If you really want to give the teacher something personalized, you can go to different sites (I used gift cards.com), upload artwork, and have it printed on the front of a gift card (I used Visa). The fee depends on the value of the gift card, but mine were all under $4-5/card. Personalized, yet practical.

Do teachers mind cash? Is that perceived as practical or thoughtless?

Anonymous wrote:Gift cards to Starbucks or Amazon are always appreciated. Also, a handwritten note or email expressing appreciation is a lovely gesture. No one does this, but I think the best gift is a note or email to the principal or head of school letting him or her know what you appreciate about the teacher and how your child is benefiting from the teacher's efforts and care.

The worse gifts are art projects made by your child. I love spending all day with your children helping them make things and celebrating their talents; I don't need or want a personal creation from them. I display my own children's projects in my home!

*worst

Gift cards to Starbucks or Amazon are always appreciated. Also, a handwritten note or email expressing appreciation is a lovely gesture. No one does this, but I think the best gift is a note or email to the principal or head of school letting him or her know what you appreciate about the teacher and how your child is benefiting from the teacher's efforts and care.

The worse gifts are art projects made by your child. I love spending all day with your children helping them make things and celebrating their talents; I don't need or want a personal creation from them. I display my own children's projects in my home!

So teachers can use a Teacher Gift Registry.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Based on what I see in fellow teachers' classrooms, a gift of approximately 2500 glue sticks would probably be appreciated. Or left-handed kiddie scissors.

Why? The kids are asked to bring their own glue sticks and scissors.

Well......about 70% of my students brought supplies. I asked for 12 glue sticks per kid. I got about 4 per kid. I personally spent $70 last year on glue sticks, unreimbursed. This year, we have enough to last us through about the end of February. I'd happily accept another 300-400 glue sticks to ensure we get through the end of the year.

4 glue sticks is reasonable if you keep the covers on them. 12 is a lot. I send in extra mid year but its hard to know what the teachers need as they don't communicate. I regularly ask and don't respond back. As room parent I'd send a request email if I new they needed more.

Anonymous wrote:I give Lands End canvas totes (not monogrammed) with bottled water, unscented hand lotion, hand sanitizer, anti bacterial wipes, and purse packs of tissues.

I buy the totes on super-sale and stock pile them. I like that they stand up when you set them down and they are good for lugging books. If they don’t like it, they can re-gift it.

I might switch to giving personalized pencils that say “please return to Ms. X” instead.

No one wants that crap - give them a $15 gift card and be done with it.

Anonymous wrote:How many boxes of See's candy can one teacher eat?

I would freeze them.

Those are nice sturdy totes and the monogram gives it a personal touch.

Anonymous wrote:I give Lands End canvas totes (not monogrammed) with bottled water, unscented hand lotion, hand sanitizer, anti bacterial wipes, and purse packs of tissues.

I buy the totes on super-sale and stock pile them. I like that they stand up when you set them down and they are good for lugging books. If they don’t like it, they can re-gift it.

I might switch to giving personalized pencils that say “please return to Ms. X” instead.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Based on what I see in fellow teachers' classrooms, a gift of approximately 2500 glue sticks would probably be appreciated. Or left-handed kiddie scissors.

Why? The kids are asked to bring their own glue sticks and scissors.

My son has a whole box of school supplies in his closet to replenish his supplies at school, but he forgets he needs it when he’s at home. This came up about a month ago when I asked him about why he did something a certain way on a school assignment. He informed me he had run out of glue sticks and some other stuff at school. I asked him why he didn’t take more in and he said he forgot. He probably borrowed stuff from his teachers/classmates at times.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Based on what I see in fellow teachers' classrooms, a gift of approximately 2500 glue sticks would probably be appreciated. Or left-handed kiddie scissors.

Why? The kids are asked to bring their own glue sticks and scissors.

Well......about 70% of my students brought supplies. I asked for 12 glue sticks per kid. I got about 4 per kid. I personally spent $70 last year on glue sticks, unreimbursed. This year, we have enough to last us through about the end of February. I'd happily accept another 300-400 glue sticks to ensure we get through the end of the year.

Anonymous wrote:One of my good friends is a teacher and every year she hosts a terrific holiday party where one of the activities is a white elephant exchange--except we don't bring gifts. Instead, all the gifts are supplied by her and are things from her students and everyone takes home something at the end.

Based on this experience, teachers get too many mugs and coffee accessories/cards, bath and body works things (soap, lotion, etc.), and frames. There's just no way one teacher can use them all if she has a big class.

This mad me LOL—I really love this idea and will suggest to my teacher friends! I gave Amazon gift cards to all.

I give Lands End canvas totes (not monogrammed) with bottled water, unscented hand lotion, hand sanitizer, anti bacterial wipes, and purse packs of tissues.

I buy the totes on super-sale and stock pile them. I like that they stand up when you set them down and they are good for lugging books. If they don’t like it, they can re-gift it.

I might switch to giving personalized pencils that say “please return to Ms. X” instead.

Anonymous wrote:Based on what I see in fellow teachers' classrooms, a gift of approximately 2500 glue sticks would probably be appreciated. Or left-handed kiddie scissors.

Why? The kids are asked to bring their own glue sticks and scissors.

Anonymous wrote:When I taught, I was deeply touched by every gift, regardless of what it was or whether I needed/used it.

I agree. I taught at a school that had primarily low income students. I was very clear with the students that I did not expect to receive gifts.... the best “gift” they could give me was to enjoy learning in my class and to work really hard.

But, these kids really wanted to give something. I can’t count the number of half-used Avon perfume I received, or the votive candles that were half burned. Knowing that these students did not have a lot of money or belongings, I was touched that they thought of me and just gave them a big thank you and a hug.

Teachers do not expect gifts. As parents, the best thing you can give them is a card or letter expressing your gratitude. Really. Those are the best “gifts” I ever received and the only things I still have 30 years later.