Who to Gift for the Holidays - Teachers, Therapist, Etc...

I would just write a nice warm note this would be appreciated -....really what is a $5 gift going to do for anyone...it will only stress you out and not really mean a whole lot to someone (sorry that probably sounds mean)...but if you absolutely have to give them something....then buy a cute holiday mug from Kohls ~$4 put in a few packs of hot chocolate and a few xmas candies wrap it all up in the clear or colored plastic wrap with a ribbon.

Sorry I am just not a gift giver to everyone I know...just my own character flaw I guess. I know you are tyring to be nice and let these people know they are appreciated.

As a teacher, while gift cards and homemade goodies are nice, a short note by your children and/or you is a very thoughtful gift. Maybe share something specific that you and your kids appreciate about each of them or a new skill they've learned while under their care. The gift cards and goodies won't last, but I've kept every note a student has ever given me and when I'm having a bad day, I pull one out and read it and it makes me smile every time.

If it was me, I would begin this weekend baking about 8 dozen cookies, maybe 3 different recipes.. Freeze them.Make 1 recipe a week till The holiday. Choco chip, sugar, brownies, Blonde brownies. 2 dozen each.

Then when I was ready to gift all of these people, I would bag up the assorted cookies and that would be the gift.. Get the kids to help bake and to help make the gift tags.

You will have enough left over to give to neighbors or any other people you may feel need a gift.

Ah my husband reminded me that last year we made home made "Trash" and people flipped over it..
Here is a whole list of different recipes.. We made ours spicy. and attached the recipe.

http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,trash_chex_mix,FF.html

It's a really tough and expensive issue. I completely understand.

I want to mention...if either child is receiving special-needs busing service, you may want to include the driver in your efforts (whether you are giving homemade cards, a personal note, gift card, etc.)

ETA...I just read the other responses and I completly disagree that a $5 gift card won't mean a whole lot. Today's educators usually spend their own money to supply their classrooms with items not covered by the budget. $5 to Walmart or Target is an incredible help to these wonderful educators. (Ths is not to say that anyone should ever feel obligated to give a monetary gift...especially it it's outside her budget or her gift-giving philosophy.) Most of the posts from educators on this site over the past few years usually beg, "Please forget the ornaments, mugs, and other chotskies, and write us a personal note instead."

If your budget can't handle the gifts, my feeling is don't give anything that costs money. Rather than another apple-shaped soap set or some such thing, a card with a handwritten message of gratitude for how the person has enriched your child's life would be very appreciated.

I stopped giving teachers gifts when my kids went to middle school. However, for therapists or tutors, I did give gifts.

Bags of coffee (about $10 worth) were my biggest gifts. For my younger son's speech therapist, I gave her a framed picture of her working with my son. She loved that and kept it on her desk for years after we left her.

I would not give gifts to your high school teachers - only the classroom aid and his private therapists.

That's my view.

Dawn

Cookies for everyone! If they don't eat cookies, they can have a party and feed them to their friends and neighbors. And cookies are easy to make in huge batches.

But do take the time to hand-write short notes wishing them a Merry Christmas (or whatever is correct for the person) and thanking them for what they're doing for your children. Sometimes that's more meaningful than the gift.

Thank you, thank you for contributing so hugely to your local economy! Maybe the fifteen people should write thank-you notes to you, too. ;^)

I think that if anyone should get a gift, it should be the main classroom teachers and the aide. Those are the ones who are in the trenches with your kids day in and day out. How about a little ornament from the Dollar Store paired with the nice note everyone suggested? Even if you did get everyone something, it would only be $15.

I like to bake cookies and gave plates of homemade cookies to all the teachers. For the main classroom teachers, I would include a mini-serving spatula from Pampered Chef - cost $5.50 or the Pampered Chef $1 cookbook. Yes, I do sell Pampered Chef.
M. Hay

You do NOT have to give gifts to any of these people. A nice card (especially one made by your child) showing your appreciation is enough.

I'm not saying a gift isn't a nice gesture or that you shouldn't do it, but you shouldn't feel obligated.

I vote for a cute ornament from the Dollar Store (I had to get a few at
Wal-mart for 97 cents since our Dollar Store didn't have much).
Pair the ornament with a nice note!

Sweet of you. This way you can show some appreciation for all you care
about w/o breaking the bank. (I do agree w/some posts: you don't have
to give to everone & go bankrupt.) :)