Teacher's Gifts? - Elgin,IL

Hi A..
I teach 2nd grade and I think it is so sweet of you to want to give the teacher a gift. I agree with the PP. Try to avoid any sort of knick knack. A gift card is a great idea. Starbucks, target, panera, borders, etc.

I am also letting you know (as a teacher) that gifts are not expected. But if you feel you would like to get something a nice card and $5 gift card is all you need to give. DO NOT GIVE CANDY, MUGS, CANDLES, LOTION, OR OTHER KNICK KNACKS! We don't need them and at this point would rather get nothing rather than get knick knacks!
The things I remember most were nice homemade cards from my students and/or parents telling me what they enjoyed, what they will never forget, etc....

As a teacher myself, I can tell you that gift cards are definitely appreciated. Borders cards are always safe, but if you know more about the teacher, try to make it more personal. Do you know if he/she stops at Starbucks everyday, or where she gets her nails and hair done? Whatever you decide upon, it will be much appreciated.

My standard gift is a giftcard to Blockbuster and a box of microwave popcorn.

M.

I've heard that teachers get so much stuff but that they would love a gift card .

Good Morning,
I have been a teacher for 10 years. Gifts at the end of the year are never expected. In a class of 25 kids, I would say about 40% give little presents at the end of the year. Anything that can go outside is fun: plants, yard decorations, flowers etc. $5-10 gift cards to a book store or Target are nice. But, the best thing of all is a letter with thoughts on the year and ways you have seen your child grow. I treasure these. I have a folder that I keep these in and when I am having a rough day, I pull them out and read them. I hesistate mentioning this because I would never want to sound ungrateful but I can't tell you how many mugs teachers get through the years. I would not get him/her a mug. :)

I am a teacher, so of course it is the THOUGHT that counts, but I will share some of my favorites. Lately, the head room mom sends a note to collect $5 from each famiy (if they want)for a class gift...inexpensive for the families, yet wonderful for the teacher. I have gotten gift certificates to a nearby mall, or a Visa card, bookstores, beautiful baskets with garden, Italian dinner themes, etc. I always buy something special with my gift card to show the class-a piece of jewelry/watch or a purse, something big so they can see it. A simple note of appreciation says a lot too. My only no, no is a coffee mug-we always get them and many of us don't drink coffee! Just let your teacher know she's appreciated-it doesn't have to cost a lot! Good luck!
L.

Hi A.
I have 3 friends who are teachers and they have all told me this....That while teachers appreciate the candy and mugs and stationery they receive, the thing they LOVE best are gift cards. To Borders, to Panera, to Starbucks. They LOVE those. They get so many other little knick knacks and such - they don't know what to do with it all!
So each year, we get our teachers gift cards and they are so appreciative. To dress up the gift, I put a Starbucks gift card in one of those car coffee stainless cups or I did Panera gift card taped to one of Panera's brownies with a big bow. For borders, I had the kids make a "book" about why they loved their teacher/school and we put the gift card in the book. GOod luck!!!! You will be a hit - I promise you.
M.

I am a teacher too (middle school), and I agree that teachers tend to get a number of knick knacks each year. I also agree that gift cards are a great way to go. However, another idea may be a gift for their classroom especially if they are a new preschool or elementary teacher. A new board game or a few new books for the class library. A gift card to a local teacher store or classroom art supplies (glue sticks, large construction paper, post it notes). With budget cuts, many supplies are being purchased out of the teachers pocket and this could help them and be useful.

A.,
I gave Sarah's teacher a gift card for Hobby Lobby. They can always use craft supplies, right? Also, her teachers wanted egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, 2 liter bottles, Kleenex boxes and paper towel rolls at different times. I saved them and was able to help with the craft supply area too.
I stayed away from lotion, candles, and mugs. Nice but they tend, as per two teachers I know, to get these a lot.

Have fun shopping!

L. L.

I am a teacher and I appreciate gift cards from places like Starbucks and bookstores. I NEVER care about the amount. Otherwise, you can buy anything you might like if is returnable. No parent can ever know if we have one too many mugs, frames, candles, lotions, or notions. BUt whatever you do, we always know it comes from the heart so don't make yourself too crazy.

Hi A.,

I'm a Tastefully Simple Consultant and also a Teaching Assistant. I can tell you first hand that teachers LOVE getting Tastefully Simple products!! We have 25 awesome new S/S products that just came out March 9th. Feel free to give me a call at ###-###-#### or email me at ____@____.com. I'd be happy to help!

P. Elam

That's news to me. I taught middle school for nine years and I don't believe I ever got an end of the year gift. I did get a few Christmas presents and then had one gifted class collect money to buy me my favorite perfume for Christmas, but nothing at the end of the year.

Personally I don't know why you would have to give a teacher a gift at the end of the year? I think the gift giving and tip giving is getting out of hand. I can see your restaurant servers getting tips since most don't get minimum wage so the tip offsets that discrepancy. But not so sure about everyone else on the tip and gift list.

I wouldn't worry about it. Though a teacher doesn't make as much as some professions. Most of us realize that we won't get rich teaching.

