Comments on: Making The Grade

By: J9

J9 — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:18:23 +0000

As a teacher, I feel so honored that students and their parents think of me around Christmas. I know what it’s like to keep things on a budget, especially when you have multiple teachers to buy for. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the thoughtful notes/cards, I prominently display them on the mantle and hope that my family reads them, they are usually the best Christmas cards! I love getting the family Christmas pictures, we love to show our families and friends our special little kiddos. I appreciate the gift cards, school supplies, and I personally love baked goods! Last year, 2 of my students gave me a dozen tomales! I was in heaven! I know they were made with such love and they were delicious!! Thank you, parents, for thinking of us! :)

By: Funkidivagirl

Funkidivagirl — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:39:44 +0000

Luckily I have been in classes thus far where I have been able to contribute money to a group gift, collected by the class mom. You can give however much your budget dictates, but usually the teachers get a pretty nice chunk of money that is either given to them as cash or on a Visa card of something like that. Once my son’s pre-k class gave a group gift of a goat to a rural family (somewhere across the globe…I forget) through Heifer International and the teacher LOVED that.

So, I have it fairly easy with school teachers, but I am always at a loss when it comes to Brownie troop leaders, Sunday school teachers, coaches, violin teacher.

By: niki

niki — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:06:03 +0000

I have received all kinds of things as a teacher and although some are repetitive I thoroughly appreciate anything given to me. It means a lot that someone thinks I am special and important enough to give a gift to. Even cards and notes are truly heartfelt and appreciated.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:18:52 +0000

Excellent tips (and such a timely post too). I’ll have to keep your ideas in mind for future years.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:01:38 +0000

I think you nailed it. My sister is a teacher and she HATES getting gifts with her name on them… How many monogrammed items could one person need?

Gift cards on the other hand… LOVE ‘EM!

By: Heather

Heather — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:19:23 +0000

How funny – I just finished ours yesterday! My girls each have 2 main teachers and we’re giving all 4 jars full of kid-written “Reasons Why I love Mr. Mac” – et al. (Always makes ‘em cry! AND it’s hysterical to see what the kids come up with!) I’m friends with Annie’s teachers so they are also getting bottles of wine.

Catie’s teachers – not sure what else to send in.

Then we have 9 ‘extra’ teachers to buy for – they are getting giant chocolate bars with a bow. (Kinda cheap, I know, but MAN is that a long list of people!)

And everyone gets a thank-you, and a notepad from my friend who does personalized ones (www.cutiepiescustomcreations.com).

Alas, no Starbucks here. I really wish Redbox did gift cards!

By: Jeff

Jeff — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:52:09 +0000

Add to worst list: store-bought sweets, any kind of craft, or any-teacher themed items (Chicken Soup for the Teacher’s Soul, for example — straight to the trash).

Also, I probably would rather receive nothing than just a card with a “thank you” in it – it’s kind of a letdown. Call me greedy, but so-be-it…

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:06:59 +0000

As a teacher…THANK You for the “no’s.” Spot on =)

By: Jenna

Jenna — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:18:56 +0000

Great list…keep in mind though…I know I am in the minority, but for those who are not coffee lovers, Target is a GREAT alternative. Otherwise the list is spot on!

By: Christina

Christina — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:14:07 +0000

Thanks for the tips! I was just thinking about this yesterday. I gave bath stuff last year – eek!