My son is in pre-school and there are 2 teachers assigned to his class. I have bought holiday gifts for them. However, I know that different teachers float in and out of his classroom (I don't even know their names but I have seen them in his class on occassion) and I don't know if I am expected to buy gifts for them. Also, the staff at the front desk. They are always very helpful. Is it OK if we give the 2 assigned teachers gifts? Would it offend the other folks?
Thanks for your response. It makes me feel better knowing that it is OK to only gift the primary teachers.
I buy for the primary teachers. If you feel bad- how about getting a tin of popcorn or making cookies and just give one gift to the daycare and it can be for all of the staff to share. I wouldnt think that anyone would get offended. Happy Holidays!
It's a good idea to give a small gift to any of the teachers and teacher assistants especially if they are caring for your child in any way. They will remember it and in their hearts appreciate you and your child even more.
C. P.
My daughter went to a MDO program the past two years. I gave her teacher and the director gifts. My son is in elementary school. I did buy for all of his teachers but that is because I see them often since I am very active at school and I pick him up every day. Also, he has special needs so I know they work more with him in some areas. I don't spend much on each because there are so many of them. For Teacher Appreciation Week, I made them all 8x8 pans if brownies. They all thanked me and told me how delicious they were. I bought disposable pans at Dollar Tree. For the end of the year, I bought more disposable pans and made fruit pizzas (sugar cookie crust with a cream cheese mix topping and fresh/canned fruit. I received thanks and several requests for the recipe. I've decided to do mostly homemade gifts because people don't always have time to bake and it is something that gets used up and doesn't end up in the next garage sale. It may end up in the trash if they don't like it but I doubt that happens too often!
I think a gift for just the 2 teachers would be fine. My daughter goes to MDO 2 days a week and I gave just to her 2 room teachers...and I'm sure a lot of others contribute to the program and to my daughters experience.
The thing that was shocking to me is that I think I am the only parent who got the teachers a gift. There are only 8 kids in her class, but I was shocked. Both of her teachers were very thankful and really appreciated the gift. They each thanked me at least 2 times.
All I did was put a $5.00 Starbucks gift card in a mug with 2 little truffles and wrapped it in cellophane. I think they just enjoyed being thanked for everything they do and all their hard work with the kids.
I would do what Michele suggested. A home-cooked gift (breads, cookies, popcorn tin) for all or just for the two teachers that you know names of. No one should expect you to get everyone something! We all live with a budget!
I am a teacher, not preschool, but really a message of Thanks and someone letting me know that I am making a difference means more to me than any food/tangible gift.
If those other teachers and staff are offended, then they are just greedy.
What about giving a large gift basket with different goodies to "the staff" ? Perhaps something like a Starbucks coffee and a big tin of cookies? Either way I don't think the other teachers would be offended if you decide to just give gifts to the assigned teachers.
I think that it is okay to give his teachers those that work with him the most often gifts. It is my opinion that the other teachers that float in and out are not offended.
Maybe you can provide the "floating in teachers" with a thank you card. So, they know that you think of them and appreciate them as well.
