Low income and preschool teacher gifts

[Anonymous]

So, to start, I probably make less than anyone on DCUM. Plus I'm a single mom. I was a childcare provider in the past and always loved gift cards etc that I got during the holidays.
I need to use food stamps for Christmas gifts for the teachers, as all my cash is tied up in bills and presents for the kids/family. Would a box of chocolates and some holiday popcorn for each teacher and the director be ok? Should I get the director another gift? There's 4 teachers total.

[Anonymous]

I think a card is perfectly fine. As someone who has worked many low -wage jobs, I would never want someone who was struggling themselves to sacrifice to give me a gift.

[Anonymous]

Agree that a card from you/the kid is fine. Please.

[Anonymous]

Only a card! I would feel awful if you used your food stamps for a gift. Nobody would want that.

[Anonymous]

I have been a daycare and preschool teacher in the past and yep I would have loved to get those.

And I never expected any gifts so if it’s not in your budget this year I would say don’t stress about it.

[Anonymous]

Just a card.

[Anonymous]

Op here
The food stamps have been a crazy surplus. 700 for us 3 plus 123 per month per kid of P-ebt. Plus wic! So with a grand in food per month, I can for sure get chocolates for them.
Thanks for the nice replies.

[Anonymous]

A card only is fine. If you find a small box of chocolates in your price range that would be fine too.

[Anonymous]

You sound very thoughtful OP and this is a nice idea if you can afford it

[Anonymous]

Chocolate is a nice gift but also taking the time to write a letter praising the teachers and a specific example of how they have supported your child/family is great too. If it’s a large company, find someone high up in the company to send it to. If it’s a smaller center, leave an amazing Google review. Getting attention for a job well done feels amazing and doesn’t really cost much more than time!

[Anonymous]

A card!!! You do not need to get them gifts.

[Anonymous]

I know this is old now, but my mom was a preschool teacher. She still has little homemade Christmas ornaments from students 20+ years ago- like painted pine cones and things like that and tells us about the students when we decorate the tree. I think cards or like a kid handprint is perfect- of like hot chocolate mix if you want to add something small.