Hi moms-
Another Christmas gift question that I'd love some advice on. We moved to Denver in July son started daycare then. He was in a room with 3 teachers who were fantastic. Just last week he was moved up to a new room where he has 3 new teachers.
We really loved his old teachers and would like to get them something to show our appreciation. We like his new teachers too, but he really just started in this new class. So, who should we get gifts for and how much would you suggest spending? And if anyone has suggestions for what to get, it would be appreciated. I was thinking giftcards but don't know for what and how much. My husband thinks that we pay too much for daycare and to not get anything, which I disagree about since most of his teachers are younger and are probably not paid all that well.
And lastly, the center has two directors who we interact with on a daily basis too. Should we get them anything?
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. THANKS!
With so many to give too, I would get some tins or baskets at someplace like Micheals were they are cheap, and than make some fudge and other candy to put into them. That way you could give all the teachers something nice without having to spend a lot of money.
I don't think you need to worry about the directors. It is really sweet to think of the teachers in the old and new rooms. I worked as a child care center teacher/staff for 3 1/2 years and always thought it was very nice of the parents to give gifts. For me, the best were always things like gift cards to a nearby coffee shop or cute store (you can stick to $5 for that no problem), small ornaments, scented hand sanitizer (like from Bath and Body Works), any kind of lotions or things like that, etc. You do not have to spend much on a gift for a teacher--even a cute magnet or something is fine. We had some parents who might give something small to the head teacher and a class gift card for all the part-time and assistants to someplace we could pick up donuts or a treat for all of us. You could even have your kids make something--I did that for my daycare kids one year when I really didn't have much to spare.
Oh, and Jen C suggested fudge--I would definitely have loved a tin of fudge! :)
I have worked in the schools for years, and really teachers would rather not have one more mug and candy. Lotion is nice--or hand sanitizer--for their desk. But, how about a gift to the classrooms or center itself, like books or playground equip.? That way everyone benefits. You could ask someone what is one their wish list.
Since there are so many, I would bake mini loaves of bread and give them all a card and some bread. I would include them all.
I did this for teachers when our kids were in private school....my husband said the exact same thing. Maybe they are related???!!! LOL
So much of you money has to go to the facility, it's maintenance and it's insurance!! A huge amount...and as you know, the teachers do not get paid that much.
Do you have an Edible Arrangements store nearby? You can pick up what looks like a bouquet of flowers but it's really fruit arranged on skewer thingies, and it's so fresh and yummy. I've received and given as gifts and gave a large one to my son's preschool at end of year for all teachers to share, and they truly loved it.
http://www.ediblearrangements.com/Default.aspx
There have been a lot of questions lately regarding this topic (not exact situation but still)...lots of great ideas. I would personally get or bake them all something (even if just something small).
You could make a candy tree for the new teachers to share and get a small gift for the previous teachers...that way no one is left out.
Having been a teacher, and knowing lots of others, something consumable is nice. Gift cards, lotions, etc. We usually do Bath and Body Works of some kind. I usually get it when it's on sale for about $1.67 with coupons. We still only do one per teacher, unless it's one one of my sons really has an opinion about. This year we are just doing gifts in a jar. If you google it, there are lots of options, and they vary a lot on prices. Money isn't as much the object, as much as just knowing you appreciate us. :)
We have two office staff members who are on our list this year as they have done a lot for us.
I have 2 daughters, 1 in preschool with 4 christmas gifts and 1 in kinder with 2, so I have a lot of presents as well. While I was in the Dollar Store late last month they had these Christmas Containers with lids that can either snap open and close or come completely off for $1 and I grabbed bags of peppermints to put in them as well for $1.. I have some red and green ribbon that I will tie around the top to finish it off. Each gift totaled maybe $3 but they can keep them on their desk or shelves for a quick pick me up for sugar.. You can also stuff them with hot chocolate, or chocolate candy.
