Teachers' Gifts?

[MrsK]

So, it's that time of year again. The daycare included a note in the newsletter saying that the teachers can accept gifts valued less than $50 but cannot accept gift cards in any amount. Since BabyK is a December birthday, he'll also be graduating from his class just after Christmas. I was going to write a letter to his teachers (there are 2) thanking them for all the loving care and guidance they've given him -- and me -- this year. But I'd like to send a gift too. I asked the other parents what they send and every one of them said that they give baskets of soaps and lotions. So, baskets of soaps and lotions are out. I was thinking of maybe getting something for their classroom if not for them individually. What do you recommend?

[diggitydot]

Starbucks gift baskets? Sam's Club always has some really cute ones. Prices vary from around $10 to around $40, depending on the size and you can get either tea or coffee ones. I think some have both.

[oceanchild]

I can't believe they can't accept gift cards. My mom (elementary music teacher) loves getting gift cards.

[SuzySunshine]

I was going to say the same thing about gift cards, that is what our class is going in on for A's teachers.

I like the Starbucks basket if you know they drink coffee, or a combination of something for them and something for their room. Maybe some nice chocolates and something for their room??

[MrsK]

They are not allowed to accept giftcards.

[fluffhead]

wow - no gift cards! that's harsh. We'd be up the creek - we have no gift imagination, and always resort to Target cards.
As a teacher, I always appreciate chocolate. Pen and pencil sets are the worst. Gloves, umbrellas, and gift cards are good.

[Meenah]

Would they accept a gift certificate to Scholastic Books or somewhere they can purchase things for the room? Maybe ask them to make a wishlist of things they would like to have for the classroom?

[Pollyanna]

Would they accept a gift certificate to Scholastic Books or somewhere they can purchase things for the room? Maybe ask them to make a wishlist of things they would like to have for the classroom?

I like this idea. Why no gift cards? That seems very odd to me. You know all those teachers have closets of lotion they re-gift every year.

[diggitydot]

One year I gave all the kids' teachers a case of copy paper, a dozen Dry-Erase pens, and a cute giant mug filled with pencils. They loved it. Came in handy when the district cut their photocopy budget, too.

[rainbabies]

I bake cookies for our teachers. I think
No gift cards IS harsh! Good luck

(our teachers are getting cookies and a $20 gift cert to A local gift shop)

[DCJenn]

I made a donation to The Greater Good toward a teacher's salary in Darfur in her name and found a scarf on sale at The Literacy Site that I bought. I'll place the certificate re: the teacher's salary on top of the scarf.

I'm tired of giving stupid gifts "just because" so I thought this was a better way to go.

Jenn

[L.Jane]

I agree with the others who say get something useful for her classroom. When teaching, gift cards where my fav, so that stinks they have that rule, but the next best thing were useful items. When you are in the classroom look around and see whats missing. Does she need magnets, more books, flashcards. You might ask her, what things she always finds herself spending her money on for the classroom. Last year I was always buying magnets and pencils. One parent gave me a huge thing of pencils and I thought that was the best gift ever. Its amazing what little things make a big difference.

[MrsK]

I broke down and spent more than I intended to on toys for the classroom. I figure that since BabyK is also graduating, there are 2 teachers that have been super, and he's probably broken his fair share of toys there this year, it was appropriate.

[L.Jane]

I am sure that will be really appreciated.

[SuzySunshine]

No, I understood they weren't allowed to accept them, I just wondered why???