How about a nice card with a kind note outlining what you liked about that teacher.

Now if you are speaking of college professors, I wouldn't do a gift at all. That could be construed as a bribe for a better grade on your finals or overall course grade.

Arbonne has botanically based aromatherapy items, in addition to wonderful hand and feet creams that you can give for under $20.00. If you want to find out more call or email me at ###-###-#### or ____@____.com. I am an independent consultant for Arbonne and would love to help you! I have given Arbonne in addition to a small periennel! Great gift ideas!

Hi, A.,
I recommend that you give a gift card from Target, Borders, Barnes & Noble or Kohls. That way your child's teacher can use it for something for her/himself or something for the classroom. Dinner gift cards are great also--Olive Garden, Chili's, Fridays. If your child's teacher has been teaching for more than 3 years, he/she probably has plenty mugs, etc.
Also, a nicely written note of appreciation is a gift that never ends, especially if a copy is sent to the principal.

:) A.

I'm a teacher and I can say that gifts, while very nice and thoughtful, are not expected. Do not feel obligated to get a gift.

If you do get a gift, however, there are certain things you might want to avoid: knick-knacks, lotions/soaps/candles, anything "cheap from the dollar store because you think you have to give a gift". Many people who are NOT teachers think that giftcards are not personal enough. Teachers, especially pre-school teachers do not make a lot of money and a giftcard to Starbucks, Borders, or some other location where the teacher can pick out a nice gift for herself would be wonderful.

The best gift I could ever receive would be a hand-written note from a parent or a student letting me know about the positive impact I have had on them during the year. A gift card tucked inside is a sweet bonus.

A.,

I read all the other posts and agree with the gift card idea - with a twist.

We usually have one Mom (who's on the ball like you) who puts out a note for each family to pick up when they sign their kids in/out. Basically this note offers to collect money towards a GROUP GIFT card for each teacher in the class. Usually this gift card is to Woodfield or some large shopping mall. No family is expected to give, however only those that do give are listed on the card. Usually we list a simple amount like $5-$10 per teacher...which in a preschool room usually means 2-4 teachers per class. We also do a collection for the preschool Director as she works very hard all year to keep our kids safe and everything running smoothly. Sometimes for the director we end up getting her a flower arrangement from ALL the parents.

I think if the note goes out early enough, many families will LOVE the ease of giving without having to put much thought into it...plus you'll be a hero to those that are just too busy to think of a gift themselves (and feel bad for forgetting the teachers).

Again, I think this is a nice gesture on your part and the teachers appreciate the GROUP GIFT CARD because then they have a more substantial amount to get something for themselves they they really do want. Plus we've always gotten the nicest thank you card from each teacher telling us what they picked.

I hope this helps!

Sara

Hello A.,

I sell Tupperware and it makes a great gift. We have lunch solutions that teachers love. Go to my website http://my.tupperware.com/B. and check it out. Let me know if you need product suggestions.

P.
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Found that they don't want stuff. Gift certificates. Starbucks, movie passes, Michael's (they can buy their own stuff).

May I suggest something from Partylite Candles and Accessories. I am a consultant for PartyLite and for the month of April we have 15 different items that are up to 67% off the retail prices. I have a some customers with children in grade school and they have bought from the specials so they can give the teachers a nice gift at a reasonable price with out breaking the bank.

Here are a couple of things on special:
* 4 different reed diffussers on sale for $15.00 each
* Cherry Orchard Silm Hurrican jar for $15.00
* Mystery Candle pack (inc. 2 dz tealights, 2 dz votives & jar candle or wax tin) all for $20
* Sidewalk Cafe Aroma Melter with Aroma melts sampler $20

Plus many more to choose from.

If you would like to send me your email address I can send you the flyer and you can take a look at. Then you can let me know if you are interested in getting a gift for your child's teacher.

You do not need to book a show to purchase any of the specials.

Hope to hear from you soon.

M.

I liked getting a gift card to a book store. I then take the card to buy a book for my classroom and place that child's name (who gave me the card) in their honor.

Hi A.!

I used to be a teachers aide when my kids were little, and saw many "knick-knack" gifts that weren't a big hit. Its kind of hard to get personal too. I agree that perhaps a gift card, or a collection from the whole class if organized in advance would be nice.
I work with the Pampered Chef, and I've had MANY mom's call for gift certificates, or they get things like a couple of seasonings with our mini bamboo spoons and our small square bowls are great for dips. So they do 2 gifts since they come in sets of two. Also seen it done with a mug filled with candies. Another great one is Available May 1st, we have these adorable square glass dessert plates with pink daisies on them. Sold in sets of 4 so you could give 4 gifts, or however you'd like. PLUS, they are part of our "HELP WHIP CANCER" campaign meaning for everyone one purchased, we donate $1 to the cause. There's also recipe cards, a pink dotted towel, a cake tester and a small spatula...all with pink for the cure. Its like a "double-gift". Of course we have over 300 products to choose from, and about 70% are under $15. Sometimes something practical that can be actually used is nicer than another #1 teacher ornament or something. Just a thought.
If you'd like more information, I'd be happy to honor the 10% discount I give to mamasource members. Just email me at ____@____.com

Good Luck!

