Stuff & Things...to Buy Your Child's Teacher

Ok.  I'm copping out here, but today, I was totally thinking about this post I wrote last December.  And I thought, "I should share that for Stuff & Things this week."

And then I forgot that it was actually Thursday.

I was mid-sentence with my students today, talking about what they would be doing tomorrow, and I stopped to say, "Wait, tomorrow is Friday, right?"  Fortunately, tomorrow is Friday.

I digress.

Christmas is coming up, and I have to say that I have had more than one friend who has contacted me over the years and asked what kind of gift they should buy for their child's teacher.  I'm always happy to share my thoughts based on gifts that I have received in the past.

Remember, it is never necessary or required to buy your child's teacher a gift.  But it is a very nice gesture that makes us feel genuinely grateful and appreciated.

Here's my original post.

Teacher Thoughts: A Little Thank You

Today's "Teacher Thoughts" is short and sweet.

This year, I was once again blessed with some Christmas gifts from my students.  It's always exciting and touching to receive gifts from them.  It's not something that they are required to do, of course, and at my school, our sixth graders switch classes which means they have multiple teachers.  I'm always especially touched when a student from another homeroom brings me a gift because that can be a lot for families to take on!

In fact, this year, there is one homeroom of students that I don't see for a class at all.  One of the students in this class is a girl that I had when I taught first grade.  On our last day before break, she came across the hall with a card and a gift (a bracelet) for me.  I was very moved because I don't see her more than in passing.  It was incredibly sweet for her (and her family) to include me in their gift-giving this season.

This year, over my Christmas break, I wrote out thank you notes to the twelve students who gave gifts to me.  While I always intend to do this, sometimes it just gets lost in the hustle and bustle of the holidays (or my incredible gift at being able to sleep at the drop of the hat even if I'm not really tired...).  I just think that it's special and important for them to get a little thank you from me to let them know that I truly did appreciate their gifts.

Are all of the gifts things that I love or will use?  No, not necessarily.  But I'm not ungrateful for getting another coffee mug, and I'm more than grateful that they wanted to bless me this Christmas.  The least I can do is take the time in this busy day and age to hand write a thank you to send home with them.

Fellow teachers, do you write out thank you notes to your students?

Teacher Thoughts: Gifts for the Teacher

Happy first day of December!  Now that this magical month is here, I thought it would be a good idea to use this segment of Teacher Thoughts to share some great gift ideas for teachers!

(Or at least great gift ideas for this teacher.)

I have gotten some great gifts over the years.  I am always truly grateful for the gifts I receive from my students.  In truth, they don't have to get me anything.  So it's very touching when they do.  Some of the gift ideas below are gifts I have received or gifts that would be great for the teacher(s) on your shopping list this year!

1. Candles
I have never been disappointed with the gift of a candle.  Scott and I love burning them at the house, so he gets to benefit from this gift, too!  Even better than a regular candle?  Jewelry in Candles!  I'm obsessed with these right now.  (You can choose the type of jewelry that's included in the candle, and it's SO fun to be surprised!)

Naughty or Nice candle

2. Restaurant Gift Cards
There are few things that make me happy as much as going out to eat.  If I don't have to cook, I'm a happy camper.  The only thing that makes going out to eat better is going out to eat for FREE (or for less than we would have paid without a gift card)!  Scott and I have been to The Olive Garden, Applebee's, and many other restaurants for a treat thanks to the generosity of my students' families.

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3. Scarves, hats, gloves
Some of my favorite winter weather items have actually been gifts from my students.  It can be scary to buy these things for someone you really don't know because you want them to match their coats or be colors you like.  Ask your kids.  They will be very likely to know the color of their teachers' coats and/or what their favorite colors are.  Still unsure?  Include a gift receipt!  The worst thing that happens is that the teacher can take it back and exchange it for something else.

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4.  Barnes & Noble Gift Card
This is a little specific.  I suppose it could be a gift card to any book store.  I just happen to love Barnes & Noble, and I LOVE it when I get a gift card!!  The best part about this is that the teacher can choose to use the gift card to buy books for the classroom or him/herself.  Since I teach 6th grade, sometimes that's one and the same thing.  I have purchased books, read them myself, and added them to my classroom library.

Barnes & Noble Gift Card

5. Bottle of wine
I've never gotten this.  I suppose it's probably not acceptable for your child to bring an alcoholic beverage to school.  But if you happen to know your child's teacher well enough, or don't mind making a trip.  You could always drop it off in a gift bag at the office.....or a gift card in an envelope would suffice here.

Fellow teachers, what are some gifts you like (or would like) to get from your students?

Parents, what are some of your favorite gifts to give to your children's teachers?