Teacher gifts?

[lucky81698]

I know alot of girls here are teachers, so what do you like to get as gifts from students? Any ideas what to get a 3rd grade male teacher? For the last couple of years I have painted a terra cotta pot with snowmen and planted a small Norfolk Pine in it (decorated with a few mini ornaments), a nice size tin of homemade cookies and a candle or two, put it all in a big basket and wrapped it up in cellophane and tied a wooden painted (something relevant to school) ornament to it as the name tag. I don't know when you normally stop giving teachers gifts and have no clue other than cookies what to give a male teacher. (I don't know him as well as I knew my son's other teachers, but he does not wear ties, likes sports and space, that's about all I know!). Thanks for any suggestions.

[POPPY]

I figured being a teacher myself, giving teacher gifts would be a snap for me when my own children started school...but it wasn't!

But, I am fortunate enough to work with wonderful children who shower me with some of the best gifts! I always enjoy baked items, can't get enough sugar in my body this time of year! Bath and Body stuff is always nice, hand lotion is great to keep on my desk for the winter months. But I would have to say one of my favorite gift to get would be Starbucks gift cards! Even if it is only $5 it allows me to treat myself before work or during work if I can get away! Sonic cards work well too when you want a treat.

My school does something really cool. Our PTO volunteers cut out Christmas shapes and have the teachers put wish list items on the die-cuts. Then they put up a tree and hang the die-cuts on the tree and parents can choose items off the to give them for Christmas. Our school allows a couple of personal items and items to be used in the classroom. Takes the guess work out!

Anyway, hope that helps!

[i2r2]

My sister is a teacher and every year our family plays "x-mas bingo". She unloads all the candles, candy, and baskets of lotions and bath stuff that she gets. You can only use so much of that stuff. My suggestion... a gift card to a nice store. We usually do Target or Barnes & Noble. That way the teacher can use it for themself or for classroom supplies. You can put it in with cookies or some other small treat to personalize it a little. Then you are guaranteed that they will get something they want/need.

Happy shopping!

[Adreamer's_wfe]

"My sister is a teacher and every year our family plays "x-mas bingo". She unloads all the candles, candy, and baskets of lotions and bath stuff that she gets. You can only use so much of that stuff. "

Exactly... I know people have their heart in the right place to recognize their teacher, but you can only use so many ornaments, towels, candles, etc. I agree with the gift certificate. You can get one to a restaraunt or coffee place, book store, teacher center (teacher store)... One of my kids gave me a generous gift certificate to a teacher center last year and I used it this year towards and expensive overhead timer that I really wanted, but could not afford. My students are benefitting from her generosity.

[lucky81698]

Wow, I'm really embarrassed! I can't believe all the time and thought I put into things I gave as gifts. Boy do I feel stupid! Thanks for the information. I'll make it alot easier on myself from now on and just do gift certificates if I do anything at all. I appreciate the information.

[roz]

One year I was in San Fran right before the holidays and stopped at Ghiardellis's. I picked up a chocolate apple (it's sliced into wafer thin slices). The teacher wrote a personal note to say that was the best apple he ever had!

[i2r2]

and I feel bad. Don't be embarrassed! What you have done in the past is sweet and very thoughtful. Not all parents put that much time and effort into teacher gifts. If you go the gift card route, you can still do something small to personalize it. I made a stocking and put a few little things in it with the card.

Good luck,

Nancy

[Kristie]

I like things that are somewhat personalized..granted, we don't all get the time nor have the energy to do it all the time anymore.. but i kinda see it as "wow, they really went thru some effort just to be nice to me"...it makes you feel more appreciated i guess - esp with the world turning so quickly now a days!!

I don't think anyone should feel embarassed about taking the time and creativity on a gift.. it's all about the thought and that's what counts!!

I agree that there are things you can do to spruce up a gift certificate!! heck, you could create a homemade card and have your son/daughter draw it up...

and no... i'm not a teacher and i'm one of those who doesn't always find the time to show someone appreciation from a different angle. it's one of those things i'd really like to change about my life!

[Adreamer's_wfe]

Oh, I feel terrible. What you have been doing is incredibly nice... and yes, it is always nice to get a gift that shows such thought. I would appreciate it, but you asked about a male teacher. One of the coolest gifts I ever got was a gingerbread house that was wired and had lights. It was awesome and I appreciated the family that did it for me. You are teaching your children to be generous and recognize the people that care for them, that should never make you feel badly. Your child will be proud to see his/her teacher open the gift, no matter what it is. A third grader is old enough to help decide on a gift, and should know a little about the teacher: i.e. favorite teams, etc.

[Adreamer's_wfe]

Oh, funniest gift ever: one of our new teachers recieved kitty poo rolled in glitter. The kids had put it in a box, wrapped it, even tied a bow around it, with a signed card! Nothing subtle about that... great creativity though! I would not advocate giving that little DYI project.