Entry FeedYes, next week is the end of another school year. How does one properly thank that woman or man who took you children off your hands for at least 6 hours a day, and maybe even taught them something new?
You have a week to get out there and get something... What to get, what to get...
I know! How about a mug with, "World's Best Teacher" written on it?
I spoke to a few teachers to get an idea of what they really appreciate, and what they really don't want. Here are some ideas that are a miss:
- Anything with an apple or the word, "teacher" on it - especially mugs. How many can they really use?
- Cologne or perfume. A little too personal, and sometimes just rancid if purchased from the dollar store.
- Candles or scented body lotion - especially not a hit with male teachers.
I once thought I was being clever when I gave a teacher a gift card to Staples for Christmas, until another teacher I know pointed out that they are just going to get stuff for their classrooms, not for themselves (note: a gift for the classroom is not a gift for the teacher.)
Best Teacher Gifts:
- Gift Cards - Think Tims, Swiss Chalet, Starbucks, and Chapters. Currently both of my sons classes just asked for a donation, and are buying a big (like $200) gift card from Cadillac Fairview Malls.
- Chocolate. Who can say no to chocolate? Especially some decent quality chocolate... Yum!
- A personalized thank-you card from your child with a small plant. Something handmade is often treasured.
I also like the idea of writing a little to the principal of the school if you had a truly wonderful teacher who often went above and beyond for your child. Show a little appreciation; they do work hard.
I get either a Chapters or LCBO gift certificate depending on the teacher.
I know lots of teachers who love Staples or "teacher store" gift cards...that way they save their own money.
If I have to be completely honest I am a bit tired of buying Christmas and year end gifts for teachers. I really appreciate all that they do and think they have a difficult and often thankless job. I hear so many teachers complain about the gifts they get that it has made me a bit resentful of the whole process. As a stay at home Mom I don't have a lot of spare cash and it feels like just one more thing to have to buy and I never know how many of the teachers to buy for. My kids have a homeroom teacher and a language teacher everyday and then there are other regular teachers like music etc. too. Last year my daughter had three homeroom teachers (2 went on Mat leave) Thats a lot of gifts going out the door. We live in a fairly affulent area and people are sometimes a bit over the top with the gifts, it's almost competitive...
I have often wondered why school boards don't put a stop to the whole thing, most public servants are not allowed to accept gifts of any kind.
I am going out on a limb with this but in the end I'll be doing the gift thing again this year.....