My daughter started pre-school this year and well...Thursday is her last day of pre-school until September. My question...do I give her teacher a gift? If so, how much? Also there are other teachers there too as well as teacher's helpers. Do I give them gifts too? If so, how much? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Until this year, my daughter has only gone to an in-home daycare provider.
Thank you!
I generally like to give end of the year gifts. You can make it simple. In the past, I've given inexpensive lotions, teas or edible goodies seperately or in a basket with cellophane and a bow. I included items for each teacher and then specialty cookies/teas they can share. You can also give sticky notes/stationery, or other supplies. I tend to give all 3 teachers similar or the same, and I try not to spend over $10 or so each.
I don't think gifts are actually necessary, although some people will probably have one to give. With as many teachers/helpers as it sounds like there are, a nice gift of fruit or cookies would probably be great.
It's always appreciated to acknowledge the people who take care of our precious children. My daughters attended pre-school for several years. We typically gave an individual gift to the 2 main teachers (in their 'classroom') and a group gift for the others. We spent $20-50 for individual gifts (depending upon our financial situation at the time) and probably $25 for the group. We often gave gift certificates for the individual gifts. For the group gift, one year I brought bagels, cream cheese and nice coffee. We've also joined with other parents and given one big gift for the teachers from the whole class. Don't stress over it. In my experience, any show of appreciation-no matter how big/small, bought/homemade-has been sincerely appreciated by the teachers and staff.
I'm a kindergarten teacher in Oakland, CA. End of year thank yous are appreciated, but never expected - at least, they shouldn't be! In answer to your question about who should receive the gift(s), I would say that anyone who works directly with your child on a regular basis should receive something. But, it doesn't have to be a gift, either. A thank you card is equally appreciated. Other than that, the personalized notepads are a nice and practical gift. But don't feel pressed to give anything fancy!
That said, thank you for even considering giving an end of year gift! The thought really does count.
I would never give a teacher a monetary gift--they are professionals, no matter that they are terribly underpaid ones. A gift certificate to a nice restaurant, or a massage or mani/pedicure--some little luxury that their salaries may not afford them but that you appreciate--is a good idea. Another one is something they will use up: one year I made personalized note pads (did the headline on the computer and went to Kinko's to have it printed on half-pages, then had them bound into 50-page pads) for my children's elementary teachers. They were a huge hit, relatively cheap, and got used the whole next year, which generated somebody else doing the same for them that year!
Hi Q.,
I believe pre-school teachers do what they do because they love kids that age. If you don't have a lot of $$ a home made gift would be very nice. When my oldest son left preschool I organized a quilt for the teacher. I gave all 12 kids a 9" square of fabric to decorate any way they wanted. The moms returned the squares and I stitched them all together. Some put their picture on it, hand prints, messages etc. It was great and greatly appreciated by all.
Home baked goods and a nice card signed by your son would also be very nice. If you're not into making things then a small gift bag with things for the summer...sunscreen, lip balm, visor, gift certificate to book store. You can make a nice bag for under $10. I'm sure you'll come up with something that will be meaningful from you. Have a great summer.
AC
