What do you think of this teachers gift?

[Cool-Beans]

I don't understand those who think it wrong to help people around the world.

There is nothing wrong with giving to charity. I do that myself.

It is just that when you donate to charity, the teacher hasn't received anything everyone here on the DIS didn't receive. She gets nothing. You get the satisfaction of knowing you're helping the charity of your choice. The charity, and those it supports, get some help.

If you cannot bring yourself to buy someone a gift and absolutely must tie it in with your charitable donations, at least find out what charity that person supports and donate to that. Then you can at least pretend that you thought a little about making the person to whom you are supposed to be giving a gift happy.

 

[lisajl]

OP here...

I didn't think that I would get such different responses. Some rude, most nice.

BTW, I spoke to one of my sons teachers last night and she thought it was a wonderful idea.
OK...so that leaves the other three that may have a problem with it.
I know one of them appreciates it.

As far as the tax deduction is concerned, I don't even put that on my taxes, nor do I put my contributions to the Cancer Society on my taxes.
Stupid, maybe, I just don't do it.

I did ask for opinions as I stated earlier. I appreciate the honesty of everyone. But, I see some people are a bit rude, not just honest.
At least that is the way it comes acoss on the board.
You may not mean it that way, but that is the way I see it.
Some of you see my gift as tasteless, thoughtless and a bit presumptious of me.
I was just trying to recognize teachers that helped my son.
Sorry I even posted.

 

[declansdad]

I see nothing wrong with your idea and I think most people would appreciate it.


Also speaking as the dh of middle school teacher, dw has been given enough candles and ornaments for our house, we don't need anymore.

 

[Quinn222]

It's a nice idea if the teacher supports that charity. I think the gift card is a better idea. My sister is a teacher and is so poorly paid she qualifies for food stamps. Around here they talk about building low income housing for teachers. A grocery store or gas gift card might have been a nice choice.

 

[Bob Slydell]

Wow...I did not realize some people on this board could be this cruel regarding helping other people.
Some of these comments are not too nice. Oh well, I did ask for opinions and I got them.
Too bad people are not as giving as I thought they were.

Lisa

Your OP was so vague that without any further explanation, it sounded like a pretty weird gift. Personally, I think you baited people into saying that the gift was dumb by not giving any details as to what you were talking about.

 

[Disneyrsh]

OP here...

I didn't think that I would get such different responses. Some rude, most nice.

BTW, I spoke to one of my sons teachers last night and she thought it was a wonderful idea.
OK...so that leaves the other three that may have a problem with it.
I know one of them appreciates it.

As far as the tax deduction is concerned, I don't even put that on my taxes, nor do I put my contributions to the Cancer Society on my taxes.
Stupid, maybe, I just don't do it.

I did ask for opinions as I stated earlier. I appreciate the honesty of everyone. But, I see some people are a bit rude, not just honest.
At least that is the way it comes acoss on the board.
You may not mean it that way, but that is the way I see it.
Some of you see my gift as tasteless, thoughtless and a bit presumptious of me.
I was just trying to recognize teachers that helped my son.
Sorry I even posted.

Well, the teacher's not going to say to you after the fact "well, that wasn't the best gift, you know."

You shouldn't be sorry you posted, it was a very informative thread.

Just remember, the people who dissented with your idea at no time ever called you 'tasteless', 'thoughtless', or 'a bit presumptuous'. These are your words.

We stated our opinion, with varying degrees of bluntness, on the idea of purchasing a flock of geese as a gift for a teacher.

At no time was there ever a personal attack on you, and I'm pointing this out to you because too many times on discussion boards I have seen somebody post something like your quote above and then start saying everyone's being "mean" or that the whole thing has devolved into personal attacks, when in fact that's not the case.

I think the different perspectives regarding giving were enlightening, personally...

 

[LukenDC]

What a beautiful gift! I have heard of Heifer International and I am so impressed with their work. It's a meaningful way to show appreciation to someone who has touched so many different lives.

 

[Pugdog007]

Your OP was so vague that without any further explanation, it sounded like a pretty weird gift. Personally, I think you baited people into saying that the gift was dumb by not giving any details as to what you were talking about.

Agreed.

I think it would be appropriate to do this if you know the person is a big supporter of a charity, otherwise not. And I agree with the person that said gifts of charity are more to make the giver feel good, not necessarily the recipient.

People always say you don't need to get them anything. However, EVERYONE appreciates a gift card to a grocery store or discount store like Target. Then if they want to donate the gift card to a charity of their choosing, they can do that.

 

[LukenDC]

We have plenty of people in the US who could use the help. I just believe in helping our own country before going to others, so its not a gift I would really appreciate, but thats just my opinion. I was glad to read though that they also helped people after the hurricane. Sorry if these words are too harsh, but you did ask.

