As long as I have been on this site, I have never see this exact question.
If you give Christmas / Holiday gifts to teachers, coaches, etc, when do you do so?
Personally, I have waited until the last day of school, or the last day of lessons, to give a gift, and sometimes it doesn't always go smoothly.
Mamazita, we are not allowed to collect for group gifts any longer in our school. And that's a whole 'nuther discussion.
What I mean about it not going well, is that often on the last day, plans go awry. For instance, the kids are rushed and forgot to give the gift during class, so they leave it in sight for the teacher to find later, or the teacher leaves early, and they aren't around to receive the gift, or the teacher is sick, and isn't there, so they return to a New Year's gift, versus a holiday gift. There are multiple mishaps.
My son and I hand out gifts the first day of the last week when school gets out for Christmas and end of the year.
I usually give it on the last day before the holiday. I haven't ever had a problem with it. Usually I have my kids carry it separately so it's in their hands when they walk in the room. It makes it very easy to just hand it to the teacher - no risk of forgetting.
Aim for the last week of class before a break, but understand that the teacher will be dealing with many details preparing her students and the class for a long break, so a long, gracious acceptance may not occur.
For a more smooth, appreciative situation, aim for right before spring break. It falls between holidays and around testing, the teachers really deserve a treat!
I would give it on the FIRST day of the last week of school before break.
The room moms give a class gift to the teacher and aide on the last day before break (parents have pitched in ahead of time, usually $20 at the beginning of the year.) Sometimes kids make cards or presents, which are also given on the last day before break, at the kids' discretion.
We never gave coaches holiday gifts, rather, we did an end of season thank you gift, which happened on the day of the last game/team party. So swim coach gifts were in August, football in November, etc.
Why hasn't it gone smoothly for you, what does that mean?
Last day of school.
The day of the class party.
The last week of school before winter break. That way the teacher can take them home a bit at a time.
Last session of class before the holiday. That's when we do it. We haven't yet had any forgotten gifts. If I am there (say it's dance class), then I will make sure the teacher gets her gift.
Usually the first day of the last week before break. This year that would be Dec 16 for us.
I always give it the day before their Christmas break starts, and the last day of school. So far, so good!
I send it on their last week before winter break. Usually Wednesday just in case they forget we still have two more days.
Typically they are sent in on the last day of school before the holiday break, as most elementary schools have parties on this day. If it hasn't worked well in the past, send them in up to 2 weeks before. There are no set rules.
Last day of school or at the Christmas party.
We are doing a 12 days of Christmas theme this year
so we start the 5th :)
