Baby Shower Gift for Teacher (Not My Daughter's)

Updated on November 07, 2011
A.R. asks from Nashua, NH
14 answers

Hi, My daughter's school sent out a baby shower invitation for a teacher in the school with information about the gift registry. This is not my child's teacher. I was wondering what the expectations are - do I need to attend? give a gift? or both?

A bit more info: the school is a very small, tight-knit Montessori community. Everyone knows everyone else. There are a total of 7 teachers. I agree that it's possible that the opportunity was opened up for those who had her in the past but no longer do. Thanks to those who already answered.

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B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

In the most usual school situation, I'd decline the invitation.
However, we went to a very small Montessori school and really got to know all the teachers - the entire staff - even those who weren't teaching my son.
It was a very close knit community - almost like family, and under those circumstances, I'd accept.
People who've never had that small friendly school environment would not understand it.

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More Answers

M.L.

answers from Houston on

no, I wouldn't worry about it.

2 moms found this helpful
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J.F.

answers from Bloomington on

Just curious. Is this a public or private school? Super small???

I've taught elementary and this is weird (and tacky). The only way I could see this being normal is at one of the charter schools I've taught at. There were only 5 teachers and 70 kids. It was super small and everyone socialized together.

I would just dismiss it. If your daughter has any interaction with this teacher or you feel obligated in any way, she can make a card for her. I would not get a gift.

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P.K.

answers from New York on

Very strange. I would not do anything.

1 mom found this helpful

C.P.

answers from Columbia on

Mmmm...no. That's kind of tacky and I'm afraid I'd have to File 13 (trash) that invite.

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K..

answers from Phoenix on

I think that's kind of odd... I don't normally give gifts to people I don't know. It's like asking for a gift for a friend of a friend.

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L.G.

answers from Detroit on

my guess is that they wanted to give anyone who wanted it the opportunity to give a gift. Maybe there are parents whose kids had her in the past, but don't now so they might not know the info. i would not feel obligated at all if i were you.

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T.K.

answers from Dallas on

will your daughter have her in the future? If not, I would trash it.

R.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

Wow, this is a new one to me. I would not do a thing. Even if she was my daughter's teacher, I would maybe only send a small gift like a set of bibs right before she left on maternity leave, but a baby shower from the whole school, I'm stunned.

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K.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

I don't think you are at all obligated to give a gift or attend. If you want to do something, you can go in on a gift with a few other moms. Even if you only spend $5-10 each, you can get a nice gift or babies r us gift card.

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M.C.

answers from Washington DC on

if you don't know her, don't worry about it. skip it.

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L.M.

answers from New York on

I'm not familar with the politics and inner workings of a small school. However, I thinks it rather odd that you would get an invitation and I'm guessing it's the type of situation where they invited everyone because they didn't want to leave anyone out.

No, you do not need to attend. Even if this was your daughter's teacher. However, if you want to attend than you should and of course, bring a gift. If you choose not to attend, I would not send a gift, but you should rsvp.

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☆.A.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Really? I find that quite odd.
If it was your daughter's teacher, I would think you'd send a gift, but to send an "invitation" to a shower with registry info? That's weird.

M.B.

answers from Orlando on

Wow...rude answers! If its a small school and you know her then what would it hurt to go and get a little gift? We did that at the preschool I worked at for another teacher and invited all the parents and they were all more then happy to come! And it really made this teacher feel special

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