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

[lovesmurfs]

We always give a gift certificate to our local teacher supply store. So often the teachers in our district have to purchase their own classroom supplies, so that's what we've done for each of the kids' elementary school teachers.

 

[Goofy'slady]

I have two girls ages 11 & 4. The 11yr old is in the 6th grade and she has many teachers, so I told her that mom & dad couldn't afford to get each one of them a gift this year but we certainly could get one, perhaps her favorite teacher a purchased gift. I also, told her that it would be most spirited if she sent them all warm holiday wishes and season's greetings in a personal card in her own words and hand.

My 4yr old is in pre-K with just two teachers and I volunteer in her class twice a week. So I've really gotten to know these ladies and would like to express my gratitude to them for the wonderful job they're doing. Especially since they're young and it's their first year teaching (the primary teacher is all of 23 and the Para may be a few years older - which makes this 33yr old mum feel old). I did go out and buy them each small gifts from B&BW's, a 10 dollar gift cards from places I've heard each of them say they enjoy grabbing a quick lunch from, a gift bag full of things to be used in the class that they usually spend their own money on such as tissues, glue sticks and hand sanitizer. My dd4 has also made them each a snowman neckalace that she is so eager to give to them on the last day before the start of the winter break.

T.

 

[casjen]

it is important to remember not everyone in this world celebrates Christmas. While I am thankful for every gift I get from my students, I do not celebrate Christmas. I have no use for your ornaments, christmas themed books, sweaters, socks, santas etc.

I used to be kind of put off that parents assumed everyone celebrated exactly what they did. But now I just chalk it up to our society which is dominated by christmas this time of year. I would never give a menorah to everyone I know, so why pass out santas and ornaments to everyone you know? (flame away)

That said, in my own children's classes, we usually take up a collection to get one class gift card to Barnes and Noble or Target, or a general one just for the teacher. We ask for $5-10 per family so it isn't a huge amount people are expected to spend. But in the end the teacher gets a nice big gift card he/she can use for supplies etc

Being a teacher I am so thankful for Target and Barnes and Noble gift cards. I use them to replace old games and old favorite books in the classroom.

 

[MichelleTX]

I get my kid's teachers gift cards to Target every year.

Same here plus this year I have going to give them each (I have 4 to buy for) an Envirosax reusable shopping bag (with the Target giftcard attached).

 

[bridget]

Another teacher (and mom) here.... I think gift cards are the way to go! A $15 gc would be a fantastic gift for any teacher!!!

I've done Barnes & Noble and Target gift cards in the past.

In the Spring, my daughter's school has a big education week, and that's when I get all of her "extra" teachers (pe, music, computer, library) a $5 gc to Cold Stone Creamery. They were so appreciative and really enjoyed getting that surprise gift.

 

[Mommyto2Princesses]

My DD5, is in a half-day private Kindergarten Program. The mom in charge of that Christmas Party - asked for $5 from each child and is getting the gift - THANK GOODNESS! We do have a small something for her - as I sell BeautiControl on the side - I got her a lip balm (non-scented) and a hand lotion (non-scented, but WONDERFUL) for around $8.

On the other hand, my DD10, is in the 4th grade and has two teachers everyday plus an activity teacher every day - and I'm the room mom for her class!!!! YIKES!!!! Normally, I take up money from the class and purchase a large gift card for the teacher - those poor ladies have more apple-themed crap than you could imagine! lol...... This year, however, a friend and I are going in together and getting our two main teachers a gift card and I'm sending the activity teachers a scented hand soap from BBW. I know it's small and they probably don't care for that particular scent, but it's the thought that counts and I can't afford anything more. I will put a nice hand written note in with it - and hope they appreciate my effort.

 

[MickeyMom2Boys]

My son is in Kindergarten and is really getting into football this year. He picked up on his teachers favorite teams and picked out Tervis Tumblers with their team's logo on them. I thought that was a good idea. Something functional, different from the typical coffee mug, and a little personal.

