Looking for suggestions for teacher gifts

Hi,

My son is in K, and I'm looking for suggestions for his teacher and teacher assistant. I know they have plenty of mugs, lotions, etc. I'm looking for something out of the ordinary.

I'd appreciate any suggestions.

If any of you out there are teachers, how do you like gift cards for bookstores?

Thx.

 

I have twin 10 year old boys, and I fancy myself finding unique and personal gifts for their teachers during Christmas, Teacher Appreciation and End of Year. I actually have requested them to list their 'favorite things'' (through the boys of course) and have it sent to me. Then I can see what they like, and they are in the 4th grade, and every teacher they have had loves Barnes & Noble GC's or Border's. They always have their favorite flavor of Bath and Body lotions, scented candles, favorite restaurants, favorite snacks or candies, and list outside hobbies too. It is very helpful!! Teacher appreciate that personal touch, instead of the same ol Christmas Ornament or Mug.....Good Luck!!!

 

I suppose an all expense paid trip to Hawaii is out of the question? That would be something very unusual and special.

Now returning you to the current thread already in progress .... :lol: :lol:

 

Gift Cards to Wally World are always good! Also, local restaurant gift cards are nice. best of all, homemade gifts (by the child) are great!

 

My wife and I are both teachers. One of the best gifts we got was a "Night out on the town" A few parents went in on it and got us dinner, movie, dessert, and one parent even watched our two-year old. Three hours every now and then without any children (even our own) is bliss.

Other than that, gift cards go a long way. They may not be personal, but man do they help out.

Before we moved, we gave away 40 candles, 30 bottles of lotion, and 30 coffee mugs. (We kept the other half of them.) Those things are nice, but way over done.

For a nice touch with a gift card, have your little one get the teacher a copy of your little one's favorite book for the next year's class to enjoy and have them write a little note in the front.

 

C6 raves about getting cards from Dollar Tree etc. She teaches 1st, and uses DT and other dollar stores to buy items for the rewards box, pencils, paper, etc. May sound cheesy, but she does use 'em.

 

i used to give the gift cards too, teachers have to spend so much money out of their own pocket, at least it eases the burden a bit and they always seemed to appreciate them.

 

Kaci,
I do not teach, but my wallet thanks you for them as well. lol

 

For the girl's religious school teachers, each class is collecting $5-$10 from each family for gift cards. GC's to Target are usually very well received, I have found. My brother and SIL are both teachers and they love gift cards. That way they can purchase something they will really use.

The girls also make a personal card to each teacher and I usually bake brownies, as well.

 

I am not a teacher but I think a gift certicate to the spa or for a pedicure or something like that would be nice they are on their feet alot and soooo stressed out something like that is for them to take time for themselves and they dont get alot of free time.How ever if its a man teacher I would suggest a lowes card.

 

You are welcome:lol: BTW, next year my son's fiance is moving down here to teach elementary school - maybe your C6 will be willing to give her some tips:-D

 

I speak for myself only..(like there really ever was a time that this wasn't true..lol)
Have your friend start the interviewing now. Start checking out these and other boards as to the schools she may encounter. Obviously, each school wants to present its best and brightest opportunities. I'd be looking into more detail: Yrs school has been there, yrs principal and assts have been there, percent of ESL instruction, whether TAs are full time or shared, funding, PTA successes, student demographics and districting areas from which children are drawn to the school. I'd be seeking as much information as I could receive. And, she should consider the School Districts. We are in an area where both Wake and Johnston Schools are close enough for one to choose from which to teach. Wake supplements are higher, I believe. QOL locally will be the same. I would also make it a point to speak to everyone at school with whom she could expect to interact in a day. I would also remind her, that if she doesn't know it ahead of time, that at anytime she is accused of something, that in most minds that's the same as being convicted of it in open court. We seem to have clearer glass homes in this area.
FWIW, I am the strongest champion I know of JC Public Schools, and also their biggest critic. I believe that our children deserve the very best education possible. Anything that adds to that is something we need to adopt. Things that detract should be removed.
That said, she should find a good mentor, which may not be the person to whom she is assigned.

 

do you like the willow tree figures? not too pricey and they have a thank you one at Hallmark

http://www.amazon.com/Just-You-Willow-Tree-Demdaco/dp/B000G1NO2E

and here is a list for most of the others...

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_k...earch-alias=garden&field-keywords=willow+tree

 

Thanks, she is graduating from Marquette this weekend but has to pull an internship at a school up there for the first semester. i have advised her to look at this board and she has researched the school systems down here too. She will be here for a month this summer and hopes to learn more then. As she will probably be moving down here mid term next year, she will probably have the time to visit and take your suggestions - thank you.

 

I've gotten lots of lotion and candles, and they're nice but I've gotten lots of them. I love the gift cards (B & N, Target and any coffee shop!). I've gotten plants and bird houses and bird feeders (those were painted by the child), and loved them all. Baked stuff (cookies, cakes, etc) are also good (I've gotten them around Christmas time). Once, I got a beach bag with towel and lotion (creative! It was a good one).

 

As a teacher I have to say gift cards are the best. If not, some books for the classroom, or a basket of classroom supplies is always appreciated. Candles, mugs, and even lotions are overgiven. Bath and Body Works stuff is nice though. Soaps are good. Or, things for the summer like plants or things for the patio are good too. Last year I had a student get me plastic plates and cups for my patio and I thought that was a cool gift. Hanging baskets are always nice, or Gerber Daisies.

 

I'm glad this was asked.

ok, This is just not for yr end but my daughter went from a level 3 to a 20 since school started, her teacher worked with her after school and not asking for no money to do this..she is the reason, plus what we did at home to get her where she is going..I really need that special gift..I know gift cards are nice..but I want to do something more personal. I cried when I found out today that she is made it to a level 20..this was a big deal for us.
Sheri

 

Sheri

YIPPPEEEEE! Congrats.

Have you considered the impact of a hand written letter of appreciation to the teacher? C6 has been teaching ___ yrs...(I'd best be judicious about using numbers here..lol) and has every thank you letter written to her by a parent or student. Even now, she hears from former students who tell her what an impact she had...and that is something money can't buy.

For other parents, if you haven't done so yet, then TODAY is the day for you to push your children to work smart and learn. And continue that process.

I've always believed that when the student is ready, the teacher appears. Make sure your kids are ready!

 

I agree! You don't have to buy her a thing. Sit down and compose a nice letter telling her how much you appreciate her. That gift is priceless. I also have every handcrafted card and letter I have ever been given by students and parents. They mean a lot!

 

I think a hand made card from your child saying thank you is sufficient. This also teaches your child to appreciate him/her. Then you and the child make homemade cookies or a treat that can be FROM the child.

Just my opinion.