Hi! Our school year is almost over (this week!) and I have been trying to figure out what, if anything, to give to our school's office staff as an end-of-year thank you kind of gift. I am pretty involved in the PTO and have contributed to school-wide efforts to thank the teachers and staff (i.e. teacher/staff appreciation luncheon) but this last year I have felt like I've gotten to know the front office staff and principal a bit better and want to thank them for being so supportive of the PTO. Short of doing food again, do you all have any ideas? I'm thinking if nothing else, just a nice thank-you card would work. TIA for your help!
Candles are nice (vanilla scented in a jar).
If they like them they will use them.
If they don't like them, candles are easy to re-gift.
I am thinking about getting our staff gift cards to a fro yo place or ice cream. Just $5 cards each. They have been so wonderful this year and have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help our parents group out. Or you could always get a clay pot and plant some cheap bedding flowers in there and then take a pretty ribbon and tie around the top of the pot. I have done this before and it has turned out nice.
Until I got to the end of your request, I was thinking food. The bad thing about that though is when teachers walk passed it, they wonder why it wasn't put in the lounge for all to enjoy. I taught for more than 30 years and always wondered why the office staff received treats but the teachers didn't. (not saying that is your case) A nice inexpensive thought might be a run to Sonic or McDonalds to get their favoreite soda. - not too expensive but a true treat!
how about some pampering things. like a basket of bubble bath oils and salts. or manicure basket things? you could even give candles or snack baskets. something they can use. i know many teachers and staff get coffee mugs and little nick nacks they love but turn to clutter quickly! thats very sweet of you to think of them.
I make bookmarks and earrings (I just attach a charm of the school mascot onto leverback earrings - you just need to have a small pair of pliers). and give that to each of them - one year bookmarks, one year earrings - they tend to "turn over" fairly quickly or move into other positions so no one seems to get the same gift twice. For the bookmarks, I use the school mascot charms, waxed linen, and school colors for the beads. If you want specifics on making the bookmarks, e-mail me. I can usually make 100 of them in a couple hours - it's REALLY easy - I'm NOT a crafter!!!
Depending on your budget... gift certificate for a manicure at a nail place near school. These ladies work all summer and it may be nice to take a little break and get a mani!
I had a mother do this for us when I was an AP and it was a huge hit! Where we live a "basic" manicure is $10. You could do a $10 gift certificate for each and let them "make up the difference".
Try www.wicklessjustforyou.com, SCENTSY WICKLESS CANDLES. Not sure where you live, but she is located in Round Rock. Anyone would love them!! Wickless, flameless, smokeless and oh so many scents available.
That seems a little over the top to me. I'd go with a card. They're just doing their jobs after all.
On behalf of the office staff of a school I vote for an all expense paid European vacation.
Seriously, I never expect anything and am always so amazed and grateful when families acknowledge what I do for the school. I could receive virtually anything and I would appreciate it.
Have your luncheon but maybe do prizes. Most organized, best blah-blah. Small gift cards for coffee, etc for prizes. Make sure everyone gets a prize or award. Good luck and thank you for recognizing the peeps that support you.