This is a little late for this year, but for future consideration: If you volunteer in the classroom at all, take a few pictures at class parties, science fairs, etc, and make a small album for the teacher. You can get together with the other parents and combine pix, or do it on your own. My son's teachers seemed to like them.

we never gave gifts at the end of the year! they do have a teacher appreciation day. usually, there is a classroom mom who sends a note to all parents. they typically ask for a few dollars from each child and ask you to send a flower to school with your child. that way, they get a giant bouqet and money for a gift card. otherwise, it was a gift at christmas.

I completely agree with the other post. When I was teaching I really appreciated gift cards to Panera or the bookstore ($10-$15 is appropriate). I always loved getting thank you notes from parents and/or kids- that was very special. But do avoid the items she mentioned-teachers get way too much of that stuff! Your child's teacher will appreciate your gratitude- they do work hard and get paid little!

As a teacher, I appreciate receiving gift cards, especially Starbucks.

I've been reaising kids for 30 years and I've found that the teachers really love getting anything bath and body works related. Gift cards are also a big hit. If you have a really good room parent, ask her if she could arrange to have each child donate a small amount for a group gift.

I'm assuming you mean your child's teacher..... As a former teacher myself, I can tell you I never expected anything, but appreciated every effort I got from the parents throughout the school year. As to the end of the year gift idea...I would suggest you look at two avenues...gifts that would pamper the teacher(a gift certificate for a manicure, bookstore,craft or teacher's store; candy or fruitbasket)...or something that would enhance their work...(a basket filled with reward stickers for the kids, pencils, pens,notepaper, a totebag, etc) One year I gave my kids teachers "lunch" packs...it consisted of an insulated bag filled with proper sized plastic containers and flatware to allow a nice way to package something other than just a sandwich and a small thermos jug. They loved it. Most teachers must either take lunch or rely on the school lunchroom selections which are not exactly the most healthy choices(sad for the kids to be sure)... I'm sure whatever you decide (maybe you can get several parents to got together) I'm sure you will find something that both you and the teacher will be delighted with. Don't discount the value of a simple but heartfelt thank you note. Your child's teacher will appreciate your acknowledgment of his/her efforts on your child's behalf.

Gift cards are usually the best. But having your kid make them a cute card
and /or writing them a personal note of appreciation (if you thought they were an exceptional teacher) would really make their day too! : )

I'm a teacher and my favorite gifts last semester were personalized teacher gifts like a notepad with my name on it, a canvas bag with my name on it... I also like gift cards to target and whole foods etc.

Keep in mind that teachers don't make a fantastically high salary so the only gifts my co-workers and I don't really love are what we call "rich parent gifts" like a candle or some other nice-but-not-useful thing. Such gifts are nice and we appreciate the gesture, but we'd rather just take the money because we'd spend it at target or costco on groceries or some other necessity.

You don't have to spend money on a teacher gift though; something kid-made is always appreciated! Like a Christmas tree ornament from your child or something. It's the thought that counts!

Sad, but true...teachers get end of year gifts in most places. A friend of mine sells Arbonne products, and she can get you (I believe) a small gift of something like a nice smelling sugar scrub or something similar for $10 or 15.00 If you want her contact information, let me know at ____@____.com

A.,
A book or a box of chocolates is nice or a desk decoration.

Have fun shopping!

All the Best!

At the end of the school year, we give thank you cards to everyone - after-school teachers, gym, music, art, the school secretary, etc. It is about 15 people, so we can't give everyone a gift, but I think people appreciate being thanked and remembered.

For the after-care teachers and classroom teachers, I usually give a gift certificate, usually to Borders or to the coffee shop down the street from the school. But I really don't think a gift is necessary, especially if finances are tight.

Most teachers (esp those who've been teaching more than a few years) have plenty of 'teacher' items and apple-themed things. They tend to appreciate the gift cards for Borders, Barnes & Noble, The Chalkboard Store, or restaurants. They don't need to be large denominations as every little bit helps as they don't normally have huge dollars from their schools to supply their rooms with books and activities. Restaurant and fast food places are good for the nights when they have lots of papers to grade and no time to cook.

How old are these children that expect gifts from the teacher???? You're giving them the gift of an education all year long. Who started buying for their classroom? I know coaches buy a little something for the girls team sports at the end of a season but have never heard for classroom teachers doing something like that.

As a teacher, I agree with the teacher that said no lotion, knick knacks, candles or candy. If you'd like to go the gift card route, gift cards to Target would be nice. Then she could either spend it on herself or get more school supplies. Otherwise, a card to an office store always works.

Or, a friend of mine said she was having a nursery pot a small container garden for her sons' teachers. Being a flower-lover, I think that's a great idea, especially at this time of year. You could do it yourself to save money. Buy a small plant pot and put in some pretty flowers or even some fresh herbs. That is something to last all summer, or longer, and to make her think of your child when she sees it.