Seeking Advice for Christmas Presents for Teachers

You don't HAVE to buy the teachers anything. It is a personal choice.

This year I purchased poinsettia plants for our head preschool teacher and for my son's kindergarten teacher.

No presents are REQUIRED, but if you would like to give them a token of appreciation it is your choice.

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NO, coffee mugs, apple-themed items, trinkets to clutter up desks and shelves. The best stuff is consumable (food, candy, other treats) or spendable, gift cards etc. If you know they drink Starbucks (or Peets or whatever) a $5 gift card is great. Bookstores are also a good place to get gift cards as teachers get special discounts there.

advice given as the daughter of a teacher.

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You do not have to buy gifts for your child's teachers.

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I agree with everyone so far that gifts are not required. Growing up we made pumpkin bread for my teachers and as a teacher one of my favorite gifts was always something from the heart (homemade cards, notes of thanks, a hug and a verbal thank you).

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You don't have to buy presents for teachers! That's ridiculous! I don't know where your friend got the notion you have to buy presents for teachers.If you have a special relationship with a teacher, or your child does, you might choose to give her a card, but anything else is uncalled for, particularly in these economically disastrous times. Most folks are having enough trouble getting presents for their kids, let alone their kids' teachers!

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I think your friends' advice was her own opinion on the matter. I personally don't buy gifts for teachers. The Preschool we went to strongly advised no gifts for the teacher but if the child wanted to make a handmade card for them that would be most appreciated. I have a teacher friend who doesn't like the gifts either. She usually gets plants that die, gift cards for Starbuck's when she doesn't drink coffee, and cookies that are stale. She much appreciates a card with a hand written note of appreciation over any kind of gift. Please don't feel obligated to do the "American" thing and give when it's not heartfelt and more of an obligation. Wouldn't you rather get a heartfelt note of appreciation for your hard work? Those are the best kind.

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You are not required to give a gift to your child's teachers, but since most don't make very much money for the important work they do, it's nice to acknowledge them during this holiday season. When my kids were in school, I wrote a letter to each teacher, at this time of year and at the end of the school year, thanking them for taking on the profession of teaching and for the things my child had learned or progress they had made so far. During the holiday season, I also purchased inexpensive tree ornaments that hold a photo. That way, the teacher had something small that could be kept for years, reminding them of a student whose parents were thankful for them.

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In my humble opinion gift buying should only be done for those you love and are closest to. There is absolutely no reason why we need to be buying gifts for everyone who we come into contact with daily.
Anyway, we are in a recession soon to be depression. You better save your money because things are going to get mighty tough. 2011-2015 will be seeing more foreclosures, more people loosing jobs, more countries going bankrupt and MORE INFLATION. Prices for everyday items you use are going to skyrocket.
Make a nice big card- with you daughters photo in the center of it and her painty handprints around the edge. If you can swing it take your camera to school one day and ask the teacher to pose with your daughter, and use that picture in the card.

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As a teacher (and new mom), I appreciate your generosity toward your child's teachers! I never expected gifts from my students/parents, but if you do want to give something, a small amt. gift card to Starbucks or other coffee place is nice. Just writing an appreciative card is great too!

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First, let me say that you DO NOT HAVE to buy presents for the teachers, especially when there are five of them! A nice xmas card for the classroom, or some home baked cookies or other goodie is just fine but that is not absolutely necessary either. The teacher will not feel slighted and you should not feel that you have to buy her something. The truth is, she probably gets so much "junk" from students that she would rather you didn't anyway. Like I said, a nice homemade card by your little one to each teacher should be more than sufficient.

Something you and your child make together, do not pay money for anything.Something from your native culture, even a picture. It is truly the thought that counts. Of course preschool teachers are underpaid (I am a former day care teacher/director and even than pays very little.) Most of us go into this line of work because we love children and want them happy and safe and secure as well as creating an environment where they learn the social skills that will enable then to relate safely and pleasantly with others in their world. We always appreciate any gifts from the families we serve that indicate appreciation for who we are and what we do. Let your gift express that. Do not be fearful about spending a lot of money. Teachers do not expect that.

I used to be a preschool teacher. Gift cards were my favorite. Whatever amount your budget allows-it's the thought not the price. Happy Holidays!

