Teacher Gift Ideas

[TrueBlueKappa]

Originally Posted by ZTABullwinkle

I have heard that teachers appreciate gift cards so they can purchase school supplies are welcomed. I would also think a nice gift certificate for a local restaurant or a manicure would work also.

Yes, we do!

[tld221]

i agree - my landlord is a kindergarten teacher (has been for 15+ years) and spends SO MUCH of her own money on her classroom. i think something in that vein would be appreciated. i figure at 20 years in, the teacher has got to LOVE what they are doing.

[Buttonz]

I think giftcards would be the way to go, either a Target/Walmart type, or for a bookstore.

[LaneSig]

I have received gift cards that were Visa/Mastercard kind. It's great because I can spend it where and when I want. (They sell them in the grocery stores and at 7/11 here in Dallas.)

One year, several mothers got together and made a gift basket for me. It had microwave popcorn bags, some diet Cokes (they knew I am addicted), some Hershey bars, and a gift card. I really like it.

Another teacher had parents who made a gift basket with lotions, bubble bath, hair products, and a gift card.

[AOII_LB93]

I can appreciate the fact that all of you parents want to buy gifts for your child's teachers, but can I ask why? Is it really necessary to buy gifts for a teacher? Perhaps I don't understand because I don't have a child in elementary school.

I guess I just don't get it. I'm a high school teacher, and aside from the occasional candy cane, my students/their parents could really give a crap less what I would want for Christmas, nor do they purchase gifts, nor would I expect one, ever. Sure, I've gotten some home made cookies before, chocolates and the like, perhaps a card or two, wishes for a nice Christmas but a gift card? Never.

Either you guys are all way nice, or maybe this is just an East coast/South thing?

ETA: Maybe a nice card of appreciation, stating how much your son is enjoying her class would be appropriate, how great it's been to see him learning new things and liking school?

[ZTAMich]

Originally Posted by AOII_LB93

I can appreciate the fact that all of you parents want to buy gifts for your child's teachers, but can I ask why? Is it really necessary to buy gifts for a teacher? Perhaps I don't understand because I don't have a child in elementary school.

I guess I just don't get it. I'm a high school teacher, and aside from the occasional candy cane, my students/their parents could really give a crap less what I would want for Christmas, nor do they purchase gifts, nor would I expect one, ever. Sure, I've gotten some home made cookies before, chocolates and the like, perhaps a card or two, wishes for a nice Christmas but a gift card? Never.

Either you guys are all way nice, or maybe this is just an East coast/South thing?

ETA: Maybe a nice card of appreciation, stating how much your son is enjoying her class would be appropriate, how great it's been to see him learning new things and liking school?

I think the gift giving thing only happens with Elem School teachers. LOL sorry! I know I stopped giving them after Middle school. I think elem teachers tend to get gifts more since the kids don't tend to get as embarrassed giving them as older kids do. It's not 'cool' after about age 13 to give your teacher gifts I guess.

There were great ideas posted already. Gift cards, mani/pedi gift certif...etc. We just like to relax!

Perhaps the best gift I've ever been given from a student was a set of 4 juice glasses "I got to pick them out at the Lot store" he told me. Which I assum was Big Lots, the discount store. So precious. Just your basic glass but I loved the fact that he picked them out himself!

[BetteDavisEyes]

It's an elementary school thing. As a teacher, IF my students and their parents wanted to be generous and buy me a gift, I'd appreciate the fact that they even thought of me in the first place. If I had a choice, I'd definitely go for the gift cards.

My mother-in-law, also a teacher, said the strangest gift she ever received was a ham.