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Holiday gifts for teachers

2K views 32 replies 33 participants last post by  Alyantavid 
#1 ·
I am totally uninspired right now and could use some fresh ideas. Last year for DS's preschool teachers I did Klean Kanteens and Chico reusable shopping bags. So far this year I have a set of washcloths for each teacher that my mom knitted. I need something to go with them.

What are you doing for the teachers this year?
 
#6 ·
Last year we did homemade ornaments with DS's handprint on them. They were clear ornaments, white handprint and then I decorated a snowman on each finger and threw in some snowflakes. They turned out really cute. We did the same for the grandparents and other family members.

The cookie mix is a great idea. Something that could me made for both of my boys' teachers.
 
#7 ·
I hate giving teachers knick knack things becuase I am a minimalist and I know teachers get inundated with mugs, so , I prefer something consumable with a homemade card. This year we are doing these, one for each teacher tied with raffia and paired with a baguette:
http://www.bistroblends-nv.com/index...cjbo8sebd0jn75

probably the sun dried balsamic or heirloom balsamic
 
#8 ·
I've done movie buckets.... go to blockbuster and get a 5 dollar gift certificate and put it in one of those microwave popcorn tubs with some movie candy. That one goes over well. We don't do gifts anymore because the kids have so many teachers but we did a lot of gift certificates to staples, target, jamba juice, ect.
 
#10 ·
In flusher years we've done $20 gift certs to a book chain, but in leaner years we lean more towards comestibles - homemade jam, cookies, etc.

However I know some (online) people have said "oh no not the endless food". Really I just don't want to know that and continue to do my holiday cookies. Although I am thinking of something that can more easily be donated to a food pantry. Which makes me a bit sad.
 
#12 ·
When I was teaching it meant a lot that the kids and families thought of me. I disagree with the sentiment "just get a gift card". Yes, you can, and you know they will be used and appreciated. But homemade jelly, soaps, knitted items? Great ideas.

One of my teacher friends made for her kids' teachers a set of coasters. You take small ceramic tiles, affix felt or coark stick-on grippies, and then decorate and spray a sealant. She did a stencil of their initial. I've done it before with a baby footprint for family gifts.
 
#13 ·
As a teacher, I always preferred a heartfelt card from a student or parent. As a parent, I always give the "gift of sight" from www.seva.org (http://www.seva.org/site/PageServer?...ht_restoration) Amongst other services, Seva restores sight by performing simple cataract operations for people all over the world. For those who truly value education, the opportunity for someone to regain their sight is an apt gift. It has always been very well received.
 
#14 ·
Small gift cards to Target. Hands down, gift cards for something useful are what most teachers prefer.

Dh is a teacher as are many of my siblings and a few other relatives. I don't know anybody who eats the homemade stuff or who needs more trinkets.
 
#17 ·
Last year the class parents collected cash for a large class gift. I also bought them boxes of chocolate in addition to participating in that. I figured that if they didn't want the chocolate, they could regift them as hostess gifts or something like that.
 
#19 ·
Gift card to either Target or Starbucks. I figure they already have to many little knicknacks and nobody needs that much chocolate, but they could use a new shirt or some coffee. I also like the Heifer International suggestion, might need to steal that one this year!
 
#20 ·
We do food each year. It always goes over well and I've gotten requests for recipes several times.


In the past I've done cookies, muffins, candy, cinnamon almonds (hands down my favorite), these little pretzel chocolate thingies (also a favorite among teachers).

This year we'll probably do the nuts, the pretzel thingies and some different popcorn (in one of my cooking magazines they just had 3 or 4 different recipes that looked yummy!). I found little popcorn containers at Target for 2/$1 that I'll use and wrap them in holiday wrap. I think I'll do 3 different kinds of popcorn for each teacher.

DS has 5 different teachers that we'll gift (his 2 regular ed teachers (they have joined classrooms so he's with 1 teacher half the day and the other teacher the other half the day), special ed teacher, personal para/aide, classroom aide). He also has an OT and a SLP that we'll probably give a smaller goody basket to.
 
#22 ·
The teachers at our elementary school have their own Snapfish websites that keep us updated and where they post pictures. I've given them Snapfish gc's so that they can make prints.

Otherwise I stick to Target and Walmart. That way they can spend it on themselves or for classroom material.
 
#23 ·
What wonderful ideas! I feel honored to be on here (I own Collecting the Moments (goddess hobbies) with the cedar candle holders).

As a former teacher (who now teaches her own kids at home) I like the idea of a gift card, but the idea of a handmade gift appeals to my soul as well as what I would use. Understandably we are all crazy busy and over scheduled during this part of the year, but just taking the time to let someone know that you appriciate them with something that you made yourself is so special! I don't think teachers will be disappointed with anything on this list however.
 
#24 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by Heavenly View Post
We are making a charitable donation from Heifer International (www.heifer.org) for each child's teacher.
I am also doing this for my son's teacher this year.

Speaking as a teacher, I would LOVE such a gift. It would be something I would be able to share and discuss with my students. A fabulous gift with excellent teaching moments.
 
#25 ·
I'm a teacher and while I appreciate every time a student and his/her family wants to send me a gift, there are a few things I would really rather they didn't bother with (candles, smelly soap products, and mugs top the list). The very best gifts are the heartfelt notes and cards. And yarn.
My kids all know I knit and several moms are also serious knitters, so I have had some nice gifts from them over the years. I know in most schools kids and their families don't get to know their teachers personally as well as they do in my school, so you might now know about a teacher's hobby to be able to support it.

Years ago a kid gave me a mini-maglight and I loved that. I still use it often and think of him every time! Other favorites: a jar of homemade hot cocoa mix with a small whisk attached (I use that whisk all the time!), a chicco bag, fancy chocolates and nuts, and I happen to love the homemade cookies and treats!
 
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