V., Christmas gifts for the teachers are NOT a requirement. If they were, they wouldn't be "gifts". It is nice to do something for the teachers if you want to do so. As a preschool teacher I can give a little input as to what would be appreciated. First... forget about candy or toiletries. They get so much of that anyway, and it doesn't show that you've given any thought to the teachers at all. Second, since you are from a different culture I think the teachers would appreciate something that is significant to your culture. Do you have a craft you do that would show your culture? Or perhaps you are great at making one of the foods from your culture. It doesn't have to even be a dessert type of food. For an example... I once had a child in my class whose mother was from the Phillipines. I would have just loved it if she had made up some of their fabulous Lumpia as a gift for us. Your name suggests to me that you may be from one of the eastern European countries. I know there are some wonderful foods that are native to those cultures that I would love to have someone make for me. We Americans can get recipes and try to duplicate those foods, but somehow they just don't come out as good as when made by a native of the country. You might even think about making a lunch for the teachers one day during the holiday. We had a few parents who got together and made up an ethnic lunch for all the teachers in the school at one center where I used to work, and that was a real treat.

You don't really need to buy them gifts, if this is a private preschool you already pay them. However, many people do give gifts, but it is not required. If you do wish to do something small, you could make each of them a treat from your country. That way they don't have to store whatever you give them and you do not have to break the bank getting them gift cards. If you would rather give them gift cards, $5 to Starbucks is an inexpensive option.

D.

I always give a gift certificate to a local independent bookseller. That way the teachers can use it for themselves or use it to buy gifts for their friends. It also supports local booksellers, which is always a good thing. You should give generously, as pre-school teachers are generally underpaid and they are dedicating themselves to making your children better. That said, the spirit is in the giving, and you need to give an amount that works for your family. Thanks, J.

My son's preschool teacher and two aides will be getting a box of Nana's Apple Cake from TASTEFULLY SIMPLE with two apples in a nice gift sack.

As a kindergarten teacher some of the most memorable and most cherished gifts I've received have been handmade; ornaments, cards a picture of the child with a thank you and merry wishes to each teacher would suffice. If you feel compelled to buy something you could do a $5 Starbucks card.
I hope this helps.

Best Wishes,

M.

Hi V.,
I am a teacher and I appreciate your letter asking about gifts. Since you have 5 teachers - 5 gifts, you dont want to spend too much money. Gift cards would be great. I would love a $5.00 gift card to STARBUCKS. If you can spend more $10.00 is even better. They would love that you think of them! P.

Gifts are not necessary, but definately appreciated.

However, if you do want to show your appreciation for the teacher, give to the 3 main teachers. Something from your culture is wonderful. Baked goods are always good. You can always bake some cookies. Books are always appreciated. This year, I'm making a body scrub out of sugar and olive oil and putting it in a nice container. I'm also including a book that the teacher asked for from the book fair that they had earlier this year. I'm keeping the cost to about $10.

Have a great holiday!

I agree that gift cards are a wonderful gift; teachers love them! Depending on your budget, though, teachers certainly understand a homemade gift: a plate of goodies (maybe on a pretty Christmas plate), some delicious bread, a mug filled with cocoa mix and other goodies to put in hot drinks. I know that while I appreciated the lavish gifts that some of my students got me, I didn't expect them and was thankful for their thoughtfulness.

I am going to make gift baskets for my daughters teachers with homemade goodies.

Hi V.

First off, your friend is incorrect in saying you HAVE to buy the teachers gifts.. only buy them IF you choose to do as such and since you are choosing, here are a couple of ideas. at many Chocolate stores (well, Aida's in burlingame for example) they do musical chocolate notes and or musical instruments.. depending upon the size you get, it's not too expensive and it's cute. If you buy a gift card, like say a coffee one, 10 bucks should be good, they can either buy cups of coffee/tea for a couple of days OR buy a l lb of coffee with it.. being as you have to buy FIVE.. that would mean 50 bucks.. not much to some, but for those budgeting... well, 50 is a lot..
lastly , nowadays, many products come in smaller travel sizes and are packaged in a cute manner. You could do a cute handlotion set (as many teachers probably wash their hands all the time) being as they are dealing with little kids. or other fun things.. liek bath salts or body washes. so many stores sell fun things and the items are often already wrapped for you.

best of luck

As a teacher, I always loved a card thanking me (not something you often hear), a potted plant, or a gift card to a book store so I could purchase a book for my class. As far as the gift card, it really is the thought that counts...even the $5 gift card is appreciated and can come in handy! Good luck and know it is more about the thought than the money. People feel like they "have to" buy their teacher something and a lot of it, in my case, goes to Goodwill. There are only so many boxes of chocolate and "spa" gift baskets one person can use!

