teacher gifts?

**JenMarie** · 11-19-2009, 12:10 PM

Does anybody have any good ideas for teacher gifts? DS has a great teacher this year and I want to get her something nice ($15 ish) I usually don't spend that much but she is great! She is a family aquaintance and knew DS had a bad year last year so she requested him this year. His grades are up and he no longer "hates school"

**McD** · 11-19-2009, 12:27 PM

I got Wesley's pre-school teachers each a little Bath and Bodyworks gift set. I wanted to get them something they could use to pamper themselves, plus, BBW always has pretty good holiday sales and they have coupons that can really help you stretch your monies.

**Shya** · 11-19-2009, 12:34 PM

I got dd's preschool teachers the Willow Tree Angel of Learning ornament. I got her dcp one that is holding a little sign saying "Thank you." I think it was called "Just for you."

**firefly615** · 11-20-2009, 07:14 PM

As a teacher I can tell you the most appreciated gifts are things you would like to get yourselves. Movie tickets are a great treat or go in with another family and get a gift certificate towards dinner to go with the tickets. A bottle of nice wine (if that's appropriate) or a homemade pie, bread, or treat they can enjoy with family and friends.

Also nice is a gift certificate to a bookstore. Many teachers are avid readers and would love to read read read over the holidays. If they aren't readers they will joyfully buy books for their classroom.

I have a friend who is a male elementary school teacher. Every year some of his students add to his crazy tie collection. He has a ton, and the kids love to see him wearing them.

The most thoughtful part of any gift you give a teacher is the note you put with it. Share how much he or she has made a difference in your child's life during the year. Tell the teacher if your child enjoys the class and if you have seen improvement in any particular skills so far this year. Most of all just give a heartfelt "thanks." It means so much to teachers who at this time of year are just beat.

Oh, and one more thing . . . you might want to pass on the coffee mugs . . . most of us are well stocked in those!

**mauimagic** · 11-20-2009, 07:36 PM

Had to chuckle on the coffee mug comment - and totally agree!!

I would personally love a small GC to Walmart or Walgreens where I spend a ton of money printing photos for my students' albums.

I always save the notes from parents - they mean so much to me, last forever and are always in good taste!!

**steelergal** · 11-20-2009, 09:30 PM

I also agree about a note to the teacher, very often they are overlooked and really appreciate the simplest thank you note (I've written them to every teacher thus far and everyone has written me one in return of thanks for the thoughtful note!). I usually will get the teacher hand soaps (that the girls made), a gift card to the local book store or office supply store (one teacher actually requested these instead of other places- I of course asked her!). One year a family gave the teacher a basket full of classroom supplies (kleenex, hand sanitizer, toys for the treasure chest for good behavior, etc.)- I actually thought that was a cute idea too.

**vickilynn** · 11-21-2009, 09:22 AM

My daughter is a teacher and bless her sweet heart, she is forever buying supplies....notebook paper, pens, pencils, wipe off pens, those are gifts she would appreciate

**ladykemma2** · 11-21-2009, 09:31 AM

as a teacher i would like 24 metal (indestructible) inches/centimeter rulers, large boxes of number 2 pencils, bic red pens, dry erase markers, white sidewalk chalk. This is what i spend my money on.

Please please please please no more mugs, picture frames, crap or junk. I throw homemade food items immediately into the trash (sorry)

smelly candles are always nice. movie tickets too.

**shoiji** · 11-21-2009, 02:29 PM

A staples gift card would also be great. Many teachers buy supplies out of their own pocket each year for classroom supplies.

**vickilynn** · 11-21-2009, 05:02 PM

oh....and then for a real treat = starbucks gift card!

**lisaflex** · 11-22-2009, 08:35 AM

i usually give a gift cert to a local spa....eveyone loves some pampering!

**MomK** · 11-22-2009, 09:20 AM

Rainy day games for the classroom are nice to get!

**ruderring** · 11-22-2009, 09:26 AM

As a teacher I would love to get a gift basket of stuff to use in the classroom or a gc to a teaching store, staples, walmart or places i could spend it on things to use in my classroom. I don't really need anything for myself and would much rather be able to benefit my students in some way. Games or legos or even books for the classroom are much appreciated too. Teachers really do spend a lot of money on their students and I feel that I am so blessed and so many of my students need stuff much more than I do so I would appreciate stuff for them. I do however enjoy homemade goodies to share with my family at the holidays too. I too appreciate the cards and thank yous written by students or their parents. I keep them in a special file and pull them out occasionally when I am having a bad day and remember that I am appreciated by making a difference in a child's life. That to me is the true gift. The gift of providing a child with a valuable education and experience. Hope this helps a little. Best of luck and many blessings.

**JenMarie** · 11-23-2009, 07:45 AM

Thanks for all the great ideas. I have to admit I usually buy candy from a local chocolate maker. My friend is a teacher. I was at her house last year as she was unloading all her gifts from students and I noticed they were all sweets! So, I thought I need to get a little more creative. I think I'll get her a few school supplies and a starbucks gift card. And of course a nice note!

**ncarr** · 11-23-2009, 03:47 PM

A $10 Barnes and noble or starbucks giftcard would be awesome! Add a nice note and it's perfect. I can't afford to spend money on frivolous things like coffee so I really appreciate it! Bookstores are great because I'm always buying books for the kids to read