Holiday gifts for teachers?

[Butterbean]

Every year I struggle with this, because I want to give my kids' teachers something nice, something they can use, and something that is a little bit pampering/indulgent for them that they will like. At the same time, I have to keep it in budget, and can't spend a whole lot.

I know there are some teachers here, so please tell me what you like and what you hate getting as gifts from your students. I would be most appreciative, thanks.

[UncleYoder]

1. CASH

Or maybe a gift card.

My wife is a teacher and every year it amazes me how much she spends out of pocket on supplies.

I saw a survey that said over 90% of teachers pay for classroom supplies and the average amount was over 400 bucks.

Ask them the last time they got a raise?

[femmocrat]

3. I think cash would be very inappropriate.

An inexpensive gift card is probably OK though.

Maybe you were just kidding?

[femmocrat]

2. I don't get many gifts because I travel.

I think something home-made is the nicest gift. An ornament, candy, cookies.... something like that. One of the neatest gifts I ever got was a gingerbread wreath made out of some kind of craft dough. I hang it up every year.

I also like any kind of teacher or school-themed ornaments. I hang those on my classroom trees (I have 3!).

And a card (from the student) is always appreciated in lieu of a gift. I hang them on my closet door at school to make the room look more festive.

You are very kind to remember the kids' teachers!

[LeftofObama]

4. Here is a list of suggestions from Buzzfeed along with some Do It Yourself instructions.

Some of these are pretty creative.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/antwaunsargent/awesomely-thoughtful-gifts-for-teachers



A school supply cake...





A personalized coffee sleeve...





A wellness basket for the winter months...



Many more suggestions at the link.

[B Calm]

5. I think the best gift is just a good pat on the back by

telling the school board how good the teacher is.

[noamnety]

7. THIS RIGHT HERE

That's just what I was going to post.

A written letter to the school board or principal about something we've done well means way more than a tangible gift, and doesn't cost anything.

[Butterbean]

6. Thank you for the suggestions.

I always get the teachers Holiday gifts and end of year gifts. We've always had really really REALLY fantastic teachers, so I really want to give them something meaningful and that they will love at the same time. I always give a hand written card telling them they are awesome. I never thought about a call to the school board, good idea.

[kwassa]

8. Please, no more scented candles. Ever.

As a male teacher .... not to be sexist, but why do they think I would like this?

And no re-gifts. They are obvious.

Gift cards to a good book store, and/or Starbucks are appreciated.

[nolabear]

9. Etsy has teacher gifts. Some are really nice.

[REP]

10. My teacher buddy LOVES: gift cards to Target, Starbucks, iTunes and/or chocolate

Any amount gift card - $1, $5 - is very much appreciated. They all add up, and let her treat herself to something she's had her eye on or an afternoon with friends having coffee!

[tabbycat31]

11. My mom is a retired teacher

And she's seen all the 'teacher' type gifts.

Apple ornaments, she must have three dozen of them, as for mugs, etc. In fact most trinkets she has way too many of. She also got a million bath sets, scented candles, etc

What was appreciated-- gift cards (cash I don't think is legal) to places like Amazon or Staples (teachers often have to buy classroom supplies out of pocket) and gift cards for consumables (restaurant, Starbucks, etc).

[Butterbean]

12. Oh geez, scented candles...just no. LOL.

I would never give a mug, either...I hear most teachers have like 1000 mugs. Okay, so gift cards it is. I can swing that, easily.