Hi Moms -
My son's last week of preschool is next week, and I'd like to get something special for the teachers. We've got a lot going on, so we won't be able to do anything handmade. Any thoughts? I'd like to avoid gift cards, but still give something useful. Thanks!
As a preschool teacher....in the field for years....GIFT CARDS are the best. We can use them for what we want, what we need...and it's really the perfect gift. Please reconsider ...on behalf of the recipient..GO GIFTCARDS!.....
How about some functional art?
This year I found the cutest measuring spoons with (owls on them for wisdom). Hey found a photo of them http://www.linmartreasures.com/-strse-6461/Owl-Measuring-....
Here are the other fun things I found for our teachers/therapists and bus drivers
-Owl salt and pepper shakers
-wand salt and pepper shakers
-cupcake measuring spoons
-Handle bar mustache corkscrew/bottle opener (I will add a bottle of red)
-idea log (a cute notebook for future projects)
I love the plant idea.
Another idea would be a basket of fun things for the classroom. I would fill them with things to help with fine motor skills -like sand paper letters, peg boards, dot markers, pin punching, nuts and bolts, etc.
Hi! AS a retired school teacher I get this question A LOT! So I blogged about it. You can read it here: http://heyyougetreal.com/momblog/teacher-gifts/
Basically teachers don't need (nor really want) STUFF - their taste might not be like yours, they get 100s of "pictures" throughout the year, those mugs that say "world's greatest teacher!" I mean really... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE buy teachers something useful!
we did a plant with a little note, thanking her for "helping him bloom". i took a chance because some people don't garden, but she wouldn't even have to plant it if she didn't want to because i put it in a nice pot for her. worst case she let it die right? and i figured, it's not another trinket to collect dust. a picture could be great, so she could remember him "forever", but that takes up space too and with so many kids in and out of her life, i just felt like it wasn't right for us. and i agree that gift cards are a little impersonal. she seemed to really like the flower, although i know that enthusiastic thank-you cards are probably a prerequisite for preschool teachers...lol!
A small houseplant is always easy -- they have some in cute pots at Trader Joe's for under $10.
If there are several teachers, you could bring bagels and coffee one morning. Noah's and Panera also deliver. I'm doing this since it covers the teachers my kids have now, and the ones they'll have next year -- kind of an "in" come fall. ;)
The teachers really do love gift cards - especially to places where they can get school supplies. I have also gotten stationery from Expressionary.com. You can personalize note cards, etc. The teachers love it. If you go to the clearance section you can get nice patterns at 1/2 the price.
Have your son make a picture. If you do it after dinner one night, it should only take a few minutes.
