Parenting > Grade Schooler > AdviceDecember 08, 2009

Christmas Gifts For Teachers

By Debra Frick

As many of you know I had the privilege of working in my grandson's classroom last year. It was a very enlightening experience, especially around Christmas. Our teacher was very beloved by her students and by the parents. She was very involved staying after school to help the kids and to help kids who had been her students, if they were having trouble. Parents brought her many sweet gifts, including lots of chocolates and coffee cups.

But later on that day, we had a discussion of what she really would have liked for Christmas. Please don't get me wrong, she knew that each and every one of these gifts came from the heart. But with the economy what it has been, there were so many other things she could have used.

So here is a list of some of the things that we discussed.

  • Extra pencils that she could give out as rewards for good behavior.

  • Small musical instruments like tambourines, rattles and rainsticks.

  • Extra Dry Erase Markers that she used all the time and never had enough of.

  • Stickers for rewards on work

  • Certificates ( These could be made on a computer and put to disk so the teacher could print out what she needed)

  • New or gently used books for a classroom library

  • Volunteers

  • Extra school supplies

  • Money to go into the field trip fund so that everyone could go on the trips

  • Extra office supplies like folders and file folders, Notebooks, extra paper, ink cartridges for school printers and working printers.

  • Gift certificates so she could buy special things needed for the classroom.
She knew that she was loved by the students and their parents but these were more practical things that she could use and enjoy.

Practical Donations

Take a good look around the next time you visit your child's classroom and have a discussion with your child's teacher. Many times you have things that you donate to charity that could be donated to your local schools. Many schools across the country are having to downsize or give up programs that they wish they did not have too.

  • Lots of teachers have a hard time getting science materials: ie. such things as soil, cups and seeds to teach biology.

  • PE is another place that cuts are being made. Donating your used sporting equipment and making a donation to the PE teacher could make a world of difference.

  • In these hard times, Music and Art are being cut as are after school programs. You as a volunteer can really make a difference. There is a time for complacency and then there are times for action. You can really make a difference.

I wish every teacher this for Christmas, Happy healthy children and enough supplies and patience to teach our wonderful children all they need to know. You as a parent, grandparent or just a concerned citizen can make this happen.

Merry Christmas!

Editor's Note: Are you a teacher? Post your own wish list here!

About The Author: Debra Frick is a mother of 5 and a grandmother to 8 grandsons and one granddaughter. She is a published author and poetress. Recycling and saving money are her passions. She also loves crocheting and cooking. She is also a pet rescue volunteer and has many pets of her own.

Feedback

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By
03/12/2010

That is a great idea! To piggy back on your suggestion, have the teacher create a wish list, in parenthesis showing how many of each item she needs. Then she places this list near her classroom door, so parents and students can check off during the year. It could even include a box of chocolates from time to time, smile.

By
12/14/2009

Thanks for the great list!

Related

Archived Discussions

Below you can read previous posts and comments about this topic. The discussions on this page has been archived 1 time. Select a discussion and read the feedback here.

(Archived Dec 08, 2009)Gift Advice For Teachers

Tip: Gift Advice For Teachers

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

Feedback:

RE: Gift Advice For Teachers

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.

RE: Gift Advice For Teachers

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 sandy63

RE: Gift Advice For Teachers

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

RE: Gift Advice For Teachers

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. One year, the teachers at the school that I worked at asked all of their students to buy a can of food and wrap it and give that as a gift. They then donated all the food to the local food pantry. (11/02/2006)

By Persnickety Paula

RE: Gift Advice For Teachers

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

RE: Gift Advice For Teachers

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.

RE: Gift Advice For Teachers

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 craftymommyof2

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