the present problem
I'm going to go ahead and admit it. I go out of my way to be the Good Parent. I sign up to help with class parties and chaperone field trips. I make sure my kids always have their homework done. If the classroom has a need, I try to fill it.
Partly, I feel like it's my job--I mean, I'm a stay-at-home mom. Isn't being the Good Parent what I do all day? Partly it's wanting to be involved in my kids' schools And partly it's some kind of goody-two-shoes part of me feeling as though I get a theoretical gold star if I'm the best mommy ever.
But there's one thing I have been struggling with for the past few years: teacher gifts!
Somehow it always sneaks up on me, and then just when I'm congratulating myself on having my Christmas shopping almost entirely complete, I realize that I still need to buy gifts for these fabulous ladies who spend good portions of their day wrangling small children. I do *want* to get them something--but I just never know what.
My mom is a teacher, and I remember year after year she used to come home with little Christmas ornaments and coffee mugs that said things like "A+ teacher." And while I'm sure she appreciated the spirit behind the gift, she has been a teacher for decades. The last thing she needs at all is another coffee mug or teacher-themed ornament. I'd rather the gifts I get for teachers be something they'll actually enjoy.
Also, I attempt to be frugal with my Christmas buying. My husband would call me cheap, but let's go with a nicer word, like thrifty. I just don't want to spend a lot of money on a teacher gift, that's all I'm saying. That doesn't mean it has to be crap. I'm dreaming of the perfect present: something small, truly thoughtful, that can be given to a woman I really don't know very well, and that she will be thrilled to receive. And the present is......?
The last couple years I've gone with a small bar of fancy soap in a scent that I let Beth pick out. And I think it's an OK teacher gift. But not a great one.
All you teachers out there--what's the best Christmas gift you've ever received from a student? (Or, in reality, from the student's mother, because we all know that's who's doing the gift-buying here). OR, have you ever gotten something that was really FROM the student, maybe something that they made/selected themselves, that was truly great? Parents, have you ever found that perfect teacher gift? I really need some gift-giving help.
Partly, I feel like it's my job--I mean, I'm a stay-at-home mom. Isn't being the Good Parent what I do all day? Partly it's wanting to be involved in my kids' schools And partly it's some kind of goody-two-shoes part of me feeling as though I get a theoretical gold star if I'm the best mommy ever.
But there's one thing I have been struggling with for the past few years: teacher gifts!
Somehow it always sneaks up on me, and then just when I'm congratulating myself on having my Christmas shopping almost entirely complete, I realize that I still need to buy gifts for these fabulous ladies who spend good portions of their day wrangling small children. I do *want* to get them something--but I just never know what.
Not something like this.
My mom is a teacher, and I remember year after year she used to come home with little Christmas ornaments and coffee mugs that said things like "A+ teacher." And while I'm sure she appreciated the spirit behind the gift, she has been a teacher for decades. The last thing she needs at all is another coffee mug or teacher-themed ornament. I'd rather the gifts I get for teachers be something they'll actually enjoy.
Also, I attempt to be frugal with my Christmas buying. My husband would call me cheap, but let's go with a nicer word, like thrifty. I just don't want to spend a lot of money on a teacher gift, that's all I'm saying. That doesn't mean it has to be crap. I'm dreaming of the perfect present: something small, truly thoughtful, that can be given to a woman I really don't know very well, and that she will be thrilled to receive. And the present is......?
The last couple years I've gone with a small bar of fancy soap in a scent that I let Beth pick out. And I think it's an OK teacher gift. But not a great one.
All you teachers out there--what's the best Christmas gift you've ever received from a student? (Or, in reality, from the student's mother, because we all know that's who's doing the gift-buying here). OR, have you ever gotten something that was really FROM the student, maybe something that they made/selected themselves, that was truly great? Parents, have you ever found that perfect teacher gift? I really need some gift-giving help.
