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 Lisa Survillas on November 3, 2008 at 7:44pm: We always do something for the teachers, dance instructors and dance assistants. It is always something small, just a couple of bucks. For the ladies in the office, I usually make something...last year is was healthy trail mix with all raw, sodium free nuts and dried organic fruit and I put it in a jar.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by danceadvantage on November 7, 2008 at 3:30pm: As a dance teacher, my favorite gifts are edibles (as Lisa mentioned) - and healthy ones are great - and items that are small, personal, or handmade. Christmas ornaments are nice for a young teacher who perhaps doesn't have a lot of her own yet. And, it really is the thought that counts. I love getting handmade cards, jewelry, or artwork from my students.

The holidays are a great time to say thank you to the people who spend time with and care for your kids in all of their activities. They deserve this thanks but saying thank you with money or items isn't really necessary. Have your kids take the time to write or decorate a card/note and offer your sincere thanks for their time, care, and energy. For most, your appreciation will be enough and maybe even worth more!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Peek Inc. on November 7, 2008 at 10:31pm: Oprah just recommended the Peek in the Oprah Magazine December issue (page 90). Maybe you could consider?

Take a look:

It may just be the perfect gift this holiday... hope this helps! :D; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Tonya on November 8, 2008 at 4:10pm: I normally put together a 'sampler' box of homemade goodies ... chocolate covered pretzels, pumpkin spice cookies, brownies etc etc. I individually wrap each 'sample' and put them into a gift box for each person.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by TheScrappyMama on November 8, 2008 at 5:04pm: I usually do something for her mother's day out teacher and I try to do something homemade. I am still trying to decide what to make this year.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Allie on November 8, 2008 at 5:33pm: As a teacher my favorite gifts were spa gift cards, I never had so many massages and pedicures as I did when I taught at a wonderful poht school. I know that sounds materialistic but that was my favorite.

2nd - homemade things my students made me. and Starbucks gift cards. I used to be set until April with those!

If I were you I would give the main teachers something on their own , and bring something in for the class - so like a box of goodies for the class and cards for the teachers that have a gc in them.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mortira on November 8, 2008 at 9:59pm: I think a nice Christmas tip is a good gesture, but it's not really as customary as it once was. I usually grab a nice box of chocolates for someone that I'm not well aquainted with, or do a homemade gift for someone I know fairly well. For teachers or people you see weekly or daily, I think cookies or a craft is a nice gift!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Leahkl on November 9, 2008 at 4:49am: I love to do handmade gifts for teachers but last year I put in loads of work and no comment, so ??? if Harry's teacher likes crafty gifts!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kipling on November 9, 2008 at 5:19am: I always get my son's teacher's, assistant teacher's & bus driver something for the Holidays. And I also buy something for the Director at my younger son's pre-school in addition to his teachers. I usually spend under $20 for everyone. I get personal gifts for the teachers and a gift card for my son's bus driver. I am lucky, I have an online gift store, so I pick out some items for my son's to choose from and let them decide what they want to give their teachers! They love it!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by nichole on November 9, 2008 at 9:55am: I am giving everyone a calendar my husband and I made this year. I often give skin care from the company I write for, but this year I decided to go a different route. I received some of the fluffiest marshmallows and hot chocolate last year, and LOVED that. So I may toss that in a bag with the calendars.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Bargain Mama on November 9, 2008 at 9:52pm: This year, i'm going cheap and homemade!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by JJ Blum on November 10, 2008 at 5:27am: I usually make up a tin of cookies and other goodies! And especially for teacher I add in a book for the classroom. I might look ahead in the curriculum and pick a book that works its way in. My favorites are from Barefoot Books! Check them out here http://tinyurl.com/4dzoyt.; ▶ Reply to This