Teacher's Gift

Just a thought: Teachers are BOMBARDED with sweets this time of year.

I suggest coffee or coffee related goodies.

Put a tray of cookies or muffins in the faculty lounge with a note saying "Happy Holidays and Thank You!". Add a box of coffee and you're all set!

I don't have the money to get all my daughters extra teachers something. As it is it would be hard to stop there (gym, Spanish & music teacher) as they have a very involved librarian, principal and even are fond of the day time janitor.

I think if you have the means and time to shop for all the extra's then do so. For me I'm lucky to find the time and money to purchase for their primary teachers. :)

Scratch off tickets are good. Or Small gift cards to Target/walmart etc..

Good point - maybe a small gift certificate to a local restaurant? I may do the same as well.

I take a platter of something into the teachers lounge every year. There are so many people at my kid's school that I had no idea they had contact with -- lunchroom monitors, attendance office ladies, secretaries, librarians, etc. I realized it when I was at open house and it seemed like everyone knew them.

I started taking in a platter of cookies or something similar with a card that said "Thanks for All You Do and Happy Holidays" and signed their names...

Maybe it is because I am in Arizona and completely underfunded as a teacher but I love practical presents like post-its and board markers. You would be surprised at how many teachers are out of basic supplies by Christmas. A pack of markers and a card would be greatly appreciated!

We make cookies for the boys teachers and they love them!!!

I know some parents give to the art, music, gym teachers and I'm sure they would appreciate it. Unfortunately, it really isn't in my budget. If you can do it, go for it. Otherwise, don't sweat it.

Gift cards, even a small amount, are appreciated. I like the idea of $5.00 gift cards to be given to the specials, and maybe a little more than that the main teacher. I'm a teacher myself, and this is appreciated. Putting a tray of cookies or other treats in the teachers' lounge would be appreciated, too, and they wouldn't go to waste. The idea, too, of giving post-its, etc. would be welcome (maybe even ask the teacher what classroom supplies are running low!!).

I am a room Mom and this year I am reaching out to all parents to contribute towards gift cards for the main teacher, teachers aide, art, pe, music, librarian and front end staff. We are requesting $20 from each student. I feel this would be cheaper than getting each individual teacher a gift and its nice they get a higher dollar gift card they can use. Perhaps contact you class room mom and see if this something that makes more sense.

Updated

I am a room Mom and this year I am reaching out to all parents to contribute towards gift cards for the main teacher, teachers aide, art, pe, music, librarian and front end staff. We are requesting $20 from each student. I feel this would be cheaper than getting each individual teacher a gift and its nice they get a higher dollar gift card they can use. Perhaps contact your class room mom and see if this something that makes more sense.

Hi! I usually do a $5-$10 Starbucks card to the specials teachers. Our PE teacher is a guy and I never know what to get him. I like the idea of scratch off tickets! I always give a nice gift to my sons' classroom teachers. And, don't forget a little something for the ladies in the front office. Our two secretaries are FANTASTIC!!!

I was a teacher before starting a family and I come from a family of teachers. A little bit goes a long way--and I'm always shocked when people say they give nothing...really?!?!?!? These people spend 30-40 hours a week with your child (more time than some parents!) and they get nothing!

It's hard enough to afford gifts for the regular teachers let alone the other ones, but some people do it. I gave out $5 gift cards to 7 eleven last year to the 5 regular teachers. Some parents gave nothing at all.

a hand written thank you note from you that is very specific and complimentary and one from your child is more appreciated than anything else....toss in an email to the prinicipal saying the same things and it will be the teacher's favorite gift of the season!

my mom was in education for 35 years - perishables are a bad, bad idea at this time of year because the teachers are bombarded with them. they would go to my dad's office, to the neighbors, we recycled them into our own tins and we still tossed 1/3 or more of what was given because it was just too much.

for the specials teachers - a group gift is probably better than some tiny thing if you feel the need to do more than write a thank you note. we only do the music teacher because she does a ton outside of school hours with my kids. art and gym don't seem to take that extra step. but that's just my kids and school.

we frequently do hand made bookmarks (made by the children). they're little, they're useful, and no one feels horrible about tossing or recycling them in a year.

it really is the thought that counts. my mom still has most of the handmade bookmarks and ornaments and the written notes but nothing else is left nor does she remember the "stuff".

Remember that many districts have total dollar limits on what can be given in a calendar year as teachers are usually public employees. and it can be quite small, like $25 or $35.

I was just talking to a friend about this today, actually. I am probably not giving a gift to the extra teachers at school. However, if we have time, I'd love to bake something (either cookies or loaves of pumpkin bread) and then I would give that to people like the librarian and computer teacher. Maybe the music teacher too, but my son only does that every other week, so not sure if we could time it right (he's in kinder).

How can you leave out the art, librarian etc, when they impact your child's life???

Just scale down on what you would give to the main teacher and then you can afford the others.

I am a teacher and even the poorest parents gave me a few homemade cookies wrapped in Christmas foil.

Come on mamas!