16 comments:
We are doing the same thing. I asked my mom as she was a preschool teacher for 20 years what she liked. Honestly she said, gift cards for coffee or something along those lines a bakery or dessert place that is loved. they receive TONS of mugs and ornaments.... At the end of the year she loved when parents went together and bought a gift card for a restaurant or spa. Just an idea. I know it seems impersonable but its probably something they will use and appreciate. :)
End of year last year I got my oldest son's teachers a gift from my Scentsy Business, The ABC Warmer, its a mid size so not huge and a bar of the red candy apple scent, they loved it! The one teacher said she had never gotten anything that said teacher on it before. It's something they can use anytime, whether at home or at school. It doesn't have to be the teacher one either there are lots to choose from.
https://aconnolly.scentsy.ca
When I was a teacher, I most loved coffee or book gift cards, even when they were for like, 5 dollars. If enough parents give you enough small coffee gift cards, they can go a loong way!
A card signed by the kid, perhaps with cute little drawings, are also a great part of it. :)
Anything that communicates appreciation, thoughtfulness, and the acknowledgement that I might need a break from teaching are perfect gifts.
One year I had some students give me yummy-smelling hand soap from Bath & Body Works, that was nice. I also always like when I get games for the classroom that the kids can play on indoor recess days. A gift card to a local coffee place is ALWAYS a good idea. Or even a new book for the classroom or a gift card for the teacher to get a book for his/herself.
Oh, another good idea is a fun CD that the kids can listen to during "free times" or even a non-obnoxious CD that kids might be able to listen to during centers or work time.
But yes, I agree, the number of mugs and other teacher-y trinkets is crazy!
I have to agree with the coffee gift cards. Most coffee places have enough choices to please anyone.
One of the other things I truly love is when a gift shows the child noticed something about me. A snowman ornament from the Dollar Store shows they listened when I mentioned my snowman collection. A chocolate treat that shows they noticed my appreciation for all things chocolate. Maybe your daughter is still too young but you might try asking her what her teacher likes.
I was always thrilled when my students got me gift cards also. $5 to Starbucks or Dutch bros, is awesome. One student bought me flowers and made me a card, loved that one. I always give my kids teachers a cookie mix in a bag from great harvest, it's super yummy and looks great, but it's only $4.95! Also, cute socks are great for any age teacher as are bath items and lotions. Think girlfriend gift and I think they would love it.
Since I'm my kids teacher this year does that mean I get to buy myself a teacher present? :)
@ Connie: ABSOLUTELY you need to buy yourself a teacher present!
GIFT CARD.
In middle school the gifts are few and far between... not because they don't care but because kids have 7-8 teachers.
I've always given $5 Starbucks gift cards (and I'm pleased to know they're well-liked!) or some tiny lotion or hand sanitizer from Bath & Body works.
Decades? My favorite gift is a tiny book titled "God Thinks You're Wonderful" by Max Lucado. It was given to me by Julian Hesburg several years ago. The enclosed note, handwritten by Julian, who was a second grader, is signed "You friend, Julian." I would go with a card signed by the girls with a coffee card enclosed. Five dollars is plenty, especially in this economy.
Nana
I make up small baskets with baked goodies. I figure they get enough other stuff, and it gives them a chance to relax and not have to bake for a couple days. This year....truffles, banana bread, cookies and a bottle of homemade kahula. I do something similar at the end of the school year, but it is usually wine and no banana bread. I tend to forget to get something for my babysitters and hairstylist.
I'll echo the gift card sentiment. $5 is plenty.
(Although I admit that the handmade ornaments I received from my students hang on my tree every year, but high schoolers can make some pretty cool ornaments.)
Of course I agree with everyone on the whole coffee card idea. I also liked receiving jewelry, honestly! I got a few cute little bracelets that I would never pick out, but are really fun for random outfits.
Last year I just flat out asked the daughters' teachers what they're grandkids' names were and made them charm bracelets with their grandkids' initials on them. I got tears from every one of them. I'm doing it this year, too! Something personal and quite appreciated...
This is a great post! Love it! Even though we homeschool, there are plenty of people who tutor and help out with the education of our children. It is always good to have ideas of how to say "thank you."
I've only gotten a few presents--high schoolers don't often get their teacher's presents. But at this level it often means more because it says that somebody actually notices and cares what you do all day! :) I've gotten homemade drink mixes (like Russian tea) that I really liked. Chocolate is also a plus. :)
Wow, everyone, thanks for all the ideas! I went with what seemed to be the most common (and easiest--let's be honest here) response, and got $5 Starbucks cards for all. I intend to couple them with a card that has a sentence either written or dictated by my kids, stating something they personally enjoy about the teacher or classroom.
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