Teachers

[houseelf]

Quick, I need gift ideas! What were your favorites. (I contributed to a general class fund for each teacher, but their gifts to my kids were unbelievable: a hand knit cap that looks like a strawberry for 2 year old DD and a hand carved wooden treasure box for my almost 7 year old). Since these gifts were so lovingly crafted, I feel guilty just contributing money to the class gift. Suggestions?

Kelly

[Flynn]

I always liked "luxury" things I had a hard time affording on a teacher's salary.

Like:

GC to places like coffee, baked goods, funky restaurants, spas, books stores!

Personal gifts I loved were hand written letters explaining how I (the teacher) influenced their children. I still treasure those. Kind words are so powerful.

Further, it was no secret I LOVED animals...dogs inparticular. A few families made donations in my name to animal friendly charities. These were touching and meaningful to me.

Showing you care on any budget is possible.
I commend you Kelly for putting so much effort into thanking the teachers in your life!!!!!!!! IT DOES MATTER!!!!

I'm going the gift card angle, combined with some home made cookies. I like Borders gift cards. It's a good guess that an educator would appreciate a Borders card, while Starbucks (even though I'd love it) might not appeal to everyone.

Some people don't like coffee. I'm still stumped, but I've heard it's true.

[houseelf]

Yes, I'm very lucky, my kids teachers are awesome. They are handpicked by the board and are passionate about their work.

I don't care what school district, building, or pedagogy is employed. It is the teacher that makes all the difference.

Kelly

[Stella]

I'm going the gift card angle, combined with some home made cookies. I like Borders gift cards. It's a good guess that an educator would appreciate a Borders card, while Starbucks (even though I'd love it) might not appeal to everyone.

Some people don't like coffee. I'm still stumped, but I've heard it's true.

They also have the chai teas and ciders though! (I don't understand not liking coffee, either. It's really not even a point of preference anymore - it's necessity.)

However, I do know some people who are anti-Starbucks due to their "morals" (What are those?) and being against big business, if you will.

All that said, I think the Starbucks gift card is a great idea.

[ellie]

Kelly, it's wonderful that you're putting so much thought into those gifts.

Some of my favorite gifts were things that children made themselves...small homemade ornaments with the child's name and year, a laminated bookmark with their photographs and drawings, a tote bag with their handprints or drawings. You could do something like that and combine it with a Borders/Barnes and Noble giftcard. A teacher can always use more books. And usually every teacher has enough knicknacks that say "world's best teacher."

Some people don't like coffee. Shocked I'm still stumped, but I've heard it's true.

Jesher, it's true...I'm one of them. :!

[alison]

I teach college kids and they still give stuff. It's really sweet of them, dh eats all the chocolate, and I keep all the cards. The cards are the best.

[alison]

I have an MA and am going for my PhD right now.

[Ames]

I LOVE gift cards too! Especially to places or things I wouldn't usually be able to afford. Last year some of the teachers got a spa treatment, boy was I jealous! I agree with the Starbucks card, that place is expensive!
My favorite present last year was actually a tin of home made hot cocoa mix, how thoughtful (and delicious)!
The part I like best though is definitly the cards, a well thought out card means so much more then any present. I keep all my nice cards from over the years.

[Grog]

A teacher-friend of mine says Please no mugs!!! She has a gazillion...

Coffee, tea, chocolate, etc. are great though. No clutter, and enjoyable. She has plenty of mugs to choose from when the time comes to drink them...

[Rapunzel]

I have a number of friends who are public school teachers - and they're all LDS - which means if they're students give them any coffee-related gifts they cannot use them!

It's kind of like giving wine as a present - you may never know who does and does not drink it....

I've heard from these same friends that classroom supplies are always appreciated (since they often end up paying for these out of their own pockets). Sounds boring to me - but it's what I was told.

[Ames]

and they're all LDS - which means if they're students give them any coffee-related gifts they cannot use them!

What's that?

Latter Day Saints - Mormon

There's stuff that can be bought there that does not have caffiene - but point taken. That's kind of what I said just about some folks not liking coffee or coffee drinks.