What Is the Gift Giving Etiquette for Daycare Teachers?

I have two children in daycare which means 5 teachers to buy for which can get expensive, so I did a gift basket of craft items. In the basket was felt, markers, crayons, popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, little eyes and pom poms, a puzzle, construction paper etc. Something that can be used by everyone. The teachers loved it and said it was perfect, just what they needed.
Happy Holidays

I wish some of these moms who have already responded had been parents of the children I worked with when I was at a center! Just a few tips from the 'other side of the coin'. One thing that teachers tend to get too much of at holiday time is sweet treats. Someone mentioned the box of See's chocolates for everyone to share... that's OK as long as every parent doesn't do the same thing... and if you do that, please include at least a small token item for each teacher as well to make it more personal. I always enjoyed a small ornament that the child had made at home, or something of that nature.

Do try to be observant over the year so you know a little about the teacher's personal likes and dislikes. That makes selection of gifts that really say "I appreciate you" easier.

Gift cards are a nice item always, and I've often thought that if several parents who have gotten acquainted as they drop off and pick up their children would simply pool their money and get a card for a larger amount (or agree on cards from the same place) that would be an excellent idea. Again, with a gift card it would be nice to have some little token gift or card made by the child. Teacher's love to see evidence of the parents and children having worked together at home on a project. You know how teacher's often send home a handprint of the child with a little poem? Most teacher's wouldn't mind having one of those too.

Is there something special that your family enjoys that would lead to a nice gift giving idea that would make you stand out in the teacher's memory for years to come? One family whose child I taught about six years ago had a side business of selling Mexican pottery items. They gave me several of those on different occasions. They are nice outdoor items and each time I look at one of them, I remember that child and her family.

Another item I have that is a lasting memory of a child is a nice bracelet. It isn't an expensive item, but well made and durable. I have worn it almost constantly (only had it off once during a hospital stay) since I got it. It has little figures on it that look like people, houses, etc. and the children I work with now just love to look at it and play with those little figures.
That brings up this thought: if buying jewelry, be sure you notice whether the teacher seems to enjoy wearing that particular item. For example, if you never see earrings on her ears... not a good idea to buy earrings. You'll also want to take note of whether she has pierced ears or wears clip-ons.

I'll tell you a gift I always thought would be my absolute personal favorite... but never got... (and again, you'd have to be careful to know this would be appreciated) - I would have loved it if several parents had gone in together and bought me a gift certificate to use at a day spa. The best one would be one that would give the person a bit of choice as to what they had done while there. Now, I said I never got this, but that wasn't exactly true. I didn't get it from parents, but one boss used to take her teachers to a day spa and out to dinner sometimes when we had staff meeting days. She happened to get a discount and felt that was a good way for her to show us her appreciation for a job well done. You can bet that's my best remembered boss! And I must say a very unusual thing for a boss in daycare to do.
I realize it would take about ten parents pooling together to buy a gift certificate for a decent day spa session, but there is a college in Gold River that at least used to offer a special for massages done by their students. I have a phone number to call them if you want to write me and ask.

I hope some of this helps some of you decide better what to give your child's teachers. They do deserve a nice token of appreciation from you, but you don't need to 'break the bank' in order to show that appreciation.

Both of my children have gone to2 day a week preschool and my son has had speech/OT intervention. We value these people immensely and recognize they give so much, earning comparatively little. Any practical and thoughful gift is appreciated. Cards and an expression of gratitude are appreciated, something noting their special talent or trait (patience, humor, creativity)...simple gift cards for things they could use at grocery, big box and school supply stores( lakeshore, visa, home depot, nursery for school garden, target, walmart, starbucks, whole foods, nugget, safeway, Peets)...homemade baked goods, cash, an online card, visa card..traditional box of notecards, a bulb winter flower to bloom, a journal or photo album box...anything that organizes..give what you can afford, even if it is 5 dollars as long as there is a note of thanks. Even though things add up, we try not to leave people out. Due to harder times, I gave my son's k teacher and assistant individual gifts but there are about 5 other key people who are part of his learning and I could not afford individual so I did gourment dark chocolate and toffee cookies for the Staff with a note of thanks to each....Children making gifts is always a double blessing because it is the children who learn to give and the teachers who know they children are being taught this.
Happy Holidays

Candles are good, especially the new Soy Wax candles. Also we like to give Tastefully Simple Gourmet Food products. They taste great and are simple for busy people like teachers.

Do you see the teacher with a Starbuck's or Pete's cup in the morning (on the counter, somewhere in the room)? If so, a gift card to her favorite coffee place would be appreciated. I know I appreciated the cards I received this year, along with the BEAUTIFUL hand made cards created by my students. This year's class has discovered my crafty side and really went to town on making cards with the skills I shared.

Stephanie

It really varied each year. Sometimes my kids would want to get them something that they kept saying they needed, like "new books", or "barbie clothes", .......other years I would get simple like a candle, or plate of home-made "drop and bake" cookies :o) Nothing is incorrect- remember, it's truly the thought that counts!

