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holiday gift question for teachers
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Anonymous
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2 questions about holiday gifts for teachers--
1) Can I just give the homeroom teacher her some cold, hard cash (MCPS)? Or is this too crass? I thought about giving her one of those visa cash cards, but that just seems like one more thing to keep track of when all I really want to do is find a way to thank her for the great job she's doing and to make it as easy as possible for her to use the gift. (btw, DD is also making the teacher a small gift and we will write a nice card). 2) DD has a different teacher for some academics. I'd like to give her a gift, too. It's harder to figure out what to give b/c this teacher's DH has a very high paying job and I'm sure his income far exceeds ours. It seems weird to give her a $25 gift card. I was thinking maybe a bottle of wine or some books/supplies for the classroom. Is wine inappropriate? Thoughts anyone? Input from teachers especially welcome. Thanks. |
Anonymous
| If you plan to give the gift in school, I don't think you are permitted to give wine. As far as cash, that also seems inappropriate. If you want to give money, gift cards to target, staples, or a book store are always appreciated by teachers. |
Anonymous
| Note cards and stamps are a much appreciated and thoughtful gift - it's the thought, not the monetary value that counts! |
Anonymous
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I wouldn't give cash - it would be awkward to accept, as a teacher. A gift card to a store/restaurant or visa gift card would be more appropriate.
For the second teacher, anything to show you thought of her would be nice. When I get a card from a kid in my spelling group I'm in awe that they thought of me. |
Anonymous
yes, inappropriate, I suppose But as a teacher, I'd never tell! What a great gift! |
Anonymous
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As a teacher, I will say--in all honesty--a nice card to wish the teacher happy holidays is all you really need to do. However, if you want to give a gift, I can tell you that cash would be uncomfortable. A gift card is the better way to go. I love getting "consumables" (which may be a fun idea for the second teacher). Some of the creative, fun gifts over the years (and not overly $$): a fun snowflake spatula and good pancake mix (William Sonoma), balsamic vinegar and olive oil with an italian dressing recipe attached, bruschetta and a basil plant (added my own bottle of red wine!), lip balm for the cold weather (or Burts Bees little gift sets), a gift bag with pasta, gourmet jarred sauce, and boxed bread sticks....Honestly, these things always get used!
The wine is a great idea, but a teacher can actually get in serious trouble if they are found with alcohol on school property so that's not a good way to go. I have had parents do that, but I've been very nervous about it. |
Anonymous
| How about a gift card to a wine shop? ;D |
Anonymous
| Any suggestions for a male teacher? This is the first year my son's had a male teacher, and I'm clueless about any type of gift that might be a little more personalized than my standard gift card. |
Anonymous
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Personalized stationary of a more masculine variety.
Restaurant gift card. Above mentioned basket of dinner fixin's.... |
Anonymous
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IT's more work and not as personal, but organizing a collection from many kids in the class and then giving that all as one gift (like a larger gift card to a nice store) is highly appreciated.
I personally don't think wine is inappropriate as a gift, assuming you know the teacher likes wine, but the gift must be given outside of school not at school, i.e. delivered to her door, or handed to her as she walks out to the car. Actually, as OP says the teacher is "highly paid" and outside of academics, I'm assuming this teacher doesn't work in a school anyhow -- might be a violin/ballet teacher or something like that? If they are self-employed, there's no problem with giving wine. I woudln't give a cash gift under any circumstances, but gift card is OK, for both male and female teachers. |
Anonymous
My husband is a teacher. He loves gift cards (Borders, Starbucks, Ben & Jerry's), for what that's worth, but what he loves most is a personal note from the parent. One year several students' parents got together and gave him a GC for a restaurant they knew he liked. That was wonderful (for both of us, LOL). |
Anonymous
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I was so happy when my son came home with a note from the room mom (I know that's not the right term, but can't think right now) for his kindergarten class saying that tradition is to collect money from all parents and do a big group gift--and they collect once for Christmas and end of year, typical amount given $10.
I know his teacher has teenagers at home, so I may send some cookies right before Christmas (if my 7 month old ever naps enough to let me bake), and I'll have him to a card too. |
Anonymous
| Male teachers in my school typically get gift cards, sports items (if they make it known what their favorite teams are), food/beverages (hot chocolate mixes, snacks, Harry and Davids....). |
Anonymous
| Mine is in second grade and we have taken up a collection each year and bought gift cards for our classroom teacher and assistant. I did a Visa gift card for each one year and a Mall Gift Certificate. This year our room mom has learned of a restaurant that our classroom teacher loves, but is out of her price range. We are buying a gift card for that restaurant. |
Anonymous
| at our small preschool, they are taking a collection for two teachers and three assistants and want FORTY DOLLARS per family. Is that outrageous or is it just me? (this is our first year in preschool.) |