This is for those who like to gift your children’s teachers at Christmas Time. There is certainly no obligation to do so, but I know that for some it is their absolute Joy to gift at Christmas.
After all- our teachers do a wonderful job! A gesture of appreciation in whatever form it comes is a lovely thing to demonstrate to our children when possible.
So I took the Question to some of my Teacher friends…..
What to Buy and What Not to Buy your Teacher at Christmas.
These are some examples of their Favourite Gifts over the years to give you some ideas:
Jar with ingredients inside to make cookies
T2 gift pack
Voucher to a local coffee shop
Fair trade gift- with mention of the project it is supporting
Good quality candle
Good quality hand cream
Simple piece of jewelry
Home made biscuits
A book
Bunch of flowers
Potted plant
Seeds to plant
Movie tickets
A tree for the classroom with some decorations brought in/made by some of the children
Most common ideas mentioned and probably most appreciated were:
Gift vouchers
Grouping together with a few other parents to contribute to a voucher or larger gift
Hand written &/or handmade card- with meaningful words.
Ornament for the Christmas tree…..this was the most popular response.
While teachers will always be grateful for any sign of appreciation, including gifts at christmas. I really wanted to know- are there things that I really should avoid?
These were the few things mentioned that we may want to consider re-thinking:
Teacher mugs. (Though there may be an exception for a nice keep me mug- know your teacher to know if this is their exception)
Soaps
Toiletries
Chocolates…. One teacher said she received 20 boxes of chocolates one year. But again…know your teacher, If it were me I’m not sure I would find it a problem.
I should note too, that I surveyed all my teacher friends from childcare through to highschool.
My highschool teacher friends admitted that they don’t get gifts much…..perhaps it is no longer Cool to buy your teachers a card or gift? But I thought I would just throw the thought out there for those that have children in highschool- maybe a small gesture to their teachers?
They aren’t used to it, so might shock them…but I am sure it would mean a lot!
Almost every teacher I asked also said and most started with, something to the likeness of:
‘It isn’t the gift itself, rather the expression of gratitude the gift represents. And a spirit of gratitude can be given without a gift. Being appreciated and genuinely thanked….really means a lot!’
There are SO many ways we can show kindness this time of year. Supporting our teachers is just one way. And I Love the added benefit of being able to involve our children in the process and demonstrate with application how to Bless others.
With or without Gifts…Lets practice Gratitude and Generosity- in all its expressions- this Christmas!
xxx
My Brother in-law is a teacher and would agree with the mugs and chocolates, he gets so many! Last year he received a really lovely gift though, his whole class grouped together and each student signed a paper heart, then one crafty mum put them all together in a shadow box frame – it was beautiful
Oh that is So special. What a meaningful gesture! I am sure that remains a treasured gift!