Gift ideas for teachers

I spent years getting chocolate/soap/candles from the kids in my class and my memory is so bad now, I can't remember any of the really great gifts I was lucky enough to receive.

I need some ideas for DD's teachers -not too expensive, and taking into account that I don't really know them personally very well.

If you are a teacher or early childhood carer, what are some of the most thoughtful/handy presents you've been given?

Not that there's anything wrong with chocolate etc., I'm just wanting to give something a bit different.

Any ideas would be appreciated! Cheers.

what about some home made goodies? Although i dont know if teachers get sick of them after a while...you could make some rocky road, rum balls, short bread or mini christmas puddings and pop them in a nice box or a jar, tie a pretty christmas ribbon around the top and voila! The kids could even help out with making them?

the best thing is movie tickets or gift cards! :-)

I love when children give plants, either potted or to plant in the garden. There are a few plants in my garden atm from some of my students and it makes me think of them whenever I walk past.

I don't know if they liked them or not, but last year I gave the 2 main carers in DS's room a christmas tree decoration each.

This year, there's too many of them, and I like almost all of the girls in his room, so I'm thinking that I might buy something that's useful for the room in general, rather than singling people out or having to spend a fortune to not miss anyone. Going to be much easier when he hits primary school hopefully, not so many to worry about.

What about something like a photo frame that you could get engraved with the year and your childs name? You could put a photo of the class in it as well :) Then she can always change the photo as well.

As a teacher I can say that just the thought is lovely.

I love when the kids in my class write me a letter about what I mean to them. Something they have learnt or what their favourite memory of the year was so that is always nice to put in a card.

In regards to presents,

- Plants are lovely and meaningful
- movie vouchers
- one the class mum organised all the other parents to put in $5 or $10 each in and got me a coles/myer gift voucher and another year a Borders voucher. I loved that.
- I would love Christmas decorations, thats a lovely idea Bhoysgirl.
-Honestly I am not a fan of getting chocolates and sweets. Although the thought is nice :redface: I end up just giving them to others in my family as its not the best for the waist line and we seem to get lots.

Will keep thinking. :)

ETA- If your child cant write and is in pre-school you could get them to draw a pic and you write the letter for them. I actually have a scrap book that I have kept with some of the lovely things kids have made or written to me. It is one of my most treasured things. :)

I was so happy with Ds1 yr 2 teacher I wanted to buy her something special

At the local chemist here there was a little crystal teddy bear holding a small red apple and said #1 teacher on it.. it was under $15 and really seemed to appreciate it.

I've gotten Darcy's three faves this year rhinestone keyrings with their initials.

My best gift was a bottle of champagne :redface: There was a card from the student - but also from the mum basically recognising the stressful time the end of the school year is and she thought i'd probably like/deserved a drink! :lol:

CB

A parent bought two crates of alcohol to the school last year, to be given to each of their child's teachers.

I enjoy a drink, but I didn't think it was appropriate to be given alcohol by a student - particularly by a teenage student. A lot of my colleagues also felt uncomfortable. However others were perfectly happy to take it.

So I'd be finding out your child's teacher's views on that before I went out and bought alcohol.

Some of the nicest things I've received are sincerely written cards of thanks. Not many parents really give gifts so to receive anything is lovely.
I would love to get the bikky mix jar thing mentioned in another thread!

I don't mind alcohol as the gift is usually from the family...Gift cards are terrific as are vouchers for treatments etc (have been very spoilt in the past)
I appreciate but prefer not to get food items (due to my diet) and I am funny about homemade food from others even though I make it and give it myself!
Not a fan of trinket things that sit there as I am a practical person! I still use a sushi roller one parent bought me years back!
Not being picky but trying to help the OP! I do love and appreciate what students and their families have given to me and they have been so generous and heartwarming that it is so nice even to be thought of at all!

My most memorable gifts have been potted plants, movie/dinner vouchers, a dessert cookbook with a really nice set of measuring cups..... I've been given heaps of chocs, wine, candles and sweets and whilst they are lovely, I would usually end up giving them to others so I didn't consume them myself!

The very best present was a parent who organised a massuese to come and treat us all to a 20 min massage - a complete luxury and I'm sure it cost a bomb but gee whizz it was fantastic - we were very very lucky!

At my school the parents usually join together to give the teacher a gift voucher or something similar. My yr 5/6 from 4 yrs ago gave me a westfield card and I put it towards a massage thing which goes on a chair, I still think of them when I use it!
Last year my class gave me a pandora bead of a little boy and a little girl, a bottle of champagne and a voucher for a deluxe pedicure from a local beauty salon AWESOME!!!

I love getting a Christmas decoration or one of those personalised "teacher" ornaments/books.

I would steer clear of handcream, coffee mugs and soap!!

Thanks everyone, there have been some great ideas. It's given me more to work with.
Much appreciated! :D

Love the idea of a xmas tree dec! Will be using that this year I think as DD can pick something out.