*Here's my poor excuse for a disclaimer: Teachers in NO way expect their students/ student's parents to buy them gifts for any occasion at all.--that being said, they are greatly appreciated. I am only writing this blog entry on this topic because quite a few people have asked me for ideas on teacher gifts*
I don't think it is any surprise that most people love to receive gifts, small tokens to show that you are loved or appreciated. Teachers are people too, believe it or not, and appreciate (but do NOT expect) receiving things from their students.
I know the holidays are such a busy time, and we are living in rough economy, so i thought i would give some quick, easy, and inexpensive ideas and what to get (and not to get) your favorite teacher.
1- Handmade is always refreshing- I just recently received the most BEAUTIFUL frame, made by a mother of one of my kiddos out of reclaimed wood, and it is probably one of favorite "teacher gifts" ever. Now I know most people do not have the time, patience, will power, creativity, etc... to accomplish something like that, but (in my opinion) handmade gifts are so great. If you have never heard of pinterest.com, please slowly crawl out from under your rock and take a peak- search something like "teacher gift ideas" or "handmade gifts." Who knows, you may even surprise yourself!
2- Never underestimate the power of a gift card!- I know so many people (myself included) fall into the whole idea of "I don't want to give a gift card, it's not personal enough" however just think about how excited YOU are to receive gift cards?! huh, huh, ammiright? I especially love getting gift cards to places like target, so i can spend them on stuff i need for the house but hate buying with my own money (toilet paper, lady products, cleaning supplies) so i can spend what i would have spent on those things on myself...i know, it totally makes no sense, it works out to be exactly the same, but it makes me happier to think of it that way. -- It's nice to get them to places that sell a variety of stuff, but restaurants, mani-pedi places,iTunes, the movie theater, or boutiques are great too.
3- Candles, Lotions, other scented items- I am going to put these in the don't category. Unless you know for a fact the teacher you are buying for is OBSESSED with candles, and is looking for a specific scent, or only wears a specific body splash and is running low, just avoid them all together. Scented gifts are so hard because everyone is partial to their own flavors. Kiddos in the past loved to give me vanilla scented lotions, or candles, but one whiff of vanilla for me is an instant headache. I know it's such an easy go-to gift, but please just go-to something else :)
4- Stationary- Being from the south, it is pretty much expected of you to write a thank you note for everything you receive. ever. I am told this is not the norm elsewhere, so disregard this if so. One year i conveniently received personalized blank notes as one of my gifts, and was relieved that I didn't have to use my shiny new Target gift card to go buy any. That same year i received 4 ( yes FOUR) different styles of personalized notepads...so i say approach this one with caution.
5- Organize "One Big Gift"- I have heard of "room moms" asking if the whole class would just like to go in on one big gift, they ask everyone to give what they can, and then ask the teachers to fill out a wish list, and with that money either buy them somethings off of their list or gift cards to the places they can get the items.
Honestly, no matter what you get, any teacher will appreciate the fact that you took the time and effort to show you appreciate them! But i hope this helped some.
Thanks for stopping by! :)
