My son goes to a 2 year old program and has a lead teacher and 2 assistant teachers. I don't know what to give as gifts or how to give gifts to teachers. What is the norm?
I went to TARGET and got Thank YOU cards instead of Christmas cards. I wrote each of the teachers and assistants that he has daily contact with (5) a thank you for their guidance. I gave the lead teacher a $15 TARGET gift card and the assistants $5 each. I let Dominique pass them out when I went to pick him up from school.
I used to work as a daycare teacher. My favorites were gift cards, to Starbuck's or Target. I also liked homemade cards from the students. Although yummy homemade treats are great, I also got a lot of them and didn't get to enjoy them all, so I usually don't recommend those. Ornaments and coffee mugs were also popular, so I don't recommend those either (there's really only so many mugs one person needs...).
We're giving cards with $15 gift cards enclosed. We have a lot of teacher gifts this year, so we couldn't afford to go higher than $15. You just bring your gift on the last day of school before the holiday break or before you know teachers will be off on vacation.
I have friends who are teachers and I can't say enough: GIFT CARD and a nice note from you!! Even a $10 Target card is appreciated.
I just posted on this earlier. I have a friend who has taught for years. And her storage area in her basement is filled with candles and other things she's received over the years. She won't re-gift them because she would feel guilty. But she probably should -- or open up a candle shop or something.
I give cash or a gift card.... as there is only so much hand cream/bath and body works stuff one person can use!! Good Luck!
I just got my daughter's two teachers a Christmas card with a nice note written inside and attached a $5 Starbuck's gift card. Not much, but it's the thought :) and I'm sure they will use the gift card!
I just do not have the money to give gifts to every preschool teacher that works with my sons! We are going with a big box of chocolates and a card for the whole preschool staff.
The One Trip Tote (www.onetriptote.com) is my favorite gift item foe teachers! It's a unique open, large horizontal carry-all. Can gather everything they need for the day and be out the door. Teachers always have so much to carry, as does every mom I know! Good price point. Multifunctional: beach, shopping, laundry, parties, picnics, games, trunk organization.
This is a very popular topic this time of year. I can tell you from personal experience that candles, lotions, shower gel, soaps make up more than 50% of the gifts from students. Most pre-school teachers have 3 or more classes of 15 or more students, so imagine getting 25+ gifts of candles or perfumed items from all these little ones. These are personal items - most people have a particular scent that they prefer and so as sad as it is - it's often a waste of parents' money to purchase these type of gifts. Teachers greatly appreciate the thought & sentiment, but what's most meaningful is a note of thanks, and possibly something the child makes on their own. If you are compelled to give a gift, gift cards WILL be used. Many teachers spend their own money on things needed in the classroom.
Maybe candles. Right now, Bath and Body Works has their large candles, 2 for $20, regularly $19 a piece!
I'm a fan of gift cards for teachers. We're giving my daughters preschool teacher a $15 gift card for Target - it's only one teacher, so I'm not buying multiple gifts like some of the Moms who have posted. I like Target because they can use it towards personal purchases or something for their classroom. Good luck!
