Well, people are getting ready for Christmas and Hanukkah. So I thought I would put in my 2 cents. I work 2 jobs, 1 as a nurse and 1 as a student assistant in a classroom. There are some folks out there that are very thoughtful and we appreciate them. I am not complaining, mind you, but I would like to offer some suggestions.
Giving gifts to someone you really don't know is fine but, keep in mind, they might get 10 of the same thing that you are giving. What can you do with 10 coffee mugs or #1 teacher ornaments?
I suggest a gift of food or a gift certificate. I really enjoy getting homemade cookies, a basket of fruit or even dog biscuits (I do have a dog), a gift certificate to a local grocery store or a restaurant. I scrimp and save to put heat in my house and for example, I would welcome a night out.
By Sandy63 from Baltimore
Thanks for your insight. I see all the mugs and stuff getting bought at our local teachers supply store and I've always wondered if it was for nothing. I personally made batches of fudge or loaves of zucchini bread for my boys teachers and neighbors (most of who work and don't get a chance to bake). I work too, in an office, and your suggestions work there too. (11/02/2006)
By Judy.
Yes the above suggestions would work anywhere. Yesterday a mom gave presents for Halloween. She gave me a $10.00 gift card to a grocery store. I bought gas there today. Wow, that was great. (11/02/2006)
By sandy
Hi, I am very sad that a gift from a child isn't welcomed or that anyone would wish for something else. Have we forgotten that it doesn't matter if we have 10 ornaments or mugs, ten people thought of you! (11/02/2006)
By Tedebear
Sandy, I agree with you. When I worked in an elementary school those poor teachers got so many "apple" gifts, and if you figured how many years they had been teaching, and how many apple gifts they received over all those years, they would be covered up with apples. Definitely gifts that are consumable are the way to go; food gifts, or gift certificates would be a great gift.
By Paula
As a child, I watched my stepmom (who is a teacher) bring home the gifts from her students. Even though she appreciated them, she has been teaching for many years. Therefore, she has 100's of mugs and ornaments. Now as a parent, I keep that in mind. Schools do not give a lot of allowance for the basics that teachers need for a classroom. I make a gift basket filled with the "necessities" for a teacher. Such as RED pens, highlighters, scissors, paperclips, staples and removers, etc. (you get the picture). These have always been appreciated. If you can think way in advance this is a cheap idea to buy the items when "back to school" sales start. If not, go to the dollar store. Happy shopping!! :) (11/02/2006)
By Michelle
I am a preschool teacher and was very sad with this posting. I deeply treasure every gift I have received from every student and even write their names and the date on each one so when I get them out to display them every year, I am reminded of them! These children are so proud of the gifts that they have lovingly picked out, I wouldn't trade them for anything! (11/03/2006)
By Miss Kim.
Well, this is my son's first year of school and I got on here for some "thrifty" ideas and didn't really find any. I am working on some gifts already. I took some tin cans, appliqued some cute things on them, put a wire handle and ribbon. They turned out really cute! I am either going to put homemade cookies in them or a hot-cocoa mix or maybe a candle (?) in them. I just hope the teachers appreciate them. (09/09/2008)
By mber
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