Teacher Appreciation

I used to be a teacher, and the one thing I found that I did NOT need any more was a candle. That seems to be the number one thing that parents buy for their children's teachers. I haven't been teaching for the last 4 years, and I still have candles in the house from gifts I got through teaching. What I recommend is a gift card to Barnes & Noble, or a book to donate to the teacher's library.

I have been on both sides of the fence-- both as a teacher and as a parent trying to think of a good gift for my son's teachers. I don't care what anyone says-- a personal gift or note is more meaningful. (I was going through a box of mementos recently, and I was so thrilled and touched to find those little notes and poems written to me by my students. It reminded me that my efforts made a difference in their lives.) It disturbs me that teachers are soliciting gift cards and such. Yes-- they are appreciated and of course teachers deserve to be pampered-- but the average parent doesn't have that kind of money, especially if they have more than one child in school. I don't like the message that sends the kids. Send a flower, send a heart-felt note of appreciation, decorate a bin or box that can be used organizationally. Send post-it notes, colorful pens and such that will be useful in the classroom. It's the little things that matter-- not the big expensive gestures. And honestly, if a teacher doesn't appreciate those simple gestures of appreciation, then the problem is with their attitude, not the gift. I agree that all those mugs and things add up-- but it's the thought in the gifts that counts.

gift cards! to the mall, a teacher supply store, to starbucks, to a spa, or anywhere else that you think they may like. i have a good friend who taught for a few years and that was always her favorite. i know it sounds like the easy way out but they gets lots of stuff they won't use and this way they can get what they want.

Okay let me start by saying Happy Mother's Day. Teachers love everything that in little words I thank you for what you have done for my child. Teachers job is very hard please keep that in mind when you give something from your heart.

Well, because I have 2 in elementary and 2 in jr high, I am going to do something totally different this year. 3 of my kids have an average of 8 teachers each. Thats about 24 gifts not including the 4th childs teacher ( I also think it is fair to include PE and music teachers.)

Instead of visiting the 99 cent store and buying cards, I will allow my kids to use their school Fall pictures and create a personalized gift for each teacher so they will never forget them. The teacher can pack it away in their "teaching years memory box" if they have one along with all the other cards, gifts, drawings they have received over the years.

I will allow them to choose to draw and glue the picture on the drawing or painting and/or write a short poem or letter. I think this will be more personlized and heartwarming for the teacher to reflect on as the years go by! With tears and sweet memories of course!

When I was a pre k teacher I always loved gift baskets with little stuff in it. Like coffe cup, gift card, etc. Or Bath & Body has great gifts as well.

Coming from a teacher...I always liked getting anything but what helps out the most is gift cards to a teacher store or office store. Doesn't have to be much, anything helps.

B.
www.MoreForMyBaby.com

The best gift I ever got as a teacher was a framed, typed letter of the top 100 reasons why one of my students liked me. I got it on the 100th day of school (hence the 100 reasons), but even the top 10 0r 20 would be great. The mom told me later that she asked him for a few reasons each day for a long time, so that over time he was able to think of a bunch because he was able to think about each day and what we had done. Lots of the reasons were vague, like I was nice or I was patient, but lots were also very specific and only ones he would know, like I would tell funny cat stories or I would let them take off their shoes sometimes. When I quit teaching a couple of years ago to stay at home, I kept only three things: my portfolio, a book I loved, and his gift!

I have asked my teacher friend before what she likes to receive, its Starbucks gift cards, a restaurant card, or a office supply store. It doesn't have to be a large amount, just something to help with the bill. Hope this helps. Thanks for the reminder for me. Ha

Hi! I'm a stay at home teacher with one little one and one on the way. My husband is also a teacher. Our favorite gifts were/are gift cards. We have received more coffee mugs and pins saying "A+Teacher" etc. than we could ever use. Of course, any gift is nice because it is the thought that counts but a $5.00 gift card to the teacher supply store, Target, Barnes and Noble or Starbucks is a real treat. Also, a card signed by you and your child telling their teacher how they have impacted your lives is worth it's weight in gold. You'd be surprised how little praise and encouragement teachers hear.

It's probably a little hard to do this now, but next year consider getting all the parents to make a contribution (whatever they can afford since some parents are really struggling) and put your money together for a gift certificate to a local spa. One year my parents did this for me and my husband added to it for my birthday gift and I was able to get a massage and a pedicure when school was out. It was a great way to relax after a very hard school year.

I am a 3rd grade teacher. I have taught for the last 12 years. I am going to be completely honest.....no more homemade cards or painted pictures, or pictures frames. You would be amazed how many you get throughout the school year! I cannot save them...it is just not possible. I have a class photo from each year that I frame and save.

Also, no more candles. I have candles coming out my ears!

Many times if you look around the classroom, there is something that your child's teacher collects. I happen to have a pig collection. That is always being added too. ALSO, books! children's books or a gift card to a book store is always good!

You do not have to go all out, It means alot for your child just to walk up to the teacher and say Thank you!

