Hi Mamas,
My son is in 6th grade. He has 5 teachers. Is it appropriate or expected to give all of his teachers gifts at the end of the school year? I was thinking that he is not in elementary school anymore, where he only had one teacher. Now there are 5, and this will continue through high school. Does anyone have inexpensive gift ideas?
Just my opinion... :)
I think middle school teachers would not be expecting gifts. If there is a particular teacher that has made an impact on him, then I think it would be very meaningful to have him write a letter expressing that. If you are really feeling the need to give something to all 5 teachers, how about a nice thank you note with a $5 Starbucks gift card?
Definitely not expected, but certainly appreciated! A little treat of homemade cookies or muffins would be a nice and inexpensive gesture.
Gifts to teachers are definitely not expected, but it would certainly be a wonderful gesture to let them know that you understand how hard they work and how underappreciated they are. I agree that a small gift card to Starbuck's, or something similar, along with a nice note, would be a great way to acknowledge their work.
I'm dealing with a similar situation but with younger kids - there are a total of 7 teachers between my 2 kids. At our school to make things easier, all of the room moms got together and phoned all the parents. Whatever money we collected for end of the year gifts is being split up amongst ALL the teachers equally, and we're buying mall gift cards for them. That way they can pick where they want to spend the money - on a spa day, movies, restaurant, clothes, etc. It takes a lot of stress off the parents (who can give whatever they can give without pressure), and actually makes things better for the teachers too (because they all have 500 "World's Best Teacher" mugs, random framed photos of kids they don't remember, etc...) Anyway, that is what works for us at our school! =)
Gift cards, but if you can't afford it don't get them anything. It is not a must. Maybe your son could make them each a card?
As a teacher myself, I feel that I can sort of speak up here with experience from the other side of this question. I know I loved and appreciated every gift I ever got from a child. We don't get paid much so monetary gifts where we get to splurge is nice and all but my favorite gift was a heartfelt letter and/or a homemade card with loving words. I still cherish every single one that I have today. And I don't really forget my students either- that is just a response to someone else's response!! :-) But then again, I have only taught for 3 years. Please hold off on mugs, stuffed animals, etc. Though it is a sweet thought, it is true- I have too many and it is just more consumerism we need to avoid in our country. Make the gift personal!! Baked treats are nice too- but again, nothing beats written words I get to keep forever.
