Gifts for Preschool Teachers

[Anonymous]

What's the policy with this? We are new the whole kids in school thing and go to a small school. We like our DC's teachers very much and would like to get them each something. Is this acceptable? Should I ask another parent? If so, how much can we spend without looking ridiculus?

[Anonymous]

If you have a room parent, ask what the usual practice is. At our preschool, the room parents collected money and purchased gift cards and sometimes small gifts for all the teachers.

[Anonymous]

I teach Pre-K and the best presents I have received are gift cards (Target is good... or even Lakeshore for school supplies... I spend a TON of my own money on stuff for my classroom). Also, a heartfelt note makes my day.

[Anonymous]

I try to do some detective work and find out what types of things the teacher likes. One year I noticed the teacher had a starbucks coffee with her almost every morning so I got her a starbucks gift card. Overheard the assistant talking about her love of a brand of chocolates so I got her some. I also write a thank you note and make something with my child. Have also had the room parent collect money and I gave, but still some people preferred to do their own thing instead which is fine. I think those things should be optional since everyone has different financial circumstances. The most important thing is I just want the teacher to know she (or he, but always seems to be she) is appreciated.

[Anonymous]

You should ask the director because expectation vary greatly. Through the course of my kids growing up, we went to two different preschools. In one, the expectation was that parents would contribute to a common gift. In the other, gifts weren't done so they suggested a $5 Starbucks card. I have heard from friends that something more in the line of a $25 giftcard from Target is common. And, I've heard that other friends spend more than $50 per teacher.