most teachers appreciate anything you give them. I teach special needs students, so I have had some of my kids for 6 or 7 years, one of my parents sends us Mrs. Field's cookies every year. I always look forward to them! Yum!! But, the best thing you can do is write a kind card of appreciation, I have all of mine tucked away in my desk. I take them out and read them at the beginning of each year.

 

[Ephany]

That is REALLY generous.

DD's had amazing teachers, we've been very lucky. There's a huge income disparity in this region (university town) and I've heard some horror stories that make me go . Her teacher last year was physically threatened, cussed out etc... on a regular basis from other parents, unfortunately all of the other teachers have similar stories. I actually got an email from her today asking some of the parents from last years class if they had any good condition, gently used shoes and articles of clothing for some little boys in her class this year and this is one of the 'good' schools in the district.

 

[bumbershoot]

I always see these threads, and for some reason always read them (no need, as we homeschool, and I'm always mystified b/c I have absolutely no recollection of ANYONE giving my teachers gifts)...and I've learned that most teachers would prefer a written note (from the student, or the parent if the student doesn't yet write/read) saying thank you.

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.

After reading numerous threads on this subject, you might want to re-think the mugs.

Not to mention the teachers almost certainly have seen the giftsets and know EXACTLY what you've done...

(funny, I don't mind a giftcard as a gift at all, but if I get a present I do NOT want to know the cost)

 

[FLAngie]

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.

And here I thought I was doing something different this year. I bought DD's teacher a mono LE one a few weeks ago. We usually do an IOU for 3 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies (they come out in Feb. here). They go over REALLY well.

 

[Brandi1leigh]

I have taught for 11 years in high school. First, I would like to say that I appreciated ANY gift I was given. It really was the thought that counted. However, I preferred gift cards of any denomination.

 

[las3888]

Also chiming in on the "no-Starbucks" gift cards unless you know the teachers loves it. I got a Starbucks gift card last Christmas and JUST NOW finally had an opportunity to re-gift it to somebody else!

 

[hockeyprincess]

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

I know, right? Who knew? LOL I'm re-thinking my tote idea. Don't wanna give something they won't use.

 

[Beezle2]

I usually give a $25 gift card but it's going to be rough this year because I really don't like my dds teacher this year. I hate to say it but I just don't. I hope my better nature takes over before the Holidays. Maybe some eggnog and twinkle lights will help me see her in a different light

 

[bettymae1121]

I agree with the others. My best friend and SIL are both teachers, and while they appreciate any and all gifts they get, the could fill a swiming pool with all the bath products they get, and each have a closet full of "#1 Best Teacher" knick knacks.

By far they prefer gift certs to places like Barnes and Noble or Borders. They can use them for the class room or for themselves. Becareful with things like Starbucks cards, not everyone likes cofffee (my SIL can't stand the stuff) so be sure to try and get a gift cert for something you'll know they'll enjoy.

 

[labdogs42]

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.

Is this the one? http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/frosty-the-doorstop-674899/ I think I might have DS make these for his grandparents this year. They look fun!

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)

.

I did those for DS's preschool teachers one year (with the GC, no mug ) Sometimes you can get a great deal on a discontinued color.

I have taught for 11 years in high school. First, I would like to say that I appreciated ANY gift I was given. It really was the thought that counted. However, I preferred gift cards of any denomination.

That's what I was hoping someone would say. I hate how these threads always end up being about what teachers don't want, as opposed to great ideas of gifts TO give teachers. It rubs me the wrong way. I'm sure many teachers out threre could use a mug or a tote bag or a nice scented candle.

I always make some kind of home made treat with a card (including a hand written note) and sometimes a gift card, too.

 

[thebeesknees]

this year Im giving the teachers the lands end tote bag with their initial monogrammed on it.. someone posted the $12 bags and it was too good to pass up.

I did this, too. I was pleasantly surprised with how big the bag was, and I really like the little key fob it had, too. But I didn't get them monogrammed, and after seeing the posts about having too many tote bags, I might give them to someone else, instead.

 

[TheDisneyGirl]

With pre-k teachers, teachers helpers, dance teachers and dance teachers helpers we were sort of frazzled with the idea of what to give each teacher. So the first year I had bought a few jelly jars and painted them holiday themed then filled them with mini candy canes, and had my daughter draw a mini thank you note inside.

That was a lot of work for us... then her second year I started just giving Yankee Candles. The teacher and dance teacher get a medium or large jar candle (holiday scent and they can exchange it if they dont like the scent without a receipt) and the helpers/assistants get the mini jars. The great thing is the Yankee Candle people send out coupons for buy 2 get 2 free around this time, so we take advantage of that. Also, the mini jars sometimes come in a package of three, which works out for all the helpers/assistants.

Good luck!

 

[averysmom]

I always do gift cards, a homemade card from our child, and for classroom teachers, a book for their classroom library. Dance teachers, bus driver, swim coach, Cub leader, music teacher, gym teacher all get $10.00, homeroom teacher gets $25.00. I send dh out to get them, we've done bookstore and movie theatre in past years- just depends where dh is closest to that year

 

[wlake]

For my children's teachers, I've gotten the Yankee Candle jars on sale after Christmas for half price and stored them until the following year. You can usually get the cute gift sets that way.

I've been teaching for 19 years now, and the gift that stands out the most in my mind was a note from a parent saying she had made a donation to the school's garden committee for them to put in a plant in my honor. Maybe not the best idea for a Christmas gift, but if you're thinking ahead to the end of the year! Another one that I just adored was a set of personalized notepads that had a one of those cartoon faces of yourself and the message "A Note from Mrs. C." That was one organized mom to order that on time!

As far as tote bags go, it all depends on the person! I have a tote bag issue -- I haven't seen one I haven't liked! A key fob? I may need to go check out Lands' End! (Although I love my WDW one from this summer!)

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

I love any gift I get, Im just a sub at the preschool so I dont get remembered. I'm in one classroom at least half the school year. Oddly enough my favorite is a snow flake one of my students painted (Lime green) with glitter. I know pesonally I love getting gift card. tote bags and body wash get regifted.