What do you get for your child's teacher for xmas?

[pinkxray]

My daughter is in kindergarten so this is my first time having to buy a xmas gift for a teacher. I don't have much to spend(less than 20). I have been searching for teachers gift and they all seem kind of lame. How many tote bags and candy jars with apples on them does someone need? I know there are some teachers on these boards. What would you want?
Thanks

 

[surfergirl602]

My dd's 3rd grade teacher loves starbucks, so I'm going to get her a gift card with maybe a travel mug and some chocolate. I was thinking peppermint bark if I can find it in single serving packages. Most teachers toss homemade stuff, so I want packaged. I was thinking about stuffing it all in the starbucks mug and then wrapping it in a cute bag with tissue for her present.

 

[ptlycloudy]

I don't have alot to spend either here is what we always do. My dd makes I card , I write a nice note, then add a $10 gift card to Target or Barnes and Noble or on a very lean Christmas $5 Starbucks card. I don't think the teachers are really looking for gifts. I use it a mid year thank you for the hard work they do.

 

[mickeymaker2003]

Gift cards are good. Even small ones for a breakfast or beverage in the morning, the office supply store, the teacher supply store, etc are good. I also liked homemade treats and notes. Actually, I appreciated anything I received (although I got more coffee mugs and apple themed stuff than I really wanted).

 

[tarheel618]

10 dollar gift card to Panera Bread. I have 3 teachers to buy for. The gift card would cover 1 meal there.

I really think small gift cards are the way to go, you could do Starbucks, Donut Donuts, McDonalds etc

 

[G's mommy]

I do gift cards.

 

[disneydaisyndonald]

Hit the Vera Bradley sale a month or so ago and picked up the wristlets for $10.00

 

[HaleyB]

Gift cards are always nice. Personalize it with a nice note.

 

[Goofygirl17]

My daughter's school sent home a letter saying that this year they didn't want anyone to take up a collection or send in a gift. They want us to make a donation or volunteer to help someone. I think it's a great idea. There are so many people hurting this year more than ever. They also said that the teachers would really like a personal note or something the child made.

 

[QueenRocks]

My kids are in high school and have 13 teachers between them. I buy the holiday themed magnetic notepads from AC Moore and attach a $5 gift card to Starbucks with a ribbon.

 

[mumto3girls]

I used to do one of the larger Yankee candles in a Christmas scent until I read here on the boards that many teachers either get way too many of them or don't want them to begin with and then I just started doing gift cards--usually Barnes and Noble. I figure most teachers enjoy reading and those that don't can get movies/music/games or even spend it in the cafe. If none of those work they can easily regift it. I also usually have my child do a card and as they've gotten older they usually make some sort of ornament.

Careful though, I bought my gift cards weeks ago and within in the last week I have been approached about a group gift for all three of the classes my kids are in. Now I have to decide what to do. I have never had that happen at Christmas time before. Usually they do a group gift end of year but not now.

 

[jme829]

Sams club usually has a 3 or 4 pack of nice mugs filled with cocoa, cookies, etc for about $20 so I pick up a pack and give 2 to "special" teachers (reading , speech) and then for ds and dd10 main teacher I give them the mug with a gift card for Borders in it.

That way they can buy books for themselves or for the classroom.

 

[MelAnderson]

I get DS teachers and therapists $10 Target gift cards by using my bank points (at no cost to me). Of course, after I ordered and received the cards this year, I received a letter saying that they would prefer items for the classroom (puzzles, dry erase markers etc.) in lieu of gifts. It's too late now, but they should be able to get whatever they need.

 

[jme829]

My dd's 3rd grade teacher loves starbucks, so I'm going to get her a gift card with maybe a travel mug and some chocolate. I was thinking peppermint bark if I can find it in single serving packages. Most teachers toss homemade stuff, so I want packaged. I was thinking about stuffing it all in the starbucks mug and then wrapping it in a cute bag with tissue for her present.

Target usually has the bags of individually wrapped Ghiradelli peppermint bark chocolates...Look in the christmas candy aisle. They are yummy!!

 

[Cupcake2008]

Although they are greatly appreciated, most teachers are not expecting elaborate gifts. I love getting handmade cards and crafts from little ones, and even notes or cards of appreciation from older kids and their parents. It's very thoughtful when parents send coffee mugs, candles, and food items, but in these hard economic times, it might be even better to give a giftcard for a store that the teacher can buy things for the classroom with. Consider places like Staples, Teacher supply stores, Barnes and Noble, and Target or Walmart. Teachers at one of my schools are providing their own toilet paper and copy paper because the budget is that tight. They are spending their own money for extras for the kids. Anything that parents send in to help supply the classrooms would probably be greatly appreciated.

 

[crazelion]

I would go general gift card from Wal-Mart or Target. Remember everyone does not like Starbucks.

I would be happy with a Christmas card. Then that just me.

 

[KLAIT]

I always buy a gift card to a book store and maybe a bookmark....I come from a family of teachers and know that these are appreciated for either personal reading or a book for the class..

 

[lovintennessee]

I am getting board games and puzzles for indoor recess for my daughter's main teacher. For her speech and resource teacher I am getting a Christmas ornament and a small gift card.

 

[Mrs. Charming]

How about Mrs. Prindables apples? My mom got a few over the years... omg, not a crumb went to waste. I also agree with the Starbucks/Dunkin' gift card. Or even a mug and a pound of Starbucks coffee with a nice note

 

[jenlynn0808]

I get DS teachers and therapists $10 Target gift cards by using my bank points (at no cost to me). Of course, after I ordered and received the cards this year, I received a letter saying that they would prefer items for the classroom (puzzles, dry erase markers etc.) in lieu of gifts. It's too late now, but they should be able to get whatever they need.

Don't worry about it! If you want put a little note with it saying it is intended for them to use toward the classroom. Then the teacher can use it to get the new dry erase markers, stickers, little rewards for the kids, etc. stuff that they didn't get but still need.