Teacher here.

-I do not use the lotion, soaps, etc. due to sensitive skin.
-Mugs, paperweights, etc. - I just have no use for this stuff.
-Homemade ornaments, stuff like that - thoughtful, but I want to hang decorations in my house that are made by my own kids.
-I don't eat the food myself - I have certain dietary restrictions - but I will put it in the teacher's lounge and it almost always gets enjoyed by *someone*
-gift cards - in general, they are good. Target, Amazon, Walmart, etc= great. Olive Garden & American Eagle (to name a few I've gotten over the years) - not so much.

The BEST "gift" is a note of appreciation.

Anonymous wrote:So teachers, what would you like? We are in MCPS where you are not supposed to exceed $20. I usually do a gift card, but $20 doesn't go so far a lot of places!

Who would know if it's more? Has the amount kept up with CPI?

My DH is a high school teacher. He will eat food or bring it home. Sometimes it gets tossed, but we have teenagers, so someone usually eats it, LOL.

Starbucks cards rarely get used. But he likes movie gift cards, those always get used. Amazon and Barnes & Noble (we have one nearby) cards are always appreciated, too.

But honestly, he really likes getting personal notes from parents and kids. If you have something nice to say, write it in a card and send it in. No need to do anything more.

Happy Holidays!

When I was teaching I enjoyed getting bottles of antibacterial hand sanitizer from Bath and Body Works. We went through a lot of in the classroom and it was nice to have some that didn't smell like rubbing alcohol.

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

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

Anonymous wrote:I make a classroom supply basket. It seems to be well received. Stuff for the kids and the teacher's personal use.

We regularly give to the classroom but that is not a Holiday Gift. That's just being considerate to the classroom needs.

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

I love the notes written by the student if they are heartfelt, but I have to also say I love the lotions. I keep them at my desk and use them throughout the year. I have also gotten small scout zipper bags, a badge lanyard or holder, plants. I enjoy it all.

I thought a $25 gift card was customary?

Anonymous wrote:So teachers, what would you like? We are in MCPS where you are not supposed to exceed $20. I usually do a gift card, but $20 doesn't go so far a lot of places!

Seriously, they appreciate the 20 dollar gift cards more than any trinket. Don't think too much. Just accept this.

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

I make a classroom supply basket. It seems to be well received. Stuff for the kids and the teacher's personal use.

So teachers, what would you like? We are in MCPS where you are not supposed to exceed $20. I usually do a gift card, but $20 doesn't go so far a lot of places!

My MIL is a teacher and she always regista candles, lotions/Bath and Body works sets, and mugs. She also regifts a lot of the nice candy/chocolate.

Honestly, I think the nicest thing is a nice thoughtful card, thanking them specifically. Especially if the child writes something nice.

PP is right that we all have too much "stuff".

I think the universe is trying to to tell us that people don't even want gifts anymore. Everyone has too much stuff.