What Gifts Do You Give Your Child Teachers for Christmas, Is Money Allowed?

I had always given a small gift bag to the elementary teachers that had my kids - - hand lotion, candle, ornament, etc. I stopped when my sister-in-law who is an elementary teacher commented on how she appreciates those types of gifts but she knows she will never use the 100s of hand lotions, candles, etc she has accummulated in just a 5 year period. So wiht her assistance, I now give the elementary teachers that have my kids a gift card to Donkin Donuts. They all rave about that gift - - works for dieters who can get the coffee, those that love the occasional donut, or those wanting the breakfast sandwich.

PS We don't do gifts at middle school level since each child has 7 teachers and not really do-able. Did have kids hand out an oversized candy cane to each middle school teacher one year, but kids now say that is not "cool" so they won't do that.

My school always has a book fair twice a year. The teachers usually have a wish list of books they would like for their classroom. I pick out a few books and the library has stickers you can put into the front inside cover. The sticker has a place to write the reason for the book being given, to who, and from who and a place for the date. I have also given gift certificates to teacher type stores, Walmart, Target, etc. Teachers spend an average of $600 per year out of their own pockets for extra school classroom supplies for their students. This helps defray their out of pocket expenses. Some teachers do want to be pampered themselves and gift certificates to their favorite places can sometimes be appropriate.

As a teacher, I love gift cards to Barnes and Nobel or Borders, for either books for my classroom or my own personal library.
But food gift cards are always good to:) (DD, Starbucks, Panera)
Teachers are always thankful to be thought of this time of year.
K.

i make donations in their name. For the last 2 years we've purchased at www.heifer.org, and the teachers are really touched. We always figure they don't need anymore trinkets or chocolate!

My sons are in daycare and we give a $20 gift card to each teacher and $25 the the director and assistant director.

Cash may seem a bit impersonal. I get a gift card to the places that I hear them talk about or see them using. (One teacher comes in with a Starbucks every AM, so I got her that). If I can't figure out what to get, I get it for a local Panera or Subway or Target! I attach the gift card to the back of a picture of our son(s).

At our school we pool money to do a Christmas bonus. It really is great, the parents club adds it all up & divides by the number of teachers. Its allows the teachers a nice bonus and doesn't fill their house with tiny gifts. They add up to one really nice one. :)

D.

I would do a giftcard to a local store/restaurant etc...like some of the other moms are suggesting. I think somewhere in the neighborhood of $15 is appropriate. Skip the mugs, knickknacks, etc....Its the thought that counts, but if you are thinking about it, I'm sure you will realize that one person can only have so much of these mugs,#1 teacher plaques, etc.....Merry Christmas!

I would do a gift card instead of money. I hear from alot of teachers that they prefer gift cards over anything else.

We give a $10-$15 gift card to Panera, Target, or a book store to my daughters' pre-K teachers because those are my favorites as a teacher and tutor. I have received money in the past, but it was a little awkward. Gift cards are great! You can have your child draw a picture or make a little something if you want to make it more personal, but avoid candles, ornamemts, etc. They get too many!

I've had my kids in preschool for the past 3 years. Plus I have many friends that are teachers. They most appreciate gift cards to places like Dunkin Donuts, Target, Starbucks (and McDonalds if they have younger kids of their own.) Unless they are brand new to teaching, they get tired of candles, soap, candy, ornaments and mugs. Think of how many kids are in the class they teach... how many of those things can one person actually use? I know that *I* already have too many of those things, and I don't have 10-26 kids giving me more each year! :)

To make it more personal, you can have your child draw them a picture or help them make a special card to enclose with the gift card. Remember, teachers shouldn't be an after thought... they are the ones that are helping us mold our precious little ones into the people they are going to become.

Good luck!
T.

This year I am giving my sons' teachers the Pamered Chef recipe book which was only a dollar.

I like to give a gift card to Target or similar store. That way, they can use it for something personal or get something for the classroom.

I've heard from so many teachers that they don't want a tangible gift (not another frame or mug or ornament).

Gift cards, cash, checks are always great. The best gift cards are ones to stores like Target, WalMart etc.. where there is a wide range to choose from. The teachers can get something personal for themselves or items they may need for the classroom. Unless you know the teacher well and know their favorte stores.

