Gift Guide 2011: Ideas For Gifting Teachers This Holiday Season

Gifting for teachers is always a challenge, particularly as families are increasingly strapped for cash and as states -- like Alabama -- have enacted legislation that restricts teacher giving as part of ethical regulations.

But there are still plenty of things that teachers love, need and likely appreciate even more than the "World's Best Teacher" mug-and-hot-chocolate (they've probably accumulated too many of those over the years anyhow).

So in the spirit of the holidays, with respect to limitations of ethical perception, and in light of budget restrictions -- both in school cuts and parents' pocketbooks -- here are some meaningful gifts to express your appreciation for teachers.

The focus this year is on thoughtfulness and the classroom. If you have other ideas, please post them in the comments section below.

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Comments

[lorickmiller]

12:53 AM on 01/08/2012

How about a dozen condoms and a health certificate?

[lynninny]

09:09 AM on 01/02/2012

Honestly, I promise, I appreciate a card or note from my students or their families thanking me or telling me that I have had a positive impact on their lives even more than a gift. One of the nicest things a family did for me recently was write me such a note and send a copy of it to my boss. I save every one of them.

[Tuigim]

04:45 PM on 12/25/2011

As a teacher I say, please don't give gifts. It makes things awkward when you are about to give a child a low grade after he/she has bought you an expensive present. I was grading up until Christmas Eve and I still have to write Thank You cards and recommendation letters and study a paper for WASC during my "vacation." I understand the good intention and appreciate it but being able to teach is the best gift of all.
It's like tipping. If people are paid decent wages, it's not needed.
Please, just as we want to treat every child equally let's have a clear rule on this.
Avoid having some students feel bad as they watch other students giving the teacher gifts.
Be fair. Have a level playing field and allow teachers to do what they love without distractions.

[Tara Hunkoff]

02:56 PM on 12/25/2011

When they were old enough to sit up, I read aloud to my children each day, pointing to each word. Sometimes they grew restless in three minutes, so I stopped. Other times they sat for thirty minutes, the little wheels turning in their brains.

The days slipped into years, and soon enough, each of them would say, "Let ME read it". Then I would sit and listen as they did just that. They all entered kindergarten reading just fine.

I gave to them what my mother had given to me.

[Vgman]

04:41 AM on 12/23/2011

Present me with a student ready to learn. Give your child a good night's sleep, a good meal, attention at home, praise when they deserve it, a kick in the butt when they are not doing what is expected of them, understanding your child is not the only one who needs my attention, don't catch your child when they fall, sometimes they need to fall to learn how to get up, and finally, stop making excuses for your child and your poor parenting.

[SillySadie]

01:40 PM on 12/23/2011

If teachers respected parents, perhaps parents would respect teachers more. I spent years volunteering at our local grade school AFTER my children were grown and on their own. The workroom was right next to the teachers' lounge, and while I helped "overworked" teachers by making copies, collating papers, cutting out projects, etc. I couldn't help but overhear the conversation from the teachers' lounge. It constantly consisted of how rotten parents were, ridicule of parent volunteers, cursing and badmouthing students, and more than once an actual physical altercation between teachers who disagreed over something.

If a parent visited class, it wasn't that they were showing an interest in their child, it was that they were "checking up on" the teacher. If they questioned something that their child said happened in class to get the teacher's viewpoint, they were "agreeing with their spoiled brat". It sounded more like a kindergarten class than the kindergarten class did!

From that viewpoint, the whole argument over whether it's "poor parenting" or "bad teachers" is seen from a whole new light. Teachers, students and parents are all just people. Some good, some bad, some have momentary lapses, and some have no social redeeming value at all. Everybody needs to stop blaming the other side and just do their jobs...parents, students and teachers! THAT would be a gift to the whole country!

[Obiwen]

02:35 PM on 12/27/2011

I agree. Everyone, in every job, needs to earn respect. That is life. Just because teachers work with children does not mean the same does not go for them. In fact, teachers need to work harder to get the respect of children. If you want to be a teacher and you do not like that, get a job with less security and time off.

[Lam56]

02:27 PM on 12/29/2011

Simply put: you are not describing the school where I teach. Yes, there are times when teachers speak privately and discreetly about troublesome parents; however, those parents are, to us, in the small minority. My fellow teachers and I try to cultivate a very positive relationship with the parent body. Parents are always welcome to come and visit our classrooms, and teachers are very accessible before and after school. It is a strict rule set by our principal that every communication from a parent be returned within six hours or less, preferably by phone.

I am sorry to hear that this is not the case in the school your children attended, but please don't judge all teachers by the ones you encountered. All schools are not the same; I discovered this when I was subbing, prior to finding my current job.

[rikoteki]

12:22 AM on 12/23/2011

I wish the parents of my students would send these things with their kids at the BEGINNING of they year, not as a 'gift' for me.

[SillySadie]

02:13 PM on 12/23/2011

In our school , it's policy for teachers to have to trash any unused supplies brought in at the beginning of the year that are left over at the end because it "isnt' fair" to have one year's students bring 10 items and next year's students to bring only 9. They can't donate it because "it isn't theirs to give away". This school district-wide policy results in hundreds of unused boxes of crayons, bottles of school glue, packages of notebook paper, etc. being sent to the landfill every Spring...and requires parents of next year's students to purchase items that, if unused, will be thrown out at the end of NEXT year. I'm not talking about used items...I'm talking about unopened crayons, never-used report folders, reams of paper.