Gift cards are wonderful.....my youngest has three preschool teachers too..and with them, ballet, tap and gymnastics teachers......it can get expensive. I like to do $10 gift cards to Starbucks. Those are always good.

You can always make baked home goods as well. Growing up my mom made banana bread and homemade hot chcolate mix in decorative containers.

We will probably spend a little bit more on my oldest's Kindergarten Teacher. She is awesome and she is with my child everyday. We may just give her a visa gift card. That way she can use it on anything she wants. Most school teachers use thier own money for classrom expenditures since the state of california cuts school budgets .(whre I am from..they are not allowed to do that.)
anywhoo..hope that helps.

Greetings V.,
My husband was a teacher and have several teachers in the family. I can share the things that they enjoy recieving.
Hand cleaner, boxes of kleenex, reams of copy paper, marking pens and yes boxes of pencils and crayons, even ink cartridges. I know they also appreciated gifts cards of any kind. I hope that you find some of this helpful.
When our children are young we had them make a picture or card with a note of appreciation and a picture we would take of the teacher and our child together. On teacher was famous for planting things so we got her a nice flower pot and soil.
Please do not feel that you need to spend a great deal it is the idea of appreciation that matters. Some mothers will get together and everyone put $5.00 on a gift card and do agroup gift and with times the way they are it is a great way to go.
Nana Glenda

When I taught preschool I looooved gift cards. Starbucks for 5 or 10 bucks or a bookstore (local or independent my favorites) for 10 an upwards dollars.

I see you have a lot of responses, but thought I'd add mine. It is customary to reward a job well done with a gift of some sort around the holidays, as well as at the end of the year. However, it doesn't have to be expensive.

This year, we are making homemade marshmallows (recipe here: http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/peppermint-marshmallows) and are including a little mason jar filled with homemade instant cocoa (recipe here: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Hot-Cocoa-Mix-In-A-Jar/Detai.... This is very inexpensive, and really pretty quick to throw together. Add a little card saying "thank you" and have your child sign it, and you're done! =)

I always found this to be a dilemma in preschool because the kids might very well have multiple teachers. No gift is required, but, yes, I always gave one. Usually gift cards - $10 at Starbucks, etc. But a picture drawn by your daughter is also nice and maybe small box of candy or something homemade. Also consider joining a class gift or a gift with another family - $20 gift card to Target, Safeway, etc.But if you do nothing it will probably not be noticed.

I'm an elementary school teacher, and yes, gifts are always appreciated, but they are definitely not necessary (and I don't feel they should be expected). Gift cards are always nice, but since you're buying 5, that could be expensive. If you want to spend $25, you could do $5 each for something like coffee, ice cream, smoothies. Homemade goodies or ornaments are nice, too if you choose to go the gift route.
-J-

As a teacher myself, let me tell you that teachers are easy to please. A homemade anything is fine, or a coffee gift card, $5. Keep it simple.

Between my two school-age children and my one preschool age child we have 9 teachers and aides. Although we would love to buy soemthing for all of them it is really not in our budget. I am having my older children and helping my preschooler make cards for thier teachers and then we will make spiced nuts for all of them. This is something we always maek for our families at the holidays. Next year I plan to work ahead and perhaps knit a scarf for each of them. We've also baked breads in little individual loaf pans in the past. I used to teach preschool and the only thing I can say from the teacher's point of view is that gifts are not expected but are apreciated. Think useful and consumable i.e. gift cards, candles, food. I agree no toiletries unless you know the teacher well and she has a favorite. Also no mugs unless you know the teacher needs one, we tend to get a lot.

Starbucks and Target Gift Cards! Holy cow, they go seriously nuts over gift cards in $10 or more increments. I've also gotten smiles from giving pretty scarves.

I have been thinking about this myself, since I'd have to purchase for 4 of the 6 teaches (and then do I want to leave out the two teaches that watch the kids sometimes - they go to extended care). 6 gifts? I am trying to save money not spend more! I think I'll purchase a large bouquet of flowers and divide it into 6 and tie it with a pretty bow. I don't know the teachers well enough to know their tastes (not everyone likes Starbucks). I think everyone is ok with flowers.

I would think something inexpensive from the culture you came from would be wonderful.

If you are interested, check out my website at www.partylite.biz/tammichelemagic for Partylite Candles and Gifts and these may help you out. If you order with me before the 15th you will have the items in time for Xmas.
Good luck!
T.

