End-of-year teacher gifts?

[Michi]

I'm looking for some good end-of-the-year gifts for my DD's speech therapist/preschool teacher.
(...something besides candy/plants/candles...It seems like everyone gives those!)
Any great ideas? :)

[Tracy]

We always give notepads with magnets on the back, or a magnetic picture frame. I like to give teachers something that they will use up. We have even given gift certificates to eat out. I have teacher friends and they always dread the christmas presents and end of year presents... they feel guilty if they don't use the gift, but don't want something that sticks around forever and takes up space or has to be dusted... Just my :twocents:

[Splash]

I never liked receiving gifts from parents and children. Really, I didn't. I know a LOT of teachers who feel the same way.
If anything, give her a gift certificate for HER. Don't give her classroom stuff. Yes, teachers buy most of their supplies out of pocket, but a GIFT is a personal item, not a supply.
What do you know about her? What are her likes and dislikes? Have you noticed that she often wears a particular fragrance or buys her clothes from a particular store? Does she always bring leftovers from a certain restaurant for lunch?

[gwenvet]

We usually get it at the last minute and wind up getting $10-$15 Starbucks cards. Not very creative, but hopefully they like them.

[TheRealMacGyver]

As a teacher I will say that gift cards are my favorite. They are easy to transport and I can use them as I like. I know some say they are not as personable, but I think they are a good chioce. While restaurants are good, I like stores like Office Depot, Home Depot, or even craft stores. You can even ask the teacher which teacher supply store they use in the area and get one there. By the way, I never like the whole gift giving thing in the classroom, because there is always a kid that ends up feeling bad about the whole thing. A nice card or hand written letter is always appreciated as well.

[KAK22]

I am also a teacher. Honestly, my favorite "gift" is a note/card from parents or children (depending on age) just thanking me. Those are the things I keep.

[broken4u05]

I used to work at a day care center and we would get gifts as well. And i didn't work there for that long but i loved getting gifts the kids had done with there photo or something. Like a card. I have a folder at home with cards i got. A gift card was also something i liked because it did not say around forever.

[ajweeks]

For those of you who have given/received gift cards as teacher gifts, how much? We'll have 4 gifts to buy at the end of the year.

[Splash]

Honestly, I really would skip it.
To me, receiving gifts of obligation is offensive. It's not polite or thoughtful. It's a statement of "I didn't really want to do this, but felt like I had to." Unless you have something you really want to present to the teacher, skip it. No one should give a gift because they are expected to. That's not a gift. If there is something you WANT to give to the teacher, something personal that you feel is special, great. But gift cards are the same as cash, and you wouldn't give cash to a teacher, would you? I hope not!

[Michi]

I actually DO really want to give her something. she has helped DD SO much with her speech/language issues - and she is just a really great person as well.

Tell me if this is too 'hokey', but I found a big canvas tote bag at the craft store
I was going paint DD's hand prints all over it and write the teacher's name on it.
(Is that cheesy?)

[TheRealMacGyver]

But gift cards are the same as cash, and you wouldn't give cash to a teacher, would you? I hope not!


I used to feel like that too, but then I realized it's just the winds of change. I don't think anyone is offended by gift cards anymore, they realize it's just the modern gift to give.

[Chameleon]

A home made gift with the child's photo would be a nice gesture. Something the child made.

[amy919]

I'm with Splash on this one. This past Christmas, Kaylie's teacher must have gotten 10 candles! She probably ended up re-gifting them.

I vote for a gift certificate, too. Something that she HAS to use for HERSELF. Gift cards are too easy to use on someone else or use for something you need.

For a teacher that really went above and beyond, I'd probably spend $25-$30for a gift certificate.

Amy

[jennsmile]

I vote for gift cards too. My dh is in education and we love it when we get gift cards. Even $5 to a bookstore or something is fun and he can get something he likes. Or find out her favorite resturant and get a gift card for that. I also like the idea for a note. If you want you could do both.

Jenn

[trailrunnermom]

We usually get it at the last minute and wind up getting $10-$15 Starbucks cards. Not very creative, but hopefully they like them.

You're not alone; this is what I've given all our preschool teachers ($10 Starbucks cards.) I try to include a homemade note card with it from my son.

