Strollerderby

Every teach I know (which is a few of them in the family)  would just prefer either A. nothing, they don't need everything parents give to them. you can only have so many apple like creations. or B. supplies for the classroom. Many times they are suppling out of their own pocket many of the little extras.

While $100 is excessive, no teacher I know wants another apple, candle, random thing made by a child, or plate of baked goods. A gift card, even a small one, is apprecated.

There was an interesting discusion on askmoxie.com yesterday about this.

I never gave my teachers gifts while growing up.  I don't even think it's appropriate -- it seems too close to bribery.  If I were teaching, I wouldn't want to explain why little Johnny (who gave me an expensive gift) got an A while little Suzie (who gave me a bruised apple) got a C.  Of course the children got the grades they deserved, but why would you put yourself in a position for this kind of scrutiny?  

Give teacher a nice card and call it good.

We are giving our teacher a class enrichment activity this year. As a group, it doesn't cost much. And she won't have another thing to pack away. We gave her a list of activities or places for a field trip, and she got to choose. Otherwise, I try to give gift cards, they can be re-gifted, they can be used when times are tight, and honestly they take up little room. I always write a letter thanking them for the wonderful work they do.

Knitty, do you really think that teachers base their grades at all on holiday gifts?! C'mon now! If I got into this profession for the gifts, it would be a pretty meager existence.

Any gift from a child is sweet, especially if they put some thought into it or made it themself. I don't care how much (if any) money was spent. $100 to chip in for a group gift is outrageous!

Our school district placed a $75 limit on any gifts given to teachers. We also sent out a letter suggesting that a donation be made in the teacher's name to a charity, rather than buying a gift.

I agree with Knitty.  Giving your/your child's teacher gifts during the school year is inappropriate.  It doesn't matter that the teacher grades fairly - it still gives the appearance of bribery.  That's why my family always gave our teachers gifts on the last day of school, after all the marking was over.

"Knitty, do you really think that teachers base their grades at all on holiday gifts?!"

Of course not.  Did you go on to read the part where I say, "of course the children got the grades they deserved" and talked about PERCEPTION?  

If I was a teacher, I'd prefer one collective gift to a lot of useless gifts.

Unless the teacher is going to stand up and announce to the whole class that Student A is fabulous because he spent $100 and Student B is horrible and only spent $5, what does it matter to anyone what someone else decides to give or do?  I agree with the people who said there is no need to give the teachers a present to begin with, but if I was inclined to I wouldn't give a crap what anyone else spent.  The kids aren't going to notice anyway.  It is the parents who are making an issue out of it.    

My daughter is in daycare - last year we gave them candy. I was planning to do cookies this year, since I make big batches for friends, family, and co-workers. Now I'm wondering if that's a lame gift. I'd love to give a gift card to each teacher, but this is a thrifty Christmas for us and there isn't really room in the budget for that. I sometimes work as an adjunt at the community college and have been totally thrilled when students have given me food gifts. Perhaps I'm just food-obsessed, though :-)

When I was a teacher, the best gift I got was a small scrapbook a parent made after going on a field trip with the class.  I've received gift certificates for $100 before and it made me feel very weird about it that I tried to return it or use it all on classroom related materials.  I think you should give the person who cares for your children something at least even if it's a card.  I don't like the argument that they do not deserve anything because it's their job and the joy of teaching is more than enough.  Sure, let's get rid of Mother's Day too!