Merry Christmas!

~N. :o)

My daughter goes to a full-time in-home daycare and I have always got her a nice gift. I am also a teacher- so I would say giftcards or candles are always nice. Teachers do get way too much Sees candies and junk food they probably never eat.

i got mine a $10 gift certificate to chipotle (a restaurant i know she enjoys). other moms did GC to starbucks, trader joes and target. one mom brought a poinsettia, another did homemade treats. one hit the dollar bin at target & got fun stuff for the classroom. it all depends on what you have the time/money to do. i don't think anyone went over $10-$15

i gave a big box of see's C. for everyone to share. last year i did starbucks gift cards. but i knew the ladies better last year.

gift card for $10.00 or $5.00 to starbucks is always a favorite. Even an ornament is a cute idea.

If you care about the provider, give a gift for them and not the classroom.

I like giving something that can be used for the classroom. Your son could pick out a new book that could be shared by both teachers and you can put in a Name Plate that it's from your family. Most preschool teachers put their own money out for a lot of art supplies, etc. If they use stickers, you might find something like a big box of stickers. A Costco-sized package of washable markers or a large pack of colored paper.

On a more personal note - a small basket of hand products like sanitizers and lotion are usually appreciated. And most teachers like a basket of tea products.

Just a few things: 1. Focus on the teachers in the new classroom, even though you may know the old ones better. The new teachers will be shaping your child's experience for the next year. 2. Wine is nice, but not allowed at some daycare centers. 3. Find out from the Director of the center if there are any "other" teachers who are in your son's classroom every day. You may not see them, because they are not there when you drop off or pick up, but they may be investing a lot of time with your child.
A. - you asked about etiquette, well from my experience, only about half of the parents in your child's classroom will give a gift at all. Just something to think about for all who may be wondering if you really NEED to do something for the teachers... You either have gotten or will get a holiday card, gift, or both handmade by your child at daycare. (This will also happen at Mother's Day, Father's Day and other holidays) These gifts take the teacher's time, effort, ideas and sometimes money. They are made for each family in the class. Imagine if there were no gift or instead of an individual gift for you got a bulletin board with one big card from the whole class with everyone's handprints, "To all our parents: Happy Holidays! Much love, Your children." Would that make you feel important? Not really. Your children's teachers have taken time thinking just of you, please do the same.

I have always shyed away from giving money, so something more from the heart for the teachers he used to have (maybe a picture your son drew along with a gift card) but maybe just the GC for the new teachers, or something like a coffee mug with a peppermint spoon from Crate and Barrel, with a packet of hot coco or a starbucks card.

Good luck
K.

You don't know the teachers yet but now that your son is with them you will. It's a nice gesture-make them something homemade & inexpensive (cookies/jam etc) or give them gift certificates for $10 or $15 to a coffee shop, other resturant or store. I used to be a preschool teacher & these were my favorite gifts. Make sure it comes with a handmade card from your son-that was always nice when a child was able to come up to me & give me their gift. I could always tell it made them feel so proud of themselves. Kids love to give!

There are 2 thoughts: 1) something for the classroom or 2) something for the teacher.

If you want to get something that your provider can use in the classroom, get books (always needed), craft materials, or a gift certificate for a teacher store.

If you want something for the teacher, a gift certificate for coffee or a restaurant is always nice. However, I prefer a gift with more thought. Find out what your provider likes. If he or she likes coffee, make a gift basket of coffee. If he or she likes Sees candy, then get that. Don't give candles or stationary. Teachers accumulate those like crazy. In fact I have a box full of candles. A plate of cookies are always good. Then the teacher knows the love and thoughtfulness that was put into the gift!

This year I combined a book for the classroom with a box of chocolates all from Hawaii. I noticed that she loved the chocolates when we came back from my trip and her family barely got to try them since she loved the chocolates so much. I made sure that she got another box for Christmas!

Gift cards are always the best. I always go with Starbucks or Jamba Juice. Usually between $5-$10.

I am a 6th grade teacher, but these ideas can go for any grade teacher:

GC for Starbucks or Jamba Juice are always a hit
How about something for the classroom-games, books, etc
Staples GC and Office supplies are always good also

Hi A.
gift cards and or a bottle of wine..
Also, you could buy a class to something they attend? like say IF you happen to know someone likes yoga, buy them one class. although, you said these teachers are new.
umm what else.. a nice bottle of olive oil wrapped in one of those dishcloths (that look Italian) or some other print.
most ppl do use olive oil , I 'd appreciate that if someone bought it for me. nowadays ppl are into NATURAL products, nice hair products>> shampoo, rinse, (good quality)
you can buy from wholefoods) or other health food stores..

good luck!!

I'm clueless too. Do most people give gifts? Would it be rude not to? My son is in a small preschool where the owner is the teacher, so I feel like financially she is well enough compensated. I'm sure any teacher would appreciate the thought and a nice gift, but I'm curious whether "everyone" gives gifts or it is just a nice extra.