I stopped giving teacher gifts for my older daughter when she started having more than one teacher (5th grade) (even though the middle school teachers may be the most deserving because they're the ones who often see our children at their "worst"--anyone who's had an 8th grader might know what I mean!) :) However, I did get a Starbucks card last year for one teacher in particular that had gone above and beyond for my DD.

I do believe teacher gifts are definitely optional, and that a handwritten note can mean even more. No need to break the budget.

[vonfirmath]

Honestly, I really would skip it.
To me, receiving gifts of obligation is offensive. It's not polite or thoughtful. It's a statement of "I didn't really want to do this, but felt like I had to." Unless you have something you really want to present to the teacher, skip it. No one should give a gift because they are expected to. That's not a gift. If there is something you WANT to give to the teacher, something personal that you feel is special, great. But gift cards are the same as cash, and you wouldn't give cash to a teacher, would you? I hope not!

I don't see any problem with giving cash to a teacher. WHy not tip your child's teacher if you think they are doing a great job?

[Splash]

Because that leads to favoritism and bribery. If I slip my kid's teacher 20 bucks, then the whole dynamic changes.
Teaching is not about tips or gifts. I personally don't think teachers should be allowed to accept anything of monetary value, same with doctors. My son has some great doctors, but it would be inappropriate for me to tip them.

[Kellyr2]

I can tell you that Aaric's teacher was over the moon when we gave her a pic of Xander last week! She keeps offering to buy him from Aaric, LOL.
We'll probably do a card and a note, and maybe a basket of baked goodies.

[Kellyr2]

How would an "end of the year" gift lead to favortism in the classroom?

[papooses]

I just plan on taking a picture of Leila with her teacher together & sending a small magnetic framed copy -- simple, inexpensive, yet personal :)

[Splash]

How would an "end of the year" gift lead to favortism in the classroom?

I didn't mean an end of the year gift, I meant the comment above that asking why it's not okay to give teachers cash.

I just don't like wasteful gifts or cash as gifts, for anyone. A gift that I know will just end up in the trash bin or shoved in a closet somewhere is not a gift I would ever give, same as giving cash equivalents (I make a rare exception for that, like when I know someone really needs/wants it... mostly gift cards to grocery stores!). Gifts should be meaningful, thoughtful, and useful. The vast majority of teacher gifts don't fall into even two of those categories, much less all three. Remember, teachers have 20+ kids a year on average... do you really think they're doing anything with framed pictures of all of those children? When I got a picture of a child (and believe me, I did), I smiled and thanked the child. I might keep the picture around the classroom for a few days, but after that I took it home and put the picture in a shoe box and did something else with the frame or gave it away. I still have all the pictures, and can still name some of the kids, but it's not like I ever look at the pictures or, quite frankly, even know where they are. They're around here somewhere I imagine.

I'm not dogging people who gift teachers gifts. I'm just trying to offer a teacher's perspective.

And as for cash, I would have never taken it. Gift cards I took if they came from the CHILD. If they came from the parent, I gave them back and thanked them for the thought, but explained that it was unnecessary and that I don't take any gifts from parents (which is true, if the child didn't present it, I didn't take it). Most of the gift cards I used for classroom stuff, if applicable, and some I just gave away, especially if they were for a restaurant.

Taking gifts from the children always made me uncomfortable. I would much rather have had a note or drawn picture to put in my scrapbook or hang in the class.

[papooses]

I would much rather have had a note or drawn picture to put in my scrapbook or hang in the class.
Yes ... which is why Leila will be making the picture frame herself :love: I got the idea from my PreK/Kindergarten teacher way back when -- she actually sent letters home with different ideas for kids who felt they wanted to give a parting gift: saying it should be from the heart, not from the wallet :o

[racesmom]

As someone that worked in education I loved receiving gifts. Things like candles, etc really can be too common. However, handmade tote is very thoughtful since a teacher uses them nearly everyday. I like gift cards because they can be slipped in a card and no one's the wiser. (Plus, on a teacher's salary it's nice to have the gift to Starbucks, B&N or where ever.)My older son's teachers (when he was in school) and the teachers I've worked with didn't open gifts in front of kids. I don't think kids felt bad if they didn't bring a gift.

