OT- Teacher's gifts

margie · 06-07-2006, 10:38 AM

I usually try to be very thoughtful when it comes to buying end of year gifts for my son's teachers- I so appreciate all that they do, and know that there is no way I could have the patience that one must have to be a teacher! I usually try to get gifts that will "go away"- realizing that there are only so many "#1 Teacher" mugs, etc that someone can use! Food items, gift cards, notepaper and candles are some things that I've bought in the past.

This year, I am deeply grateful to the guidance counselor and gifted resource teacher at my son's school. My older son had a very difficult year emotionally, and they were both incredibly helpful to him and I. I want to do something for them that is more than the "standard"- I plan on writing a very heartfelt letter to each, expressing my feelings. Does anyone have suggestions for what might be a good gift?

projectgal · 06-07-2006, 03:54 PM

Guidance counselors and resource teachers don't always get the thanks they deserve. The letter will mean the world to them. You may even want your son to include a note as well.

This year for my sons' teachers, I gave them each an acrylic pitcher (IKEA has a neat one that has a tube that you can freeze), plastic tumblers, and a lemonade mix. Made a cute card that said "Have a refreshing summer" with a die cut from the scrapbook store. Between teachers and aides, I had five gifts to give, and the cost was very reasonable.

I've also given pedicure sets (nail polish, pumice stones, toe thingys, flip flops).

Also, when I was teaching, I loved receiving bookstore gift cards or maybe Starbucks or an ice cream store. Also, if you know of any specific hobbies or interests, you could get a gift card to a related store.

gardenmommy · 06-07-2006, 09:02 PM

In the past I've given teachers a hardy shrub rosebush (since we have a garden & landscape business). This year I gave my DD's first grade teachers (since they already had my older son and maybe didn't want another bush! LOL) gift certificates to the local mall so they could select something for themselves from whichever store they wanted.

Ingrid · 06-07-2006, 09:12 PM

I think the notes of appreciation will mean more to them than any gift. You're so right to give gifts that will be used up! That was the one thing the teachers I worked with always said.

CarmenIbanez · 06-07-2006, 09:54 PM

I am one of those weirdo teachers that doesn't believe in giving gifts to teachers! I know it sounds weird, but imagine giving a gift to policeman who patrols your neighborhood, or the firemen at the station?

Gift giving is very thoughtful, but it highlights the difference between the families, those that can afford to give and those that can't. Many districts and private schools have taken to actually banning gift giving, or putting a monetary limit on how much is given.

I have a very good friend who receives so many expensive gifts each year I can count on her to GIVE me a $300 Hermes scarf at christmas. I now have two of those AND the $800 Hermes Shawl. I know that sounds rediculous to those of you who are giving a $10 or $20 gift, but its all relative.

I especially don't like how at our school the parents (I am both a teacher AND a parent) are made to feel it is mandatory to give gifts. Room mothers run around in groups "collecting" for class gifts and what not. It's like being cornered by Carmella Soprano.

samm · 06-07-2006, 09:59 PM

I still have a little collection of notes written to me by parents and students over the years. They are the best! A gift that I've received and appreciated a lot was a collection of gift wraps and bows! A go-away gift, as someone termed it, but very useful. I liked best the letters written to me, and the hugs from my kidlets. samm

MaggieL · 06-07-2006, 10:55 PM

As a first grade teacher, I received many gifts over the years. I still have a few, but I do have all the letters and cards. My favorite gift (that I still have) was a handmade potholder made by one of my first grade students.

feministmama · 06-07-2006, 11:16 PM

At my son's school there's a group of parents that ask teachers point blank what kind of gifts they like to recieve. Most say gift certificate to starbucks or Powells or handmade gifts. I never really thought about gifts as controversial. THis has opened my eyes to a new way of seeing.

CarmenIbanez · 06-07-2006, 11:26 PM

Well in our school, 90% of the staff have their kids in the school. This means that probably 10-20% of the students who go to our school are middle class kids of teachers, and the rest of the students come from families where paying $14k a year for school is nothing. (and compared to LA, that is cheap!) So when parents get together and think it is nothing to ask each other to chip in, $30 or $50 a piece to give gifts, its hard to say no. Even though that can sometimes be a burden for us as new teachers.

Cristy · 06-07-2006, 11:39 PM

I am also and educator and I love a picture or note from my students--even a note from their families is thoughtful. I have one family who gives me lots of nice gifts each year but in the end--I don't know what I spend the gift certificate on, but I keep every little note that's ever written to me on a bulletin board in my office for everyone to see. I stopped teaching and work in administration now so I don't have a "class" per se (much like counselors) so I appreciate any time someone remembers me.