I don't feel very sorry for teachers who pay for supplies out of their own pockets when they put up with a district policy that has them throwing out supplies so they don't offend one year's students by asking them to bring 10 school supply items and asking the next year's students to only bring 9 items! If parents weren't required to buy things that end up being tossed out, perhaps they'd be more willing to donate needed items!

[Lam56]

02:30 PM on 12/29/2011

That has to be the stupidest policy I have ever heard of, especially in an age of environmental awareness and ever-limited resources. How is this tolerated?

[Ariel Bonzai]

12:05 AM on 12/31/2011

Wtf? That is insane.

[amitshah02]

11:34 PM on 12/22/2011

Teacher is one of the most important person for your child. Teacher helps in educating your child with the different lessons in school. Therefore it is important to gift something to her or him on occasion like Christmas. there may be a case that you may not aware of his or him interest. So you can busy some very useful gift for her or him so that he or she likes it.you may not get time to go to gift shop. so online Gift shop in good place to buy gifts for teacher at www.GoGappa.com

[erb4567]

09:30 AM on 12/21/2011

This is insulting. I just watched a video on yahoo that said you should tip your doorman $100 dollars for christmas, but for your kid's teacher you should give them a "promise coupon." Gift cards are what teachers really want.

[Ariel Bonzai]

12:12 AM on 12/31/2011

I see what you mean but the doorman is service and teachers are not. If you give me a note it could compromise my integrity.mi have a duty to be equitable and fair, he doesn't. If you tip him and your neighbor doesn't, he will understandably give you the best treatment. Hell do favors for you first then do your neighbors bidding. I cannot do this. If your kid gives me a Starbucks card and another kid makes me a card, I can't ignore the D your child earned nor can I be kinder to him than the other students in m class. Where I teach this is not really a problem. All the kids are pretty much working poor like me. I get chocolates and candles, an occassional heartfelt note and their affection. I give them a small feast, a film and stern warnings to be careful out there. It's all good. Better than good. But I think many teachers will appreciate the thought as I do. Thanks.

[erb4567]

09:23 PM on 12/31/2011

Seriously???? I don't know any teachers , myself included, that would use a gift as a bribe for better grades or preferential treatment. A nice gift makes me feel appreciated. It is nice to know that the parents recognize my dedication to their children. I spend hundreds of dollars every year for supplies in my classroom. It is nice to have someone do something nice that is just for me. This list is insulting because for everyone else you are suppose to give money to thank them (hairdressers, doormen, hairstylist, postman) but teachers are suppose to be happy with a coupon for good behavior? It is also insulting to say teachers shouldn't get gifts because it's like a bribe.

[JaapB]

01:33 PM on 12/19/2011

I do not believe this, this is a joke. Are US teachers buying class equipment from their own wallet? This is unbelievable. So I do not believe this joke.

[rikoteki]

12:19 AM on 12/23/2011

Believe it.

[Venicelady]

04:44 AM on 12/23/2011

Yes, we are.

And the cost can run into the thousands, believe it or not.

[gremlin1]

09:28 AM on 12/18/2011

My students ask me what I'm going to do for them for Christmas! In my 18 years of teaching I have been given 3 Christmas ornaments, 2 boxes of candy and one mug. I don't expect/need gifts from my students. The only thing I want from them is their best behavior and their best effort.

[Ariel Bonzai]

12:16 AM on 12/31/2011

You expect too much. Lol!

[michelegruba]

10:37 AM on 12/15/2011

I would never consider school supplies an appropriate gift to give my child's teacher. I provide those items to the class when they are needed not as a gift. I try to get to know the bus drivers, paras and teachers and get them something they would like to show my appreciation.

[carriedaway]

09:50 PM on 12/14/2011

More than anything, I love the heartfelt card.

[Mr Anonymous]

09:19 PM on 12/14/2011

How about this? Don't buy me anything, just treat me with some respect and decency for being the professional that I am.

[greasefire11]

02:08 PM on 12/14/2011

As a teacher, I love cards with personalized notes in them.
"Thank you for noticing my improvement in Math..."
"We appreciate the kind note you sent home..."
"Thanks for coming to Johnny's soccer game..."
I've kept every single one I've received in fifteen years of teaching. When I'm struggling with my energy, or I'm frustrated, I pick a few out and read them. Works every time.

[Venicelady]

04:46 AM on 12/23/2011

Always nice to get some positive recognition for all that teachers do!

[Tuigim]

04:49 PM on 12/25/2011

I've noticed teachers need more affirmation here and I've concluded it's because management likes to constantly evaluate teachers and tell them how they need to improve and it demoralizes teachers. It's very sad.

[Ariel Bonzai]

12:17 AM on 12/31/2011

That and negative propaganda that has public hating us for things we can not control like unions and waste.

[nanaofmysky]

12:00 PM on 12/14/2011

When my sons were in school I would bake 2 huge trays of goodies. One for the class and one for the teacher to take home.Usually there was a party in class so it would work out fine. My boys have also given their teachers good pens,scarfes and gloves. These were always picked out by the boys. Never would they give mugs or things like that. Teachers work hard and should be shown not just at Christmas but all year long.I think the best gift to give would be respect!!!