I've received many cards and pictures over the years. They're all in a box. Do i go through them now? No. That doesn't mean I didn't love getting them and don't love having my box full now. Same with the things my kids have made.

To me, giving any gift is a gesture of saying thanks. If a teacher is great I want him/her to know how much I appreciate what they've done for my son.

[skaterbabscpst]

I go a completely different route. As a thank you to my kids' school teachers and admin, I volunteer my time during the year, and for special occasions (Christmas, end of the year, ect), I bake.

For Christmas this year I baked 6 dozen ginger cookies (big ones, about 3-4" across), and took the entire batch to the school with a box of sandwhich-sized zip-top bags. Each teacher, aide, principal, secretary ect, was offered a bag and however many cookies he or she wanted, with no limit. (Granted, it's a fairly small school.) That way they knew they were appreciated, but they didn't end up with something that would not be useful or something that wasn't to their particular taste. AND if allowed me to "treat" them without having to spend a fortune.

For the end of the year I'll probably take in chocolate chip cookies or oatmeal raisin.

[twom]

We give a gift card to Hastings. It has books, cd's, videos, magazines, computer stuff, so everyone will be able to find something they enjoy. It's not about the "gift" really, it's just a thank-you for all they've done for my child during the year, and hopefully lets them choose something that they want as a treat for themselves. And of course the child does give it, not us. :)

[rachel3612]

We usually do gift cards to Starbucks, all three teachers Hannah has had so far go to Starbucks almost daily! Teachers get paid so little around here it is insane, they deserve a treat. I will also have Hannah write a story for her, and illustrate it herself and we can make a book out of it. Writing stores is a HUGE part of her class.

Liam is in preschool, we will probably do gift cards to starbucks or stickers with their names, but one of his teachers will be teaching 7th grade next year so the stickers probably won't work for her. LOL

Rachel

[BrookeSLP]

I had one mom that always got me nice dishtowels. I loved it!

[cmm7]

Tell me if this is too 'hokey', but I found a big canvas tote bag at the craft store
I was going paint DD's hand prints all over it and write the teacher's name on it.
(Is that cheesy?)

I think that is a perfect idea! It's cute, meaningful, and useful!

[Patriot201]

As a teacher I will say that gift cards are my favorite. They are easy to transport and I can use them as I like. I know some say they are not as personable, but I think they are a good chioce. While restaurants are good, I like stores like Office Depot, Home Depot, or even craft stores. You can even ask the teacher which teacher supply store they use in the area and get one there. By the way, I never like the whole gift giving thing in the classroom, because there is always a kid that ends up feeling bad about the whole thing. A nice card or hand written letter is always appreciated as well.

:yeahthat: I'm a teacher too. I 100% agree that gift cards are a good gift. I teach English, so I REALLY like the bookstore gift cards. :)

[Patriot201]

(even though the middle school teachers may be the most deserving because they're the ones who often see our children at their "worst"--anyone who's had an 8th grader might know what I mean!) :)


LOL from a middle school teacher. :)

[Mumoflittleguys]

Dh is a 1st-grade teacher, and his favorite gift ever was a Home Depot gift card. ;) When he was still drinking coffee, he loved Starbucks gift cards, too. Practical, and they allowed him choice.

Oh, and every Christmas he gets a snowman mug.LOL

[bbartlettnfld]

Well being a teacher on this side of the world is very different as many people have money to burn.. Lets see I have recieved a beautiful tea set, mugs, expencive perfumes, baked goods, jewlery... I have heard of teachers here getting ipods and cell phones as parting gifts.

I would do the photo route.. I have a great framed picture of me and a student that a mom took. I just love it! I don't expect gifts and am very thankful when I get one. The simple child made ones are diefinatly the most treasured.. Like the pasta necklaces and framed pictured the kids have drawn of me and them.

I haven't yet given a gift for any of DD's teachers as I am too cheep with I guess sounds terrible! I will get her teachers this year some nice chocolates from Godiva though.

[Simplysomething]

I used to feel like that too, but then I realized it's just the winds of change. I don't think anyone is offended by gift cards anymore, they realize it's just the modern gift to give.

I'm not offended by gift cards, I just don't really like receiving them, unless it's to a place like walmart. Because I know that that one won't have 13 cents on it for years waiting for me to go and use it up.

I can't imagine "tipping" a teacher.

