Giving Tip or Something Else to Daycare/preschool Teachers

A gift certificate or maybe an educational toy or game for the classroom would be nice. Try www.discoverytoyslink.com/yolandab

I am a teacher and I have 4 kids of my own. What I have always done is to give something that will make their life easier such as homemade coffeecake, cookies etc, a gift card to a local restaurant or even for christmas - a holiday arrangement or fresh wreath (who doesn't love to get flowers?!)

Things that I stay away from are gift cards to teacher stores (do you want a gift that is work based? and once the item is bought and used in the school it is now property of the school so the gift then is given away?) Coffee mugs, candles and lotions. I know that these are the most popular things but you can only use so much of these items (Really, 20 bottles of lotion/bath soap, 15 candles and 12 coffee mugs last christmas - I have my stock for the next couple of years!) I know that this may sound really unappreciative and it is not meant to sound that way but what we really like is something that is meant to be used by us and for us.
We really appreciate something that there was some thought put into and it doesn't have to be expensive. I usually spend $15 - $20 per teacher and most of the items that I receive are around $10 - $15. The other idea is get all the moms together and all donate into one big gift card to a local department store that the teacher loves. We did that once and the teacher bought herself a new winter coat!

Gift giving is not a requirement, but realize that anything that is given is greatly appreciated.

Last year, I gave $25 gift cards (or maybe it was $20) to each of Jake's 4 teachers at Bath and Body Works. I'm picky about my lotion scents so thought it would be great to let them choose what they want. I'll change it this year, but I think gift cards are a great idea. Target, Best Buy, Kohl's. Etc.

Usually I give for the holidays and for teacher appreciation week which is the beginning of May. I go with candles or homemade goodies in a basket. Scented lotions are always good. They also usually love getting a gift certificate for a store that specializes in teaching supplies such as The Chalkboard. There is one in Naperville but I am not sure where else.

my son goes to preschool 2 days a week for 2 hours. For Christmas, I was going to get a combined teacher gift of lunch for the teaching staff for his class, as well as a homemade card from my son. For the lady who watches my son 3 days a week I always get her 4 kids a present each, and get her a gift or gift card as well (usually around $50 for her and $10-15 each for the kids)

A gift card for 10.00/15.00 is great

Hi,
I have been a daycare provider for over 20 years. Usually the parents give a little something at Christmas time. I always found the gifts from the heart meant the most. One parent bought me baking pans because I was always making cupcakes for the kids. Another parent gave me a gift card to a drive thru coffee place which was nice because I had small children of my own at the time and I did not have to get them out of the car for my coffee. I have also recieved many gift cards to McDonalds because the parents know how important my McDonald's diet coke is to me. I would stay away from Bath and Body and coffee mugs. I have enough Bath and Body to last a life time and I use it every day. I think gift cards are always great to stores like Target, Kohls, etc..As for the amount it should be something you are comfortable with. Parents have given me all different amounts.

Cheryl

Give gifts for Christmas, something small and nothing cheesy or food. Teachers get so much food, trust me my mom is a secretary and I think they think that's all she needs is food. visit: www.partylite.biz/yourcandlebuddy or call me @ ###-###-#### for more suggestions

I never know exactly what to do in these situations either, but I usually give my kids' teachers a gift during the holidays and at the end of the school year. I do something simple like a picture frame or a special pen.

good luck
N.