What is a good/appropriate elementary school teacher gift?
I just received an e-mail from the moms that handle coordinating the classroom parties that they overlooked arranging a classroom teacher gift and we might want to consider our own gift to present during the Holiday party.
My son's teacher has been teaching K-5 for the past 12 years and I'm sure has received a ton of various gifts over the years. I'd like to get a gift that behind closed doors doesn't say, "yikes, another one of these?"
by
mellielou
asked 5 months ago
Gift cards or cash always seem to be appreciated by our kids teachers.
I've seen this question asked many times in many different forums, and the overwhelming winner is always some sort of gift card. I've seen teachers comment that they appreciate cards to local sandwich shops so they can run out at lunch, or to Starbucks (if you know they like coffee). We've given cards to Target, Dunkin' Donuts, BB&B and they're always well received. I know it's not the most personal gift, but it is practical.
I always went with tins full of cookies. My teachers always loved them, and it always made my day to still see the tin on their desk throughout the year =)
I'm the type of person who hates giving gift cards as a present to anyone, it seems so impersonal to me. I will hunt and track down the perfect gift for that person. Though I'm told quite often that I spend to much time hunting for the perfect gift and should just get a giftcard or an easy out gift, I just can't do it.
I'd say pick out a good book you think she'd like. Or items for the classroom.
Depends on the teacher and how well you know them but I'd probably get them a decent bottle of red wine.
Do you cook a lot? When I was in school, my parents and I used to always make home made chex mix and give it to all my teachers and they seemed to really like it. Because it was basically a mixture of cereal, pretzels and peanuts, along with some other stuff, it was pretty cheap. If you want the recipe, just say so.
Teachers spend a lot of money, out of their own pockets, for supplies for their classrooms. They often have to buy pens, pencils, paper, even kleenex. I think a gift card to some place like Target or Staples would be nice.
I've given flowers, candles, gift cards, cookies, angels, ornaments, peanut butter and a case of pepsi (the last 2 to the same teacher, he loved it).
The cookies and the gift cards usually go over the best.
A brass/golden apple.
How well do you know the teacher? Is there something they would definitely enjoy, or is there anything you know they've been wanting for the classroom?
If you go for a gift aimed for the classroom, I'd say pair it with something to spend on themselves too. That way you're not only celebrating the classroom, but the instructor as well. It doesn't have to be pricy, it could be a card to a supply store and a box of chocolates.
My mom used to make gifts for my teachers, generally some poem or quote that she would write in calligraphy and frame or make a pillow out of. Not sure how she had time for that, but they were things that could be displayed in the classroom and enjoyed.
Advil and a bottle of wine/case of beer........ At the end of a long week its what they are going to be looking for anyway.
I'm an elementary school teacher and I most often receive Starbucks gift cards. Sometimes along with coffee mugs or tree ornaments. I also typically get movie passes and sweets. I have received a bottle of wine in the past as well. Mostly, I just appreciate the effort that the families and their students are thinking of me and want to show appreciation for what I do. If you are looking for something specific, not knowing your budget, a gift card to a restaurant is always something nice. After a long week, I enjoy going out to eat and not have to worry about cooking.
If the teacher is a woman, I saw this commercial on tv. Trojan Vibrating touches or something? They said it was a finger-tip massager... I could imagine that would feel good after a long day dealing with kids. I honestly don't know much about it, but in the commercial the women's hair was blown back. They obviously loved it, and they say it gives a great massage. I'm a bit skeptical though, I have trouble scratching my back and I could only imagine there are a lot of hard to reach places back there that a fingertip massager would miss...
Anyways...The commercial said it was the perfect gift for the woman in your life. I'd go with that.
Definitely a gift card.
Teachers get almost no supplies so they usually end up buying their own and it can get expensive. Definitely help them out with a nice amazon or staples gift card. Target, walmart whatever work too.
Aqua Globes, got ours last here on Woot, still have a few for this year's teachers
When I was little my mom used to get me coffee mugs full of candy and such to bring to teachers. They sold them at quite a few stores, I wonder if you can still find those.
Teachers spend a bunch of their own money on the kids. You can donate to the classroom. Coffee also works.
@cowboydann: I think I saw that commercial too.
This would be a perfect tosh.0 bit. Have a parent give the teacher one of these and have them open up the package in the classroom.
Truly funny cowboydann, made me laugh reading that comment.
As an elementary teacher myself, I can say that everything I have received has been appreciated and not expected. But the most common are gift cards then baked goods (not including all the pictures and notes I get)
Victoria Secret's Gift Card
@ecriscit: glad someone could appreciate my toilet humor. Sure are a lot of prudes around the deals.woot community. isn't that right @gideonfrost?
Apples.
WOW -- thanks for the ideas!! For fun I might put my extra Woot monkey on the top of the gift box. My fellow wooters never fail for advice, while also entertain in their offerings.
@mellielou: You WILL want to check the school district website for limitations on gifts. Some school districts have passed this rule to prevent favoritism, and to make sure excessive gifts are reported/ turned in. You'd really hate for:
a) the teacher to have to turn over their nifty gift, or
b) the teacher to have to report a gift card as unearned income.
As a student teacher currently, I've tended to either lean toward giving the teachers I work with gift cards to places I know they like or supplies I know they need.
But I did just get a toy Star Wars lightsaber from a couple of my students, which rocks :)
-5? LOL, you guys are jerks.
Remember that 3 pair of Isotoner Gloves Woot a couple weeks ago.....yep. My kid's teachers loved em. Said we went overboard....thanks woot.
I don't think you can go wrong with gift cards but they are more meaningful when purchased for a store the teacher will actually visit. Nice when paired with something those goes with it. for example we have given movie passes combined with candy and popcorn.
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