I do not know ds1's teacher (or his reasource teachers) on a personal level. I wouldn't know what to give her. I wouldn't presume to know that she drinks coffee or that she likes anything...kwim? She's done a great job with my son this year. For us, gifts are generally given to people in the family, and one or two very close friends. I know that ds1 will want to give her a gift of some sort, because many of the other students will give gifts. Bah. We still have another two months before school gets out (mid-June).

I love that there are varying teacher opinions here. Which tells me...teachers are people too! lol (We keep running into ds1's music teacher in Walmart. He's always surprised...that teachers shop at walmart. Do you guys remember having experiances like that? Where you'd go and see your teacher out of the classroom? It was very weird to see the teacher at the grocery store..whaddya mean that teachers don't LIVE at the school?)

I haven't got a point.
:)

[skaterbabscpst]

I love that there are varying teacher opinions here. Which tells me...teachers are people too! lol (We keep running into ds1's music teacher in Walmart. He's always surprised...that teachers shop at walmart. Do you guys remember having experiances like that? Where you'd go and see your teacher out of the classroom? It was very weird to see the teacher at the grocery store..whaddya mean that teachers don't LIVE at the school?)

I haven't got a point.
:)


roflol

It's even odder when you run into your pediatrician of 6+ years at the mall. :whistle:

[Splash]

Or seeing the owner of the daycare that you practically grew up in (single father/doctor... day care near the hospital and the owners lived on premises...) at the mall when you're 20some years old. Her words to me? "Has your father grown up yet?" Ah... she does remember us.

[skaterbabscpst]

roflol Sounds familiar! My dad and I went tothe same high school. Some of the teachers remembered him. eek!

[Starlight]

My childs teacher would like... hmmm... let me think... G.C. to the fabric store, Target G.C, a day of no asking for the Wii, the new Recaro seat.

Oops, I don't suppose you meant me. LOL We homeschool, and I doubt my kids will be getting my presents.

:ROTFLMAO:

When my eldest went to daycare, we typically did G.C. for Bath and Body Works, unless I knew that the teacher specifically wanted/needed something else. I also once sent flowers to a teacher that did the Heimlich on him. LOL

[broken4u05]

I love that there are varying teacher opinions here. Which tells me...teachers are people too! lol (We keep running into ds1's music teacher in Walmart. He's always surprised...that teachers shop at walmart. Do you guys remember having experiances like that? Where you'd go and see your teacher out of the classroom? It was very weird to see the teacher at the grocery store..whaddya mean that teachers don't LIVE at the school?)
:)

It still feels weird to see my teachers not in the classroom and i am in college. I saw one when i was shopping once and i had to take a 2nd look. I know they have lives but i don't live in a small town so i never really think i am going to see them

[Loves2sing]

My Sister is a teacher and her favorite school gift has been a Gift Certificate. Here is Calgary you can buy Gift Certificates that are good for an entire chain of Malls, the nicest malls in the city, I should add. That would be my sister's dream gift!
Also, many parents don't do a gift so, yay for you for showing the teacher your appreciation!

[FuzzyDolly]

I'm married to a pre-school teacher and I can't tell you how many Dollar Store mugs she gets every year. If you want to buy something, a note set would be great. (For her to write notes home on.) Homemade cookies or treats are always fun. (Especially for their significant other!) Some fun sticker packets would be great too. (To reward kids with.) Anything else school supply related would be nice too. I can't tell you how many thousands of dollars we spend a year in school supplies. My wife always loves getting something made by the kids. Even a piece of construcion paper with a picture on it puts a smile on her face. Just make sure it's dated and signed. (We have boxes of these in the basement.)

[Michi]

My childs teacher would like... hmmm... let me think... G.C. to the fabric store, Target G.C, a day of no asking for the Wii, the new Recaro seat.

Oops, I don't suppose you meant me. LOL We homeschool, and I doubt my kids will be getting my presents.



We homeschool too.... except Katie goes to a special 'speech therapy' preschool part time. (It's part of a special ed. program at the local elem. school - just for kids with severe speech/language delays)

[Patriot201]

roflol Sounds familiar! My dad and I went tothe same high school. Some of the teachers remembered him. eek!

I teach at the school where I went. :) Some of my teachers still work there!!!