Teacher gifts

[kymmyk13]

HI, I need some suggestions for teacher gifts. my DD4 goes to a special needs preschool that has 3 teacher and then her day care has 2, so I need to buy for 5. Anyone have any suggestions.

 

[design_mom]

I am sure that whatever you choose to do would be appreciated -- everything from a handmade card by your daughter to an expensive gift.

My SIL used to work in daycare and she always appreciated gift cards because she could use them and get what she wanted -- even $5 cards were appreciated to places like fast food restaurants, Starbucks, etc. She also appreciated when the kids had "helped" with the gift, rather than it just being from the parents.

For christmas, we made the assistant teachers/after-school crew leaders, etc. a "movie night" basket. I found small baskets, popped popcorn (no butter) as basket filler, then filled each basket with a box of movie theater candy (dollar store), a packet of microwavable popcorn, and a $5 gift card to Blockbuster. The kids helped me fill the baskets, and wrap them with cellophane. Then they made little fit tags that we attached for each teacher. They seemed to be well received.

I also think gift cards to bookstores are well received because the teacher can either get something for herself or something for her classroom. We got the main teachers gift cards to the bookstore, and created homemade cards with the kids pictures on the front. DS wrote his own note on the inside. DD dictated hers to me and I wrote it, but she signed her name.

 

[hanutedmansionmomma]

I'm a teacher - First of all I have never expected a gift! It's so so sweet when I am given one, but just want to point out I don't think teachers expect them!

I agree w/ previous poster, something handmade, even a small drawing is always nice. If you are going to spend $ I also agree w/ gift card. I spend lotsa $ at Walmart, etc. on little things for the classroom all year. Again, small amounts tho.

I just feel weird when a parent goes overboard. Maybe I need to get over that!

Now if a parent gave me something Disney related....

 

[RN4Babies]

Between my dd8's teachers and therapists, we have five people to remember too.

Last year I gave a $5 giftcard to a local mall (with a variety of different stores) to each of them, along with a picture dd drew and a thank you card with a personal note inside from me. It didn't break the bank, and it was a small gesture to let each of them know that their time, patience and dedication are appreciated.

 

[ilandrazdsw]

Over Christmas we had 2 school teachers and 4 Sunday school teachers we wanted to do something for. We made goodie baskets (aluminum bread trays or cake mold pans) of homemade cookies, rice krispie treats, chocolate covered pretzel stix, and a mini loaf of cranberry bread (thanks to my mom). The kids enjoyed helping (or taste testing) and the teachers seemed to really appreciate the personal gesture. The kids did the same for their cousin as we (SIL & I) decided for the kids not to give presents this year.

 

[micheleq]

Former teacher here! A card from your DD would be wonderful. Teachers don't expect anything, but always appreciate a sincere thank you

Gift cards in small denominations are great, as are homemade treats. I taught two boys in the same family and always looked forward to the homemade peanut brittle at holiday time!

Now that my DD is in preschool, our class chipped in for gift cards for the three teachers. I also made a holiday white chocolate chex mix and gave each teacher and our crossing guard a small bag.

 

[EthansMom]

For DD's preschool, where she has several teachers, I usually take in a large box of individually-wrapped chocolates for the teachers to share.

For DS's two teachers in 2nd Grade, I usually give GCs to the local Borders Bookstore. I know the funding for teaching supplies that our teachers get from the PTO has decreased dramatically and I figure GCs to the bookstore will help teachers get something for their classroom without costing them money out-of-pocket.

 

[pdy11366]

I agree, it's the thought that counts! ANd it's always sweet to be thought of. At my school, granted it's a high school, any thing to eat is easy to share and greatly appreciated. But honestly, a picture and kind words will go further than anything. Those ar the things that get us through the rough days!

 

[okeydokey]

I usually give my kids' teachers movie gift cards to use over the summer.

 

[princessmom29]

Teacher her, ad while i nver expect a gift I really appreciate things that I can use in the classroom. Markers, crayons, glue, paper ect. Gift cards to walmart or an office supply are also great.

 

[pjtm]

For my kids teachers, I have bought compact umbrellas (Vera Bradley sale - they were only $6.50), I intend to put a Gift Card with it - small, like Starbucks $10 or McD $10 - something useful and small. I know I am silly, but I don't like to give only gift cards.

 

[DISNEYNV]

For my kids teachers, I have bought compact umbrellas (Vera Bradley sale - they were only $6.50), I intend to put a Gift Card with it - small, like Starbucks $10 or McD $10 - something useful and small. I know I am silly, but I don't like to give only gift cards.

Its not silly! I also feel weird just giving a gift card. Almost like its not really a thought out gift, so I too add a small gift with the card.

I need ideas for a Preschool gift as well. We are going to Disney the begining of May and am wondering if there would be anything teachers might like or appreciate from the World?

 

[HerdOHuds]

Again, when I taught no gifts were expected but always appreciated. But I could open a candle store with all the candles I got. And I would have to add a full extra set of cabinets to my kitchen to hold all the coffee mugs.

Gift cards were always big hits! The local Starbucks or coffee shop, or perhaps to a restaurant the teachers might run out to on a conference day for lunch, if they have the time, were highly prized.

The best gifts were the handwritten notes detailing special moments from the year. I saved them all in a folder that I kept in my desk and re-read often.

 

[carrie6466]

I'm the class mom in a special ed K class. What I'm going to do this year is send home an empty scrapbook page with each child. Another mom who is a scrapbooker is then going to help me assemble those pages along with pictures taken throghout the year and make the teacher a nice scrapbook.

What our next problem is, though, is what to do for the teacher assistant and the aide in the classroom? We don't want to leave them out, but we don't think they should get the same gift as the teacher. Everyone will be on their own for the OT's and the speech and physical therapists, I can only do so much