Gifts for Preschool Graduation

B.,

As far as the teacher's gift, maybe a gift certificate to a salon, spa or massage therapy place if you are going in with several moms. The classroom supply idea is nice, too. When I taught, I really could have used some kind of an album to put the class pictures and also drawings from the kids in. They might like that.

I never gave my kids preschool or Kindergarten graduation presents, never even thought about it. Really isn't necessary. We organized a potluck dinner after preschool graduation, that was enough. If it is going to be a situation where parents are presenting gifts at the graduation, then, of course, you will want to participate. Maybe a book about growing up, (Oh, the places you'll go by Dr. Seuss comes to mind,) a journal where he can draw pictures, a new outfit that he can wear to church later or a picture of his classmates to put in his room.

One thing to consider is the precedence that you set. If you do decide to buy a gift, bear in mind that there will be an expectation for something for every kid for every milestone graduation, and the schools are having them more and more frequently. (We just had High School and college where a gift is a standard, now it's Kindergarten, 5th grade, 8th grade, etc.)

Good luck,
S.

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Hi B.!
What an exciting time for you! I agree with another mom who recommended a certificate for a massage or small pampering treat for a teacher--and with a gift of this type, you KNOW it will be spend on something that's a real treat. The classroom items are also a great idea.

For your son, I might suggest some fun summer toy/game! I'm a DISCOVERY TOYS consultant, and we have tons of really wonderful fun and educational toys for kids--things that will stand the test of time. The Splash Rocket is great for back yard summer play--it's a water 'rocket' where the child controls how high the water goes into the air, and therefore how high the rocket goes. And, the price is really reasonable, as it's on our summer sale right now!

If you'd like more info, you can see my website www.discoverytoyslink.com/jenesnough, or give me a call. I have a Member Perk out now, too--free shipping for Mamasource moms! :o)

Congratulations!
Jen E.
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Plan a special day out with your little guy...maybe take him somewhere you havent taken to before (a new park and a picnic lunch), or perhaps he would like a framed picture of him, you and dad.

as far as a gift for the teachers...if they had a list for classroom supplies, this would make a great gift. it saves them from spending their own money on the items. great idea!! You could always throw in a gift card for them for a restaurant, cub, bath and body etc...

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I wouldn't turn this into another time you need to give a gift. The day is special in itself; why teach kids they need some new "thing" too?

2 moms found this helpful

I was considering getting my son's teachers each a plant they can plant in their backyards, probably geraniums.
As for a gift for my son's preschool graduation, my husband and I were going to go to the local Dairy Queen for a fun lunch and ice cream treat after the ceremony.
Congratulations on the milestone!

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I'd buy from their registry for sure, since they specified that these are things they need. As for the children, many religious gift shops sell achievement certificates, plaques, and trophies. These would be nice. Or perhaps go to a craft shop and purchase simple and inexpensive picture frames and fun matting, and volunteer to take an individual "graduation day" picture of each child and frame it for them. Or do one group picture of the kids with their teacher(s) and make multiple copies and frame/matt them as gifts.

AS for an individual gift for your child, a special lunch or activity on the last day of school would be nice and memorable. Maybe lunch at their favorite restaurant and a visit to the zoo, or a picnic lunch with his best friends and their moms, followed by games in the park.

1 mom found this helpful

I'm going to have a corsage made for my daughter to wear on that day cause she likes flowers. I still remember my preschool graduation because my mom got me a bouquet of flowers and i felt so special.

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If you have a class picture, you could always have a mug, mousepad, or other momento made for the teacher. I received one from a class I taught, and I loved it! There are a number of books out there on going to Kindergarten, you could always get that for your child, to help prepare them for what's next. Something small to you, but will most likely be a huge help during the transition. Good luck!

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I think many people have similar dilemmas...but as far as a gift for the teachers, why not let them choose a gift from a gift album you purchase for them? It's more thoughtful and personal than a gift card, but it eliminates guesswork! Visit our website www.rharms.ordermygift.com to view the albums. There is no added shipping charge, and there is a 6-month guarantee on the products! I especially like to give the "Pamper" album as a gift for just such an occasion! Hope you find this helpful.

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B.,
My daughter had her last day of PreK today. Outside plants/flowers were popular, as are giftcards to somewhere the teachers might enjoy, like a restaurant or a mall. I'm a Tastefully Simple consultant, so we always give the teachers a little gift basket of some of the gourmet food offerings. They always love it. That's nice because its something they can make for their family, or when they have company over. Also a little something different than anyone else.
Feel free to contact me if you are interested. I always keep inventory on hand, or it can be ordered quickly, too - since Tastefully Simple is a MN based company. Have a time!
T. ____@____.com

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What a great idea! :) As an educator I can honsetly say that the best gifts are those that are needed - either items off their "wish list" for the classroom or a gift card to Target, Walmart, etc are wonderful!

K.

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My son recently graduated from a Christian preschool too. We gave him the book "I Knew You Could" by Craig Dorfman. We went to a nice restaurant for dinner afterwards with friends and family and he got 2 gift cards to Target to get something for himself and money from friends and family. We gave his teacher a card with a note of appreciation and a gift card to a nice restaurant.

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good question! I need the same advice!

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My mom and step-dad are both HS teachers and they say the best gifts are gift cards. Then they can get whatever they want, be it something for themselves or the classroom.

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My son is graduating from preschool, too, and I have gotten him some books about Kindergarten as a gift. As far as a teacher's gift definitely get them something from their classroom wish list. Before I decided to stay home, I was a teacher, and can say that many, many teachers spend their own money to get things for their classroom so they would definitely appreciate help in this department. Plus, we teachers get plenty of coffee mugs etc... as gifts and we can never use them all :)

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I don't have any advice on your child, but as a high school teacher of 8 years, I'll tell you the lotions and candles get used up, but the genuine, honest notes of appreciation are still kept together for the days when I wonder if teaching is worth it! Also, if you're wanting to show appreciation for the teacher, unless the stuff off the classroom supply list will really make his/her life a lot easier, try to do something personal as well--and seriously, don't underestimate the power of a heartfelt note!

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Hi B.- we also attend christian school.
We got target gift cards for the teachers.
They really want items they can use for the school. -- but this allowed them to use some for themselves too if they chose to do that.
B. J

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I always do flowers for my children's teachers. I buy some nice flowers and a vase. I arrange them myself at home and tie a large bow around the vase. All of the teachers have really enjoyed them.

One year the whole class contributed money and someone picked up a gift certificate to the mall. That way she was able to shop where she liked.

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There are these little teddy bears with a gown and cap and holding a heart picture frame. I think that would make a nice preschool, kindergarten, high school graduation present. It would be a great keepsake.

As far as the teachers presents, something for the classroom would be great. They get a lot of nick-knacks and that has to be a pain to dust at home.

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Definately buy something for the classroom if they had a list. That way you know that it will be used and that your appriciation for what they do is shown. Love the classroom idea!

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I know that teachers often say a gift card to a local walmart or something is great. they get soooo many knick knacks as stuff.
I feel bad now ... i didn't even think of getting my daughter something for kindergarten graduation :(

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