Teachers: What gifts do you throw away?

[Anonymous]

One of my friends is a first grade teacher and every Christmas a bunch of us do a white elephant party at her house--except we don't bring gifts. Instead, we all pick from her rewrapped gifts from kids and then steal them.

There are always a lot of candles, mugs, and picture frames. Some are actually really nice (she's in a nice part of Long Island) but she just has too many.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is cash in an Asian money envelope acceptable?

Will you feel offended if a parent gifts you a modest amount (say $15 -%20) in a gift envelope?

I don't know if offended is the right word. I might think you confused me for the babysitter.

How much are you expecting?

Not pp, but assume she meant it's not appropriate to give a teacher an envelope of cash as if she were your nanny. I agree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I give a donation in the teacher's name to UNICEF.

That is far more for you than the teacher. Tacky.

Incredibly tacky!

I'm not sure tacky is the right word. Maybe presumptuous? I do not think it's okay to donate money in someone else's name unless you know for certain it's a cause that person would support.


Tacky is the parent giving teachers envelopes of cash.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So many people are so picky.
I use every gift.

I have allergies I can't help that, so I cannot use every lotion, candle, food item given to me. I end up regifting nearly 90% of my gifts because of this. Makes my family's Yankee Swap & stocking stuffers a breeze, but I don't think parents mean to do my Christmas shopping for me.

Gift cards I use for my classroom.

[Anonymous]

I am always touched that my students (or their parents) were thoughtful enough to give me a gift, no matter what the gift may be. Truly. It brightens my day and is a very nice gesture.

However, I too have sensitive skin and generally don't use any lotions, hand sanitizers, or soaps I receive since I have to use specific brands for all these things.

I also hate clutter so I typically give away anything I know I won't use, including mugs, paperweights, little figurines, ornaments, candles, etc.

I really appreciate receiving classroom supplies but often students/parents don't really know what is needed in the classroom and give items that don't really get used so I wind up giving those to other teachers who will use them (some examples of classroom supply gifts I have regifted over the years: post it notes, sticker labels, hanging file folders, index cards, bulletin board decor--lettering, borders, etc. All were nice ideas but just not things that I specifically needed). Some classroom supplies I can always use more of: printer paper, dry erase markers, Kleenex.

Sometimes it is wonderful to receive food and I love food. However, I have gotten a lot of food items as gifts over the years and some are just not that good and get regifted or trashed (cheap candy, way too sweet homemade cookies and cakes, mostly). Probably a good idea to steer clear of food altogether what with how many people have allergies.

With gift cards, I've gotten a lot to restaurants I'd never go to and regifted or exchanged them w/ others. Gift cards I always actually use and think it's safe to assume anyone would use: Amazon, Visa/Amex, Target/Walmart, local teacher supply store, local major grocery store chains, Barnes and Noble. I personally also love Starbucks cards but I know a few teachers who don't so, again, it's always a safe bet to go w/ one of the others listed above.

The best gifts--heartfelt, thoughtful notes/cards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I give a donation in the teacher's name to UNICEF.

That is far more for you than the teacher. Tacky.

Incredibly tacky!

I'm not sure tacky is the right word. Maybe presumptuous? I do not think it's okay to donate money in someone else's name unless you know for certain it's a cause that person would support.


Tacky is the parent giving teachers envelopes of cash.

UNICEF teaches and helps kids. You think it would be presumptive to donate to UNICEF on behalf of a teacher who teaches and helps kids?

[Anonymous]

Please no stuff. I feel so guilty giving it away. So it collects dust and causes me stress until the stress outweighs the guilt.

Gift cards and cash are always appreciated. But the best is a heartfelt note, with specific instances/memories along with a picture of your child (with name date on the back).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I give a donation in the teacher's name to UNICEF.

That is far more for you than the teacher. Tacky.

Incredibly tacky!

I'm not sure tacky is the right word. Maybe presumptuous? I do not think it's okay to donate money in someone else's name unless you know for certain it's a cause that person would support.


Tacky is the parent giving teachers envelopes of cash.

UNICEF teaches and helps kids. You think it would be presumptive to donate to UNICEF on behalf of a teacher who teaches and helps kids?

Yes, I do. That is about you not the teacher. Donate to her classroom to help her teach and if you like UNICEF, donate in your name. That is not a gift.

[Anonymous]

OMG why are there so many teachers with sensitive skin?!?

[Anonymous]

Zappos gift card? Amazon? Thoughts? Preferences?

[Anonymous]

I have a small house so I get rid of a lot of the stuff, but keep every note or drawing I receive. It's nice to look through that pile of cards when I'm having a particularly rough week. The "World's Best Teacher" mug doesn't give the same warm fuzzies.

I appreciate any gift I receive. But I love getting gift cards for Amazon and local restaurants. Love the $10 chipotle card mentioned earlier. They can even spring for the guac with that!

[Anonymous]

I usually give a bottle of champagne and cash.

[Anonymous]

I always give Target gift cards. Not very exciting but I'm pretty sure they are appreciated

[Anonymous]

A quick trip through any thrift store will tell you that the Teachers get rid of Ceramic Apples, World's Best Teacher Mugs and Picture frames.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A thoughtful note and an email to the principal about what you appreciate. Seriously. We remember those kind words.

Seriously. I teach in a huge school- half the time I'm not even sure my principal remembers my name. A nice email with the principal CC'd would make my New Year.