What to give a teacher?

B

borntoolatevintage

Registered Guest
Every year at this time I have a hard time coming up with a gift for my daughters' teachers. They have such a difficult job yet always give their best to my girls. So this year I decided a public thank you was in order (besides the regular things we usually do like perfume, chocolates stuffed in a cool coffee mug, etc.).
 
This is not really a reply, but something a teacher told me.

The little girl across the street from me had fairly major surgery a few months ago. A few nights before the surgery I was at her house, and I made a list of junk food that she wanted after the surgery.

I got a big basket and it had all the kinds of junk food she had requested including things like chocolate chip pancakes (with maple syrup of course) and assorted other home made items.

According to her mother, it was the biggest hit of all things she got (which included much more expensive items).

But the reason that I brought it up was that one time when I was visiting a teacher was there who was amazed and astounded and told me that if I gave that to any teacher as a gift, they would love me forever. This is probably not a last day suggestion, but could be a last week idea, or inservice day idea. In fact, I may do it next year for inservice.

Sue


Lily_s_Basket.jpg
 
DH works for a fragrance company so he made a basket of fragrances up for my oldest daughter's teacher and sent her a thank you note for all her efforts with Morgana. Kiera's teacher received a Jeff Gordon mug with chocolates in it and a bag full of baby girl clothes for his newborn (although we bought some 6 month and one year stuff also with the hopes that she will be okay). I just wanted to show my appreciation publically as well. :)
 
I was just thinking about this myself - Gwyn's last day of school is Thursday, June 26th.

Her poor teachers have to put up with SO much every year - with the constant feuding of her Mom. Constant excuses about why homework isn't done over there, and being tardy to school (and taken out early without excuses!) when coming from her Mom's house. (this year so far, 8 tardies, and taken out of school early 4 times for unexcused reasons)
And yet, she's still a top student. She's learned to do homework from her Mom's house during recess.
Heh - I should give GWYN the present!

But I'm thinking about getting her teacher a card & a Target giftcard or something. It wouldn't be a huge amount - maybe $25?? - but something to show that we do appreciate what he's had to put up with from our "family".
 
Kristine,

I'm sure Gwyn's teacher would appreciate that very much. It's hard sometimes because people have allergies to things or other reasons why certain gifts won't work for them. A gift card would allow them to treat themselves. :)
 
I can tell you from experience that what teachers need at this time of year is a little pampering. It may seem old fashioned, but I always loved getting fresh flowers and flowering plants. Gift cards are a great idea. I was with a group of teachers last night, and we were actually talking about this. One of them had gotten a certificate to a nail salon and she loved it. Another one got a Vera Bradley accessory that matched her handbag (very observant 4th grader there!)

I've gotten movie theater coupons, restaurant cards and gift cards to bookstores - all were greatly appreciated. I've even gotten a six-pack in a cooler delivered to my home! GREATLY appreciated!

And the very best gifts came with a card from the child, with him or her telling me what they loved about the year.
Sometimes I really do miss teaching.
 
I'm a teacher (right now I'm on my conference period so it's ok =))

You are all wonderful and thoughtful mothers and guardians. I would be thrilled if someone gave me a thoughtful little something at the end of the year. I teach middle school so teacher is really the last person on their minds.

Pampering gifts are the nicest idea I think. Or dinner gift cards. I love the six pack gift idea.

Fuzzylizzie-are you retired? Found something else you love as well?

Sandra
 
Gift cards to a teacher supply store (that's better for elementary school teachers) or to a Staples/Office Max kind of place, since they spend half their life (and paycheck) there.
 
I have just returned home from a day at the school preparing our annual Teacher Preparation Luncheon. Every year we have a theme. This year was Tropical with colorful beachy decor, tropical food and we even made them limbo into the room!

Our Fine Arts school (only grade 4-6) has 18 teachers and most teach all of the 175 students, it is almost like a junior high format. So instead of getting individual gifts from everyone at the end of the year, all parents donated items and gift cards and money so we could make 18 gift baskets (put in a large colorful sand bucket to go with our theme) packed to the brim with goodies.

The most favorite items were: gift certificates for mani/pedicures, movie tickets, gift cards (for book stores, wine stores, restaurants, Starbucks, specialty grocery store), jewellery, fancy note books/journals, borders for bulletin boards.)

We also serve a nice lunch and provide them with new Gladware to take home the leftovers.

They love this day!!
 
Yes, retired for 3 years now. That is hard for me to believe!

Bonnie, that is an awesome idea. I'm sure the teachers really do love that.

An idea for you moms for next year: One of the best Christmas gifts I ever got was the year one mom took it upon herself to call all the parents to suggest pooling the money they would spend on a gift and to buy a gift certificate at an local clothing shop. It was a complete surprise, and I had a blast spending the money. And then I had a special day where I wore all the stuff I bought with the certificate.
 
Something I do every Christmas is make a massive platter of all kinds of homemade baked goods and fudge for the girls teachers. Morgana's teacher for the past two years has two little boys and very little time to bake. Kiera's teacher is the one with the very ill newborn and we did the same for him. Evidently word got around at the school about what we do at Christmas time because when Mr. Fagan wrote his thank you note to us he mentioned "the famous Leyden cookie and fudge platter." That was a lot of fun to read.

When Morgana came home yesterday she said that her art teacher and music teacher were going to read the blog when they went home. Morgana's teacher for the past two years read it right away and Morgana said she just sat there and sobbed and then hugged Morgana so I guess she knows that she's loved. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top