Ideas for end of year teacher gifts . . .

[QueeTheBean]

Any thoughts?

[KalamazooMom]

Last year I contacted all the parents of my DD's class-- the teacher had an e-mail distribution list of parents so that was pretty easy. I ended up collecting over $100. I bought her a selection of gift certificates-- movies, restaurants, and I think Barnes & Noble. She was very pleased. Makes so much more sense to me for parents to go in together on this kind of stuff.

[blizzard_babe]

I can't speak for ALL teachers, but this one would go for a massage gift certificate and a six-pack of microbrew. But you might look kind of, um, inappropriate walking into school with a six-pack under your arm.

Go with the teacher's interests. Your kid might know what his/her teacher does for fun. Get them a relevant gift certificate (to a local pet store if they have a beloved dog, a sporting goods store if they are into running, etc, etc... support locally owned stuff!) to their interests.

And yes, I was just joking with the microbrew thing.

[Thalia the Muse]

Bookstore gift certificates always seem to go over well.

[Flor]

Originally Posted by KalamazooMom

Last year I contacted all the parents of my DD's class-- the teacher had an e-mail distribution list of parents so that was pretty easy. I ended up collecting over $100. I bought her a selection of gift certificates-- movies, restaurants, and I think Barnes & Noble. She was very pleased. Makes so much more sense to me for parents to go in together on this kind of stuff.

You are awesome! I'd love gift certificates to books store, school supply store, art/craft store, coffee shop. I work at a middle school so I get a few cards and an occasional box of chocolates. Family Fun magazine has an article this month on gifts for teachers. They are pretty cute.

[34me]

Originally Posted by blizzard_babe

I can't speak for ALL teachers, but this one would go for a massage gift certificate and a six-pack of microbrew. But you might look kind of, um, inappropriate walking into school with a six-pack under your arm.

Go with the teacher's interests. Your kid might know what his/her teacher does for fun. Get them a relevant gift certificate (to a local pet store if they have a beloved dog, a sporting goods store if they are into running, etc, etc... support locally owned stuff!) to their interests.

And yes, I was just joking with the microbrew thing.

I live in a small city famous for it's microbrews and know several teachers who would also love this! Hm get's me thinking - here it can also come ingallon jugs...

[sarahmae1]

Well, I was planning on getting DS' teacher a gift certificate to the local teaching supply store but I just found out that she is retiring and this is her last year. So now I'm looking for new ideas, any suggestions?

[ecoteat]

Some of my favorite gifts I've gotten from students have been yarn and knitting needles, gift certificates (Amazon, bookstore, Target), maple syrup from the kid's family farm, good chocolates or cookies. I fantasize about someone (students, husband, anyone!) giving me a gift certificate for a massage.

[joycenjackiesmom]

Gift certificates are great and appreciated. Just be sure to know the teacher's habits before giving a specialized gift card. I have recieved about $30 worth of Starbucks gift cards over the past two years--unfortunately I do not drink coffee and do not have a Starbucks near my home (about 20 miles from my school) or along my commute. While I do appreciate the thought behind the gift a friend of mine who lives closer to the city actually enjoyed the gift.

[Maggie05]

I have been a high school teacher for 15 years. THE BEST GIFT by far is a letter detailing specifically how wonderful you and your child think the teacher is.

Let her know specifically what activities your child enjoyed this year and what it is about her personality that made her very special to you both.

A copy sent to her supervisor/principal and a plate of homemade brownies(if you want)...that's it, the best gift I ever got.

[MomToKandE]

Unless I think of something else between now and then I'm planning to do a Target gift card. Dd's teacher bought a new house a few months back so I figure she can use things for the house.

[treemom2]

My DH is a teacher and he loves gift certificates! Unfortunately teachers don't make a lot of money and gift certificates for places to eat, movies, bookstores, etc. . . are awesome. I will tell you that he does not really like getting the cheesy teacher gifts--of course, many of them are pretty much geared to female teachers. One thing he would really like at school is a coffee press that he can keep at his desk--it can be used for coffee or tea. Another thing is a really nice thermos. In a lot of schools if the teacher wants coffee they must to to a teacher's lounge so a thermos would give them a little more coffee than just a mug or styrofoam cup and it would keep it nice and warm for a while.

[HarperRose]

I like these ideas.

Ds's teacher is expecting twins in October (due a couple weeks after me!) so a gift certificate to her fave 'rita place is out of the question, I guess...

I'd like to do something for HER, but also for the babies. I also intend to write her a letter thanking her and cc'ing it to the principal & superintendent.

Dd's teacher is very sweet, also, so I'll do a letter for her & the aide, as well.

All 3 teachers got some cake the kids made recently, and that was really a big hit! I might have the kids do some baking with me again.

[CarrieMF]

I just got a note in my dd's mailbox(playschool) today from some of the other moms. We are putting $5/child in and then giving the teachers each a hanging basket/plant.