[midwife]

Hi all~ I am a room parent for a kindergarten class and I need ideas on a thank you gift for the teachers. What have you done in the past? Teachers, what sorts of gifts do you desire in the corner of your hearts?
Thanks!

[Sakai]

In the past i've given cards to my teachers, as well as plants @_@... I guess I was a weird student. One teacher, I gave this cute little.. Hmm I don't really know what to call it. I almost looks like something you would hang on a christmas tree. But you can hang it anywhere ^_^ it was a little metal chalkboard with the words " #1 Teacher" and had all kinds of tiny metal teacher stuff hanging off it. like a ruller and a apple.
It was cute and I was like... 9 years old so I thought it was the best gift out there lol.

[ZedAus]

I always love getting personal notes and cards from my students.

One of the best, and most versatile, gifts is a gift certificate. Many people don't find them personal enough, but they truly are a great idea for a teacher. If you know they have a favourite hobby or restaurant, you can get one to suit that, otherwise your best bet is for a book store. I go onto a teacher's forum quite often and this question comes up frequently and I would say gift certificates for book stores are the most common 'favourite' I see come up. With a book store certificate the recipient can either choose something for the classroom or something personal.

Some things that I see that may not be so popular with some people are food, especially chocolate (allergies and healthy eating) and scented items (once again due to allergies). Many people LOVE these, but you have to really know the person before you give them.

Good luck with your choice.

Zelma

[happydaisy]

I love Zed's idea of a gift certificate. Last year for my son's kindergarten teacher (we knew her really well) we got a charm bracelet from a high end jewelry store with charms that were meaningful for her. Because there were 25 parents all willing to give 10 dollars it was affordable, but for her, not necessarily a luxury she would have gotten for herself.

[Sandi D]

I have lots of teachers friends and all say GIFT CERTS!!!!
I know it sounds impersonal but I cant imagine having tons of mugs, gloves and and stuff like that.
I give one to the local place down the block that makes great sandwiches and I figure they rather have a free lunch ($10) then stuff that wont mean much in the end
sandi

[fitgal2]

Gift certificats are alwas a good idea, I don't think its impersonal to give one...think about it, would you rather get something that you didn't really need/want, or something you already have or would you rather be given the chance to buy something you really wanted...? When ever someone give me a gift certificate I am always in my glory cuz this means I can go shopping with out feeling "quilty" for spending the money on myself!

Also, maybe something they can use for their class room...I know some teachers go the extra mile and spend money out of their pocket for thngs lkie "student of the week" certfiicates...something like that!

[midwife]

Thanks for the ideas! I think I will do a combo of a personalized thank you notes from the kids + a gift certificate.

[utmom]

I teach school and I absolutely love getting gift certificates. I have gotten one from Barnes and Noble bookstore and Starbucks. I like the bookstore the best because I am always on a diet and Starbucks is too tempting. The worst gifts I have gotten are food items. I have to give candy away and I have to make those ingredient (like the jar with cookie mix that you just add water) away. Then I just feel guilty. Gift certificates are super.

[midwife]

Nothing better than hearing from the experts. Thanks to all of the teachers for all you do. There is not a harder job in the world...or more important. Except being a parent, maybe...

[lucky]

Gift certificates have always been well recieved by my children's teachers as well. Many people don't realize how many items teachers provide for the classroom out of their own pockets. I purchase one from a local teacher supply store and give it to them with a letter expressing our appreciation for their hard work and let the kids decorate it or have the children each write their own letter.