I often stock up on cute post-its pads when I'm at Wal-Mart. There is a heart shaped one and an apple shaped one. These seem to be well used and useful! You might think back to the beginning of the school year for the teachers' lists of "can you donate one of these", like 35mm film or a disposable camera.

They also love getting a "card" made at home by their student!

Starbucks gift card! :) Let your kids make them a card and write something sweet in it, something they like about their teacher, etc. and stick the gift card inside. As a teacher, I would love it! :)

As you are busy, I think a quick, not to costly and a gift that will be greatly appreciated is a Starbucks giftcard.

Or take your daughters to the super market and have them pick out different Health-mix goodies and put them in a clear baggie with a bow. ie: M&Ms, almonds, sunflower seeds, etc.

Or teachers usually spend a lot of their own money for supplies, a gift card from a Teacher supply store.

A little about me: A blessed grandma of a 22month old who worked and volunteered in my children's schools.

This year my son's class is pitching in to buy her a pair of movie passes, gift card to a restaurant, & various coupons from each kid...( ex. free carwash, free coffee from Starbucks, free oil change, etc. )I thought that was a great idea!!!

I always do a "gag" type gift basket, small & cute... the best gift is humor! I give ear plugs, Purell, Calgone, ice pack for the eyes, Airborn, Stress Relief Tea, Vivrin, Tylonal PM... and anything else cute I can toss in, that is kind of "anti-kid"... I have always heard they were the best! I even had a teacher ask me to make one for her so she could give it away!

OK, it may be teacher appreciation day, but I don't think that means you have to spoil a child's choice or chance to show appreciation themselves by making something for the teacher if they want to. Yes, by all means if you can I know teachers appreciate gift cards, but if that is all you give, what is that teaching your child if you tell them, your teacher doesn't want anything from YOU that YOU made - they have too many students. I am sorry but this sounds just downright greedy (and I have been a teacher and I KNOW I prefer a gift card as a gift over a mug or something, but I am not about to get on here and discourage people from giving personal things to the teacher). You sound pretty cold to say not to give any pictures of the kids also. I can see no 8x10 framed photographs, of course that would be ridiculous to think a teacher has room for all that, but a little handmade card with a wallet size photo with a message should make any teacher happy, and if it doesn't, I think you are in the wrong profession!! Whether you save it forever or throw it away at the end of the year, it is the THOUGHT THAT COUNTS or in this day and age is it only the MONEY??????????????????????????????????????

Now, thanks for letting me vent - and I would like to say THANK YOU to all teachers out there, this response does NOT mean I don't appreciate you. I just think a little gut check is needed on some of you who responded to discourage people from giving things that are from kids who deserve the chance to thank their teacher in the way they would like. It is fine to say, in addition it would be great to give a nice gift card, etc. from the parent if the parent is able and willing to do so as well.

C., I am sorry to take over your request with a not so sweet response, but I can't help myself. As a parent and a part time teacher I see too many materialist people who only seem to think of themselves, and I had to respond.

Oh, and by the way, I will take the advice about no candles, I can imagine they get more than they need and I am guilty of giving those many times myself. It is funny I just got a thank-you note when I gave a basket of candles to a teacher at my sons' school - now I wonder if she was like, "Oh no, not MORE candles!" :)

C.,

Mary Kay has a Satin Hands spa set that the teacher's really love because they wash their hands so much. It has a peach smoothie scent. You can purchase the hand cream separately also. You will like that the Mary Kay consultant will deliver right to your door. Very convenient. www.marykay.com

D.

I work in the public school system and I know teachers truly appreciate gift cards - Barnes N Noble, Borders, Starbucks, Target, Walmart, HEB, whatever - they are great gifts!
M.

Do not give them a picture of your kids! their teaching career will span about 30 years and they do not need a picture of your kids! They don't need anything from the dollar store either! Buy them a gift card to a restaurant or a spa or macy's or something fun! Jewelry is nice also...not cheesey stuff but nice cosmetic jewelry from a department store. No mugs, please...when I stopped teaching after 11 years I had at least 50 teacher mugs.

The coolest gift I ever saw a teacher receive was a charm bracelet. One parent bought the bracelet and all the parents helped their child pick a charm for it that symbolized their kid in some way. It was really personal and neat. I agree, no candles! I have taught for 10 years and have more candles and lotion than I know what to do with. However, it is truly the thought that counts. I do always appreciate a gift card if you want to spend money or even an interesting plant.

Teachers usually like things for their classrooms. I have some great games and educational tools on my website at www.cindystoybox.com. Let me know how I can help. I give discounts to Mamasource members.

Peace,
C.
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i am currently a stay at home mom with a jewelry business and would be happy to show you some beautiful semi precious earings, bracelets or necklaces. Some parents go in together to give a bigger gift and you and some other moms could do that with a necklace and a pair of earings.

Please contact me by e-mail at this address!

D.

Hi C.,

at my daughters school the room parents take turns bringing the teacher a special snack and a nice lunch each day for that week. We have a list of her favorite foods & restaurants, so some stuff is homemade, some take-out.