Holiday Gifts?

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What does everyone do for Holiday gifts? Do you buy gifts for teachers, assistant teachers, dance instructors? I'm trying to decide if I need a gift for my daughter's brownie troop leaders? How about the aides in my son's classroom that are there to help with special needs students (not my son)? There are some gifts I really want to do, like doing something for the wonderful women that run the front office at our elementary school, but there are others that just feel more obligatory than enjoyable. Where do you draw the line? How much do you typically spend on teacher gifts? Any creative ideas for teacher gifts?

Tags: gift, giving, holidays

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Permalink Reply by Kathi Evans on November 14, 2008 at 5:59am: Hi Lisa,
I taught k-6 for ten years and was an aide for two years before that. Teachers always appreciate small gifts (ie. gift cards for coffee or books). The best teacher gift I received was a hand written note and a book about U2 (my favorite band). It showed that the family recognized me as more than just a teacher, but a person who has other interests. If you know your child's teacher well, then try something small, yet personal. PLEASE, no lotions, bath soaps, or the like. For the office staff, bring in treats... a nice fruit/cheese platter. OR, a plant. It can be quite costly to buy for all. Try to keep things simple. Handwritten notes and a small token can go a long way to show appreciation. For other teachers: dance instructors, Brownie leaders, Sunday school teachers... again, go small. Gift cards to the local coffee shop or "fun" store are great gifts. Good luck. I hope this helps. Kathi; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sweet Organics on November 14, 2008 at 8:23am: I'm going to give something from my boutique probably one of my cute eco friendly pooh notebooks.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mary on November 14, 2008 at 6:13pm: I buy Godiva chocolates for my children's teachers and since this is the first year my daughter is a Brownie I'll probably get her leader a present too. I don't spend more than $5 on each, I know that might sound cheap but the intention is what counts, right?! I buy those chocolates at our AAFES store so I get good deals :-); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lori Wilson on November 14, 2008 at 8:39pm: we like to give a blockbuster $5 rental gift card tied to a giant box of the teacher's favorite candy. add a handwritten note from your child, and poof. it's personalized for the teacher and can really give him/her an evening of entertainment.

yes this may sound cheap - but wait till your kids are in middle school and have 6 teachers each!!!

for the office staff - a bouquet of flowers or a candy/fruit basket always does the trick.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lori Wilson on November 14, 2008 at 8:46pm: oh wait - just remembered one of our all time favorite gifts. sketch out a 3"x4" block on paper. have your child write the teacher's name at the top and draw a cute tiny picture or a border or such.

make copies of it and take it to kinkos or other such place and ask them to PAD it - create a notepad out of it. to save the most money, when you copy it, do 4 per sheet of paper.

it's CUTE. PERSONAL. USEFUL. and AFFORDABLE.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Love Bug Clothing Co on November 15, 2008 at 9:02am: I give to the 2 teachers in my son's preschool, they are young, great with the kids and I know that don't make alot of money, last year I gave visa gift cards, which they loved!! For the director-something little. I am trying to decide who else I need to tip-the maillady? the UPS driver-who comes to my house everyday for my home based business and brings treats for my dog-what to give?

I always make sure to have a few kid gift on hand and some small hostess gifts for the people who come by and unexpectedly give gifts to my son, so he has something to give back. The gift giving season is overwhelming.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Andrea Baker on November 16, 2008 at 5:15am: In elementary school it was alot easier to do gifts. Less teachers to buy for. Now that my daughter is in middle school, she has so many teachers we weren't sure what to do. We still aren't sure what we will do. Money is tight, i'm sure money is tight for everyone.

As for friends and family, we will be getting then nice gifts that are not expensive.; ▶ Reply to This