I don't feel that you HAVE to get a gift. If you are especially happy with the teacher(s), they do a handmade card or the such. Last year, I went to Rite Aid and bought a small candle/reed diffuser ($3-6 each) for each teacher.special person in my daughters day. (it ended up being 3 teachers, her principal, and 2 people in the office). At the end of the year, we made each a mini loaf of banana bread and my daughter (then in 1st grade) wrote a thank you note to each of them and included a favorite memory of my daughters. She did all the artwork and writing. On her last day, she passed them out. she had teachers(and staff) in tears! sometimes, the simplest heartfelt thakyous are the most appreciated. This year, my daughter is in a different school, and I will not be getting her teacher anything, as we have had nothing but trouble all year with her teacher, and after the holiday, my daughter will no longer be attending the school.

I agree w/A L.....you do not HAVE to buy them a gift....it's a nice gesture but not a necessity. I also agree that gifts for just the 3 main teachers are best. And speaking as someone who was a preschool teacher & an aide at a public school for many years....skip the cutesy ornaments & mugs & go for gift cards. I suggest Target, Wal-Mart, Starbuck's, Jamba Juice, book stores or even movie tix. $10-$15 gift cards are good but that would end up being close to $60. Teachers don't want you to go broke over this but they do want to be acknowledged & appreciated. Best of luck!

Hi,
It is not necessary to buy presents for her teachers. If she had one home room teacher or day care provider that she was with most of the time a small gift would be nice but not expected. 20$ and under is a good rule of thumb. CD's, plants, candy, a tree ornament, something home made, something they can use in the class room.
Good luck.

I like to give classroom supplies! Many schools are short on funds and teachers end up buying their own supplies.

I have given magnets, scotch tape, permanent "sharpie" markers in different colors, post-it pads, tissues, antibacterial wipes and things of that nature.

Unless you have lots of cash laying around, buying something for 5 preschool teachers can get quite expensive for you.

When my daughter was in preschool, we only had 1 teacher and she got a variety of things that she was equally pleased with. From a potted plant and handmade card (from us), to gift cards, to baked goods.

With 5 teachers, I would bake some brownies or something and have your child color a card.

good luck!
A. :)

My son and I are going to bake Christas cookies this year for his teachers, taekwondo instructor, our neighbors, etc.

We'll arrange them on red or green paper plates, wrap them in celophane and tie with a pretty ribbon.

As a middle school teacher I am always pleasantly surprise and touched by students who bring me gifts for Christmas or my birthday, but it is NOT expected AT ALL and I personally prefer things like cookies that you don't have to worry about pretending you want when you don't (the "worlds greatests teacher" mug is nice, but so is a card and I don't have to find room for it in the cabinet).

Hope this helps.

T.

Hi V.,
I also worked in a pre school and I can tell you that you gifts are not expected. I find it really sweet that you care enought to wonder what to give. If you really want to share in the holiday spirit you could always give the teachers something that they need in their classrooms. With the budget cuts and all teachers can always use some extra help. On a more personal note I alway's enjoyed hand made cards from the kids. I always enjoyed it when families shared holiday traditions from their countries, wheater it be a homemade goodie or a hand crafted gift or a fun game to teach the others. That to me is what the season is all about. Sharing yourself with others. Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday

I ran in to this when my kids were in preschool (multiple teachers). What we did is provide lunch for all the staff during a day in December. We usually planned it on the day of their holiday performance since the teachers were working all day and for the evening performance. One year we did Subway, another year we brought in pizza. The teachers seemed to really appreciate it and it was not too expensive.

I was a preschool teacher for 5 years, and the holidays were always enjoyable :) Although there may be 5 teachers, you don't need to get all 5 of them gifts. The music teacher will enjoy a hand made card because she doesn't have daily interaction with your child. I would recommend getting the regular teachers $15-$25 gift cards (some parents are overly generous, one year I got two $100 gift cards to the mall) and for the new teacher I would give between $10-$15 gift card. Hope that helps.

Starbucks gift cards are usually a fav of my son's teachers.

When my son was in preschool, I had a similar situation -- lots of teachers to buy for, and many of them didn't really teach my son directly. The 1st year I got each a $10 Starbucks card and some homemade treats. But still, for 5 teachers, that adds up. Then the next year, one of the mom's organized a group gift and it made life a lot easier. We could each contribute a small amount, like $5 to $10. They pooled all the money together and got each teacher a gift certificate. This was a big school (100 or more families in 5 or so classes), so each teacher got a really nice gift certificate. I think this is the best way to go all around. Maybe you can talk to some of the other mom's about it.

A.