Christmas Gift for Preschool Teachers

Always gift cards. They get so many "best teacher" things. If you get it for Target or something they can pick out something for their room, themselves or use it to shop for others. Either way, it's useful.

Gift card

Teachers often have to buy their own supplies and always appreciate help getting them, so gift cards to : hobby lobby, Target, Walmart, or Office depot.

VistaPrint has a great sale now.
Every year, I order photo gifts from there.
www.vistaprint.com

I order things like photo calendars, the photo ornaments, notepads, t-shirts, magnets, etc.
It makes a great gift. I have given these to my family and to my kids' Teachers. And I always put the year on it. I use a photo of my child with their Teacher, for example.

Or yes, gift cards. Teachers spend a ton of their own money, for the classroom and students.

Things for the classroom is a different idea. You can do supplies, movies (if they watch DVDs) books, etc.

I usually do little bags with homemade goodies and other stuff in them. THis year I found really cute holiday shaped ramekins that are oven safe at Michaels. So, I'm going to bake a muffin inside it and then give that, a cute ornament that my kids picked out (not teachery just fun) and a giftcard to Starbuck's.

I agree that gift cards are usually received well. Starbucks, Sonic, Barnes and Noble, Target and Michael's would be my top choices.

If it were a group of teachers, I usually did created a box of individually wrapped chocolates to be shared in the teachers lounge.

Since starting school, I do $10 gift cards to Target, Subway, Pizza Hut, or B&N.

Having been there.. as a preschool teacher... I can tell you that candy is overdone. Cookies might be nice if they are homemade, and it is even nicer if the teacher hears from your child how they 'helped' make them. Other food type suggestions might be that you get together with other parents in the class and provide a nice lunch one day for the teacher and her helpers. Or, find out a place she and her family like to eat out (but may not be able to afford easily on her pay) and give her a nice gift card to that place.
Non food ideas might also involve a gift card for a massage, manicure, pedicure or some other special personal pampering that you find the teacher would enjoy. Sometimes just having a 'casual' conversation with the teacher can help you discover what might be just right in this line. Maybe start with a pensive, "oh, I am so ready to go get a massage with all this holiday stress!" Her response will likely give you a clue as to whether that's something she might enjoy. And if she indicates that she does get massages, you can always ask "Oh, where do you go?" The impression might be left that you are looking for a place for yourself, but in reality you are finding out where you should buy your gift certificate.

If the teacher wears jewelry, something nice that would be a reminder of your child would be good. I once received from a child, a bracelet that had little charms of children around it. That bracelet stayed on my arm constantly for a number of years until the catch finally broke and I had to put it away in a keepsake box.

If your family does something special that gives you access to unique gifts that might be a way to go. One family had an import business of items from Mexico. I received, over the several years I worked with their child, several nice pottery pieces and a serape. Those are still in use in my home and when I look at them I remember that child (who is now in her teens!)

I hope this gives you some good starting points in making your decision.

a basket of fruit, cookies, candy.....for all to share.

things to avoid: anything gimmicky geared to "teachers". No mugs, ornaments, etc.

Our 3rd grader's teacher sent home notice that she has a wish tree in the classroom. Each ornament has an item that she would like to have for the class. She asked that if we would like to participate we send the note back and she will let our child bring an ornament home. I thought that was a FANTASTIC idea!! Perhaps you can just ask her if there is anything she is wishing for-like a certain book for the classroom. I've always heard gift cards are best-but I love to buy gifts that I know are wanted.

I always give a small gift card-$5.$10 and the last 3 years it has been a really cute Starbucks Mug and a gift card inside. Most people like coffee/tea or at least go with someone that does.

When I was a preschool teacher, we really liked gift cards for Starbucks.

But really, just being appreciated was nice. I still have the lovely handmade cards with nice notes from the parents & child.

Here are a few things I received over the years: gift cards for Starbucks, & target, scarf & gloves set, homemade treats, homemade gifts made by the child ( ornaments, etc.).

I hope that helps! :-)

If you want something for her to use, a gift certificate to Barnes & Noble, amazon, or itunes is great.

If you want something for the class, get books or an educational toy. Check out my toys at http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/karenchao I can tell you what my son's preschool teacher chose this year!