Valentine's Gift - Teacher

Updated on February 07, 2013
B.. asks from Rockwall, TX
14 answers

My son just started at an in-home preschool, and he goes twice a week. Do people typically get or make a Valentine's gift? By Valentines Day, he will have only attended 2 weeks. He has never attended classes, or anything outside of the home before. There are 4 children in the classs. (Licensing laws says she can have 5, but she prefers to only teach 4.) She has made no mention of a Valentines type of party, but I do know they will be doing a Valentine's themed craft. He is the only one who is not full time. Is it standard protocol to give a gift? Thanks!!

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So What Happened?

Jess - Me too! I just have no idea about this stuff!!

RC _ I'm not sure where your hostility is coming from...over such a little question. I pointed out he had only been there 2 weeks, to illustrate that I was very new to this. NOT that he should "pass her up." Holy geez. Also, I was concerned with a GIFT, not a card.

Thanks everyone!! She has been great about giving schedules of activities and events. No Valentines event was one there, so I really don't think they are handing out Valentines. I will ask today and if they do, plan to also give her a card.

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L.P.

answers from Dallas on

I usually do a small bag of something homemade. Maybe some homemade candies, bread, or cookies. This year I'm thinking oatmeal chocolate bars. I also let me boys pick out some cute Valentine's sticky notes from the $1 section at Target and we found a pack of pencils with hearts on them. So a pencil and sticky notes and a couple cookies is what we are doing.

2 moms found this helpful

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K.H.

answers from Boston on

I haven't ever given gifts at valentine's day, so I hope they aren't expected! Since you've only been there for a few weeks, I would think even less would be expected. It would be good to know if the kids are exchanging valentines though, so you might want to ask.

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J.T.

answers from Chicago on

No, I don't think so. If you just absolutely want to be nice, perhaps you can give her a trinket of some sort with some hershey's kisses or the like ($5). I want to say that's what we did for our son's prek teacher but it's been a while. Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful

R.H.

answers from Houston on

Anglie H. cannot speak for all teachers. Yes, I do expect gifts at holiday time. I am a Dance Teacher but on my own time and own dime--I have scoured through thrift stores for costumes, hosted end of year pool parties, paid admission fees for contests, etc. Supplied drinks when rehearsals went way lataae after school....

Yes, get the teacher a St. Valentines box of candy--no matter how cheap.

1 mom found this helpful
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B.B.

answers from New York on

There is usually a valentine exchange, but ask the teacher. I usually just give the teacher one of the valentines in the box and have my son write his name and decorate it. I am picky about candy and chocolate (I think Hershey's chocolate tastes awful) and those Necco hearts and dreadful chalk, so don't waste your money unless you know what she likes.

1 mom found this helpful
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R.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Katie H., supposed she gave out Valentine cards to the tots but passed yours up because she only had him for 2 weeks? Same principle applies.

The response was not to your post B., but to the momma who felt that a few weeks did not warrant a card.

Whether or not it is listed on the events page--I would give a card or cheap box of candies.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.M.

answers from St. Louis on

No standard but I think anything would be appreciated!! My daughter bought her kindergarten teacher a bag of chocolates and is giving her an umbrella with hearts on it. My son goes to an in home daycare 1x a week and honestly, I didn't think about giving her something for V-Day since he won't be there ON that day! But I may rethink that.....and give her a small candle, candy, etc.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

AT that age sometimes I would get a good candy bar and brown paper bag paper and have my kids decorate it and then wrap it around the candy bar and tie it with a pretty string.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.P.

answers from Green Bay on

When I was teaching (kindergarten), it went both ways. Sometimes I got the usual box card as the students got, and sometimes a student would get me one of those teddy bears holding the box of chocolates, or a little something "extra".

However, since your child has only been going there 2 weeks, I don't know what to tell you. Since he is not there full time, how often does he go? You can certainly ask if there is going to be a party of any sort, or ask if the other children will be exchanging valentines.

If it were my son in this situation, I would ask if the children were exchanging valentines. If they were, I would include something for the teacher - maybe a nicer card and have my son pick out a candy bar or something. Or maybe look online for cute sayings to include with a little fruit basket - I have seen cute sayings for tags on a banana or orange (healthier options). If it was a preschool teacher that I had a real relationship/connection with, or if my son had been going there a while, I might get a small gift card ($5-10) for a local coffee shop/ice cream shop.

If you did get a "gift" I wouldn't spend much. Just a little something that shows your appreciation. BUT, again, don't feel obligated.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.F.

answers from Madison on

If you want to do something, I would just have him make a card for her. No gift needed.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

Yikes! I hope not...

1 mom found this helpful
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A.H.

answers from Omaha on

My son LOVES to give flowers to all of his friends that are girls on special occasions. We usually stop by a local grocery store and I let him pick out a couple carnations or a rose. This year he has decided to do this for his teacher. (my daughter too) It is a something a little extra, but nothing more than a few dollars and I'm sure his teacher will love it.
It really is up to you. Teachers never expect anything at any holiday or special occasion, but I know (as a teacher myself) the thought is certainly appreciated when students do.
HTH,
A.

1 mom found this helpful

L.U.

answers from Seattle on

I have had two kids in preschool and now in elementary school. I have never given a teacher a valentines gift. My kids give them a card, usually with a little candy on it, just like all the other kids get!
L.

1 mom found this helpful

☼.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

No, I don't think that's the standard. We just do a regular old valentine for the teacher each year.

1 mom found this helpful
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