I donate to a few charities, both domestic and international. Internationally, I provide monthly support to two children in India. I decided to sponsor these children because I believe that doing so helps the United States. America's reputation in the world right now is battered and bruised for a variety of reasons. By sponsoring those children, I am, in my own small way, helping to enhance the image of America abroad. With every card I send to them, I sign my name "Your American Friend, Lucas." I want people to have positive thoughts and feelings toward our country. International goodwill helps all of us!

 

[CheshireVal]

I guess the thing about it is that charities are such a personal thing. People have different passions and different views of how to make the world a better place. Some people have been affected so much by cancer that they give all their donations to that cause. Others might be passionate about the homeless, or the environment, etc.

For me, personally, I am passionate about animal and environmental issues... most of my charity dollars go that way.

I'm a teacher, and if I had received your gift I would have thought it was kind of neat and a really cool idea. However, I might have wished deep down that the money in my name had gone to another place.

 

[DisneyPhD]

I think it is a lovey gift and a lovey orgainization.

My friend got married last year. She lived in Africa for 4 years during HS. Her parents were missionaries. Her father is currenlty living in SC and has no need for the tradtional wedding cows. They gave to heifer international in lew. I thought it was a great idea.

I just love the defense "well you ASKED my opinon!"

OP please let us know the teachers response.

 

[vivilasvegas]

Hmmm, all I saw here was people who either liked or disliked your gift idea. Funny how all the ones who disliked it were the rude ones.

While it's a nice thought, I would have just given a gift card. Someone earlier mentioned getting one to a grocery store in the neighborhood. I got one to Jewel for my b-day from my co-workers...it was a great idea and I really liked it. And of course, I used it!

The Human Fund...

 

[Wonderlandmom]

My first thought when I read the OP was "I hope they don't have/get bird flu". I did go and goggle and learn about Heifer from your post though. I was rather clueless as to what it was all about.

It is nice you wanted to honor your childs teachers. I usually give gift cards to Bookstores or a restaurant they like. Our school keeps a teacher wish list of "likes" and "favorite places" in the office.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Don't be sorry for posting OP. I had never heard of Heifer International so I used the link. So if anything, your post has educated others as to the charity, and that's always positive.

I, personally, would not give this to a teacher unless I was sure the teacher would appreciate it. Teachers in our school are poorly paid, unfortunately!! My DD's kindergarten teacher has a dog so my DD has requested that I buy her a Petsmart giftcard. I thought it was wonderful that my DD thought of this all on her own (and she did).

Oh yeah, and since your teachers specifically stated no gifts I'm sure they will appreciate that you put a gift in their names to a charity.

 

[lisajl]

My first thought when I read the OP was "I hope they don't have/get bird flu". I did go and goggle and learn about Heifer from your post though. I was rather clueless as to what it was all about.

It is nice you wanted to honor your childs teachers. I usually give gift cards to Bookstores or a restaurant they like. Our school keeps a teacher wish list of "likes" and "favorite places" in the office.

Oh boy! That would have made my job a lot easier if they had a list of stuff they wanted. I guess here, our teachers are paid pretty well. We are very lucky in that aspect.

For the other poster, I'm sorry I did not mean everyone was rude that did not agree with my "gift". We all have different opinions and it is good to hear both sides. I have learned a lot from this post. Mostly, as I have learned at work also, keep your opionions to yourself and don't ask questions.! LOL
Whew! We need to not take ourselves so seriously and that is what I was doing. I was taking this as a personal attack on me. I hope that is not what you all meant.
Please keep giving to the charities of your choice. Make sure that the majority of your donation goes to the charity, and not to the people who run it!
Ok everyone.....

 

[declansdad]

Agreed.


People always say you don't need to get them anything. However, EVERYONE appreciates a gift card to a grocery store or discount store like Target. Then if they want to donate the gift card to a charity of their choosing, they can do that.

Not everyone appreciates a giftcard. Personally, I think they are tacky and show a complete lack of thought as to what a gift should be. Something that shows your appreciation to another person.

 

[EthansMom]

I'm not a teacher, but I wanted to chime in and let the OP how thankful I would be if people gave me such a wonderful gift. I would much prefer that someone make a donation to the charity of their choice than to have them waste their money on yet another candle, knick-knack or set of bath lotions for me.

 

[vettechick99]

I'm a fifth grade teacher and didn't receive any gifts today, nor did I expect any (I'm special education so I only see my kids for brief spurts throughout the day). So if one of my kids had donated in my name (to any reputable charity), I would have thanked them for their generosity. If they had bought me a mug, I would have thanked them. Same goes for gift cards, framed pictures or a hand written card. It's the thought that counts!!!

Gifts to teachers are not required at the end of the year, so I don't see the big deal. The OP donated in someone's name and I find that very kind.

Now if someone had given a 6 year-old a water buffalo for her birthday, that would be a little weird (but kinda funny at the same time).

OP, I think it's a great idea!