Last year I gave my girls pre-k teachers misc. stuff...small tissue for purse, chapstick, small lotion, $5 gift card to starbucks, calendar for purse and pen. It all cost me about 12.00 per teacher gift card included in that amount...they ALL loved the gift.

Try a SOC Box. This is a program you can buy for $49 that the teacher can use throughout the year for any kind of greeting card she prefers. It's a fantastic time and money saver for busy and popular teachers that stay in touch with her family and current students. She can use it in conjunction with her job or personal use. Go to www.sendoutcards.com/johnlowrey

I don't think that money is appropriate.A good idea is get a nice christmas mug, a pack of hot chocolate, some marshmallows in a christmas decorated bag, and a candy cane and wrap it in a christmas bag. Its not too expensive and it is cute.Good luck!!!

Money itself it not usually acceptable. BUT gift cards are perfect. Try getting a starbucks gift card for $10.00 and a coffee mug. Something similar is great. I have many friends who are teachers and they say gift cards are the best things to receive.

Gift cards to teacher stores like the Chalkboard, book stores, and craft stores to help them stock their rooms are always welcome. Other choices would be starbucks or bath and body works to pamper themselves. Anything from $5 to $20 (whatever you feel comfortable giving) would be best so it's not like you are trying to buy their grades! Most teachers have more than their share of Apple-related knick-knacks, so I'd stay away from those. Merry Christmas!

Hi M.,
Teachers love to get a Satin Hands gift set from Mary Kay! Especially those who teach little kids because there hands are constantly in water and tend to get chapped in the winter. Satin hands has a Satin Smoothie® Hand Scrub that cleanses and exfoliates and Satin Hands® Hand Cream to condition and moisturize for hours and an extra emollient night cream for very dry skin. I offer personalized gift wrapping and free delivery/shipping and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. My daughters preschool teachers will be getting a set this year too! give me a call at ###-###-#### or visit my website at www.marykay.com/mjones80162. I will give you a 10% mamasource discount. Have a great day!
M.

A gift card is fine, but money is not a good idea. $10 is typical.

After workingfor teachers for a few years. I realize that they have to buy/purchase a lot of things on there own that the school does not provide, supplies,etc.. I like to give them a gift card for the local teachers supply store. The one by us that most of them use is called Teachers Corner.
That way they do not have to use thier own cash. Comes in handy.

You should look into giving your childs teachers Scentsy! For only $20 you can get them a plug-in warmer and a bar of scented wax. Teachers (and moms too) LOVE Scentsy products because they are flame free and the wax is warmed to just above body temperature so there is NO risk of fire or injury! Check out the website www.scentsy.com/cgreenlee to see the products and feel free to contact me with any questions!

My favorite teacher's gift is the One Trip Tote (www.onetriptote.com). They are always carrying items to and from work and this large tote allows them to carry it all in one trip, instead of 2 or 3. It's beautiful, unique and useful for any woman on your list. About $37. I gave three to our preschool teachers and principal last year and all the other teachers wanted one too! Good luck and happy holidays!

As a mom and a teacher I always give the teacher one of those baskets from walmart that have nice bath stuff in them and they have a variety of sizes and prices. All of us teacher need to relax during our short Christmas break. Money is not a good idea but gift cards are ok. Have your child watch the teacher and see if he/she mentions things they like. Scarf, hat and glove sets are nice too.

We LOVE gift cards. Thank you for being generous and thinking of your child's teacher. I know I greatly appreciate all gifts given to me by my students.

Hi M.,

I am a teacher, and some of the best gifts that I have gotten don't cost a thing. A heartfelt letter from a parent or a student are the gifts that I end up putting in my scrapbook and keeping forever. If kids press and say "But what should I buy you?" I tell them a gift card from Starbucks that is $5-$15 for me is sufficient. I plan to give my daughter's Pre-K teacher a $15 Chase gift card with a small note attached. I have also worked in a school where I got a Coach wallet for Christmas, so it really depends on what's appropriate for your school. Ask the other parents in your child's class. Sometimes there is a class gift instead of individual ones. Good luck!