 

[Dancemom03]

Okay, I must be odd... oh wait, I knew that already.

Anyway... after a preschool teacher asked for a poinsettia to brighten the classroom, I've given each teacher a poinsettia or one of those terrific smelling potted herb trees they sell during the holidays - rosemary, maybe? DD8 really enjoys picking out the flowers for her teachers and makes a thank you card herself which we put in the flower pick sticking up or tie to a bow around the pot. During the last few days before Christmas, I drive them into school at the end of the day. As she walks down the hall with flowers in both arms to deliver them, everyone she passes always compliments her on the perfect gift.

At the end of the year, she selects hanging baskets of flowers to give to each of her teachers. Here, everyone has a sunroom, patio, or porch so the hanging baskets are appreciated. One teacher's thank you note said she smiled whenever she saw the flowers all summer thinking of DD8. I thought it sounded like a great idea until I read this thread...

We also fill a lidded glass jar with two punds or so of Hersey's kisses & Hershey Miniatures for the office staff. DD8 is late by a minute or two, loses her lunch money, or forgets something that I have to drop off mid-day more often than I like to admit. It's a small school with many of the same folks still working there since her much older siblings attended. After 10-20 yrs in a small town we know each other by first names so we like to show the office staff how much we appreciate their efforts all year too.

 

[scootch]

Our kids go to a catholic school. Our teachers work without any benefits and for very low pay. I usually just give money $40-50 to each teacher and then $20 to the secretary(who the school could not run without, she is amazing) and $20 to the principal. Not very sentimental but I am sure they are appreciative.

 

[lovintennessee]

Our PTA set up a "Wish Tree" in the lobby and caferteria for our parents to purchase gifts for the teachers. We got this idea from a suggestion from a teacher at a PTA meeting. Each paper ornament had the teacher name and what they needed for the classroom. It was set up in November and by the week before Christmas break it was bare.

I thought it was a great idea so that way every teacher would get something they needed for the classroom. I also put a small gift card in for the homeroom teacher.

 

[StephMK]

Our PTA set up a "Wish Tree" in the lobby and caferteria for our parents to purchase gifts for the teachers. We got this idea from a suggestion from a teacher at a PTA meeting. Each paper ornament had the teacher name and what they needed for the classroom. It was set up in November and by the week before Christmas break it was bare.

I thought it was a great idea so that way every teacher would get something they needed for the classroom. I also put a small gift card in for the homeroom teacher.

I LOVE that idea!! They do that for the book fair but what a great idea for now or the end of the year. I'm going to check into that for our school, thanks!

 

[aaronlisar]

Our PTA set up a "Wish Tree" in the lobby and caferteria for our parents to purchase gifts for the teachers. We got this idea from a suggestion from a teacher at a PTA meeting. Each paper ornament had the teacher name and what they needed for the classroom. It was set up in November and by the week before Christmas break it was bare.

I thought it was a great idea so that way every teacher would get something they needed for the classroom. I also put a small gift card in for the homeroom teacher.

My son's school does something very similar. Each teacher has a Wish tree outside of there classroom doors that the PTA does. They put post it note ornaments on the tree of items they need for the classroom. This way if someone wants to get the teacher something at least they will be getting them something they they can use.

His teacher also sent home a note saying the kids will not be exchanging little gifts this year. Instead they have decided to collect new unwrapped toys for a family to help with Christmas this year. Last year they just exchanged $3 books.

 

[Whistle]

I'm a 3rd grade teacher in a lower income school and appreciate ALL gifts my students give me! Some of the favorites that come to mind are:

*the handwritten cards and notes!
*ornaments (with the child's name and year on the back)
*gift cards (can't go wrong there)
*bath and body works stuff

 

[pixiedustaholic]

I picked up a 30 piece Rubbermaid storage container set with easy find lids for $7 on BF. I thought they could use this in the classroom or at home.