Teachers

[AnnW]

What do you REALLY wish you'd get as a teacher's gift.
don't say 'oh, it's the thought that counts' LOL

what do you really want? Gift cards to places like WalMart or Target or bookstores that you could combine and buy something. GC to 'treat' type stuff like Starbucks, manicures, ect. or actual gift type things? (food, jewelry, cups, ect)

[vea29]

I'd have to say that after getting years worth of food, chocolate, bath stuff, I do like the gift cards the best. I think the best are the refillable GC's like Dunkin Donuts...cause I just keep it in the car for an emergancy. One of the Gas stations has it too. Think it's Mobil or Hess.

[MaryL]

Gift cards are my favorite...mostly because I can get what I want. LOL That to me (IMO) feels like appreciation.

Don't always like gift cards to places that OTHER people think I might like (like a particular manicure salon, spa, etc). I tend to prefer gift cards to Barnes and Nobel, Target, (Starbucks is probably popular...but I don't drink coffee type drinks), restaurants like Applebees, or Chili's.

Guess you really can't go wrong with gas cards, or car wash gift cards, either. Most of my families eventually find out that I LOVE diet coke (esp. from Mc Donald's). LOL So, I often will get some Mc Donald's gift cards...which is fun.

I like items like scented candles or lotions, etc from Bath and Body Works...however, some scents are 'not me', and I often don't use them or end up sharing with others. Plus...how many lotions, candles, etc. can a person use??

Giving the teacher a frame with your child's picture in it?? Uh, no thanks. Even a framed class picture is nice...but do parents really think that we put all of these framed pictures on display in our houses?? I go home, and I become a regular "person...not a teacher. Teacher "themed" stuff....is nice. However, I've been teaching for 19 years...I really don't need more "apple" pencil sharpeners, "pencil" holders, etc. My kitchen at home has more than enough apple candles, "teacher" plaques, etc.

I get a lot of "inspirational" plaques/frames/books...which are nice, but again...where do I put all of this stuff?? Chocolate?? Candy?? Nice, but often too much! Flowers...pretty!! I bring them home, and they look pretty in my house. I don't mind those.

That's kind of where I was going with my question to Sista about whether the teacher's she was giving the beach chair to...would actually "use" it. (I don't like having to crawl out of a beach chair! LOL)

Honestly, at this point in my life, and with the love I truly have for my job...I do appreciate the handwritten letter (either from a student, or a parent). I got a card this year that had a handwritten note from a parent. I have taught their 3 children the past 6 years (K4 and K5...all 3 kids!). The note was thoughtful, and just thanked me for starting their kids off on the right foot. Let me tell you, I save that kind of note in a special folder. When I'm having a bad day, I often pull out that folder and re-read notes just like this one! Maybe that's just "sappy" me, though. I send thank you notes for all gifts given to me...because I truly do appreciate the thought behind the gifts. Some are just more "useful" than others! LOL

Phew....sorry you asked????

[AnnW]

Phew....sorry you asked????

LOL not at all!
i have been told by other teachers that the note means as much if not more than any gift they have gotten.
one reason why i asked is we were always 'encouraged' to do GC to places like Walmart or Target by the schools when i was ever in charge of gifts.

[kat]

I have to say that gift cards are my favs: Bath & Body Works, Books stores (what teacher doesn't love books), and popular restaurants. I also love scented candles. I have a warmer at school and I burn candles all the time at home. Like MaryL I agree that letters and cards are best. I too save all those nice letters. Some of my favorite most genuine and meaningful ones I've laminated and actually have on the wall behind my computer. They are a constant reminder of why I do what I do. I re-read every one of those saved letters at the beginning of each school year. They are better than any motivational speaker!