Holiday gifts for pre-school teachers

stgn01 · December 2013

Forgive me, this is the first year DD is in school around the holidays. Help me figure this out. She was in early pre-school (3 year olds) and moved up to older preschool (3.5-4) begining of Nov. She only goes 2 days a week. Each room has 2 teachers, but I really didn't like the teacher from early pre-school and neither did DD. Do I give a gift to both classes, or only the teachers in the class she's in now? And what is an appropriate gift? Food (cookies)? Something small from the store? I guess I have to get used to this stuff now. TIA!

neverblushed · December 2013

I think you're safe to give only to the teachers she has right now.

Speaking as a teacher, know that this is truly a situation where "it's the thought that counts." YOu don't have to spend a ton of money on teacher gifts. You can get both teachers in the room a small gift card to Target, a book store, Starbucks, etc., and they'll be happy.

Generally, gift cards are good; candles and knick-knacks are bad. I LOVE receiving handmade artwork, cards, and notes from my students. I save every one I receive.

sschwege · December 2013

I agree I think it's fine to do just her current teachers.

Speaking as a former teacher gift cards are wonderful, with something like Starbucks or Dunkin Doughnuts you wouldn't really have to spend a lot, $5 would treat them to a cup of coffee.

Then if you want something a little more personal you could always do something like this:

https://allrecipes.com/recipe/gingerbread-cookie-mix-in-a-jar/

That way your daughter could help. I had DD do something similar for our next door neighbor, she always gets the kids gifts and I wanted DD to be able to do something for her. I don't really know our neighbor that well, so this seemed like a good idea. I was able to buy single mason jars from Michael's but I'm sure they are also sold elsewhere.

Cherryblossoms07 · December 2013

My daughter made them each a card (she has two teachers) and I put a gift card to our local coffee shop in the card. I wanted to get my daughter in on the gift so she learns the spirit of giving.

meldoo2002 · December 2013

I think just the teachers she has now is fine. I'm all for consumables not knick knacks. My boys have 4 teachers. Fridays the kids have a 1/2 day, but the teachers a full day and I know sometimes they get lunch so I'm buying them a GC to the local pizza place where they get salads, etc. They also painted each of them an ornament that will have their picture on it.

meg1974 · December 2013

I would give something to the teachers she has now (both of them). I'm giving gift cards to Michael's because I know they spend personal money on supplies so that will help with that. I'm also including something that DD picked out for each teacher, which is a small letter that is the first letter of their name. She's really into her letters, so I think it's an appropriate gift from her.

stgn01 · December 2013

Thanks for all the great ideas! Gift cards it is. I can totally understand how the knick-knacky things can get real old. I appreciate all the feedback!

WhitePicketFence · December 2013

I'm planning on having DD1 make a card for both her teacher and the preschool aide and including a GC in each. I haven't decided exactly where I'm going to get the GC from yet.