Teachers: What gifts do you throw away?

[Anonymous]

Interesting. I have always given a nice card of massive appreciation. My kid is consuming due to some issues but a good kid and liked by his teachers.

I think in kindergarten and first grade there was a class collection of $20 not sure what they got.

But, last year I also included a $75 target card. I think there was an optional class contribution? I was surprised when she wrote in her thank you note she used it for the classroom. Do teachers have to pay for their classroom supplies?

This year in third grade, not sure if I need to do a classroom collection? I'm the room parent. Do teachers like that?

But, I do plan in any case to again give a $75 target card with a note. I also give $35 to the classroom assstant and a couple of resource teachers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always do Barnes and Nobels gift cards. The teachers can either spend it on books for themselves or books for their classroom.

I also include a beautifully wrapped bag of 6 of my delectable and famous cookies. They are very, very good and anyone who tries even a nibble ends up eating the entire bag in one sitting. I know that the teachers like them because they ask my kids about them the following year, will approach me and ask for the recipe, etc. One teacher even told my kid not getting my cookies anymore was one of the saddest things for her when he told her we were moving, lol.

I think if you give home baked goods, they need to be fresh (made the night before, not last weekend), taste very good (not meh, good enough) and be presented in a professional and attractive way so they look like they were prepared in a clean kitchen by someone who washed their hands.

No one want your homemade cookies.

6 cookies is pretty stingy regardless.

[Anonymous]

My mom taught for 40 years and still has decorative soaps and lotions in her bathroom that I remember were student gifts when I was a kid. Lol. I stick to gift cards and personal notes.

[Anonymous]

My MIL was an elementary school teacher for her entire career and she got way more mugs than she could ever dream of using. She was constantly trying to foist them on friends and family. Don't get your teacher a mug unless you hate her and everyone she knows

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always do Barnes and Nobels gift cards. The teachers can either spend it on books for themselves or books for their classroom.

I also include a beautifully wrapped bag of 6 of my delectable and famous cookies. They are very, very good and anyone who tries even a nibble ends up eating the entire bag in one sitting. I know that the teachers like them because they ask my kids about them the following year, will approach me and ask for the recipe, etc. One teacher even told my kid not getting my cookies anymore was one of the saddest things for her when he told her we were moving, lol.

I think if you give home baked goods, they need to be fresh (made the night before, not last weekend), taste very good (not meh, good enough) and be presented in a professional and attractive way so they look like they were prepared in a clean kitchen by someone who washed their hands.

OMG you are annoying. You just called your own baked goods delectable and famous.

[Anonymous]

Teachers - would you like a gift card for a manicure/pedicure? There is a good place almost next door to my kid's elementary school and I've done this a few times. Wondering if any of the teachers liked it...

[Anonymous]

I'd love a nice bath and body works candle. Those are nice!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always give a $25 target or barnes and noble gift card with a handmade card from my children to their teacher.

+1 This is exactly what I do -- Barnes & Noble gift card. I like supporting the chain, plus teachers (generally) like to read.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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

Hell, my skin isn't sensitive but I still don't wear bath and body works lotion or stuff from Walmart/Target/etc.

Ugh, this thread is making me depressed. I have done for two years higher end hand cream assortments because I buy a lot of it for myself in the winter. Guess I should consider stopping.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Teachers - would you like a gift card for a manicure/pedicure? There is a good place almost next door to my kid's elementary school and I've done this a few times. Wondering if any of the teachers liked it...

I would love this and honestly, so would most teachers I know. To the other poster feeling bad that she always purchased high end hand cream, please don't. It's the thought that counts! I received a big box of chocolate today from a very nice family. I am trying to watch my weight but I still appreciated the gift so much. I ate a lot of it anyway.

[Anonymous]

To another poster, yes, many of us purchase most of our own classroom supplies. I am in an affluent district and the budget is still tight. I buy supplies at the beginning of the year when they are on sale. The Staples gift cards are also appreciated but I feel like it is often a waste of money since I can get more for less at Target and Walmart.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:[
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.

That is your view. Some teachers on this thread said cash gifts are ok. Also, you do not seem to be very culturally aware. In some cultures giving money is acceptable.

Of course it is my view that is what an opinion is isn't it? That poster asked for our opinions on giving cash as a gift.

As for culture in my culture it is offensive to give cash as a gift especially to people in positions of respect or authority as a teacher.

So entitled. This is why we don't get teachers gifts. They are already getting a paycheck. No need to accidentally offend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I always do Barnes and Nobels gift cards. The teachers can either spend it on books for themselves or books for their classroom.

I also include a beautifully wrapped bag of 6 of my delectable and famous cookies. They are very, very good and anyone who tries even a nibble ends up eating the entire bag in one sitting. I know that the teachers like them because they ask my kids about them the following year, will approach me and ask for the recipe, etc. One teacher even told my kid not getting my cookies anymore was one of the saddest things for her when he told her we were moving, lol.

I think if you give home baked goods, they need to be fresh (made the night before, not last weekend), taste very good (not meh, good enough) and be presented in a professional and attractive way so they look like they were prepared in a clean kitchen by someone who washed their hands.

OMG you are annoying. You just called your own baked goods delectable and famous.

Right??? Lol

[Anonymous]

If I am a room parent, we go in as a class and get a full car detail and put the envelope in a nice car tote with car scent sticks, baby wipes, mints, hand lotion, chapstick, mini first aid kit, individual tissue packs, gloved ice scraper, pens, mini notebook, and de-icer. Always a huge hit. It is personal and very much needed during the winter months going to and from school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I thought a $25 gift card was customary?

Hello? $20 is limit in our school system and I'm sticking to it. Plus there is a classroom donation of $100 used from funds solicited from each parent at beginning of year for such.