School Teacher Christmas Present: Yes or No

Go with the baked goods if they are being called a "gift". IMO, baked goods don't carry the appearance of "bribery" that a store-bought present might.

To the point Mr. "Two Goggs" made, perhaps some school supplies at the beginning of the year would be more appreciated. I have heard of teachers having to dip into their own pockets to procure supplies they believe they need and aren't made available by the school.

I used to teach Music, and the family of one of my kids gave me a "We Donated to the Local Symphony in Your Name" card as a gift.  That really meant a lot, as I knew it was $$ that was going to help keep the arts going.  I've also had families donate to a food shelf in my name.  Very cool!!

As a 1st Grade teacher (what I'm teaching now), I still love the idea of giving a small ($5 or less) donation to a cause.  It's money that I know is going to good use.

But, if I had to choose between a store bought gift or homemade gift, the homemade gifts mean a lot more to me... especially if it's something from the kitchen!!!!!!

-Joel

"A donation has been made in your name to The Human Fund."

LOL! 

My oldest is in kindergarten, and we'll be baking for the teacher this year. 

I've always made something fromt eh kitchen - chocolate covered pretzels, PB crackers covered in chocolate.... but it's so time consuming and I don't have much time the week school lets out.  Just wondering if homemade is really appreciated or not....

This has always been a struggle - with two kids with special needs, the list of teachers and aides is pretty long. 

I started giving them homemade cards - I have my kids draw a picture, scan them into the computer and print them on vellum paper, we attach the picture to pre-folded note cards with ribbon.  On the back, I print "Original artwork created by.....".  I give each teacher a set of 4-6 with envelopes and they can use them as they wish. 

We usually set up an assembly line at the kitchen table to make them all and it goes pretty fast.  I have gotten good responses and have been doing it now for about 4 years.  We always keep some for ourselves - they work great as thank you cards!

that is a very cool gift idea in general!!

For the past three years the room mom in both of my sons classes have asked for contributions and a "big" class gift is given (usually a gift card to their "favorite" place).  We always contribute to the class gift, but both of my sons also like to take in a "special" baked good for each teacher.

My daughter is in pre-school and also likes to take the teachers something.  Last year she gave each teacher (there are 3) a Christmas pin - this is a christian preschool.  However, this year she will give them a baked good.

Usually the baked goodie is a family recipe-wine cake.  It is yummy (I make extra for us!)  I wrap it in colored cellophane and tie with red/green/white ribbon.  Very festive!    

I love getting ornaments with the student's picture and/or name.  We have a very uniquely decorated tree of memories for Christmas.

I have given picture frames, sports blankets, baskets of teacher goodies.  (pens, markers, notepads, etc.).  We've also done class letters and collected money then brought a class 'gift' card from really neat places.  This year they all got Poinsettias-we had 7 teachers.

That's exactly what I was thinking.  I honestly believe that we are way too afraid to "offend" someone.  You're reaching out to them and if they can't can't appreciate that fact, then you know who you don't have to reach out to next year.  The same for trying to figure out if someone has an allergy or is struggling with weigh loss. 

If I give someone a gift and they don't appreciate it, then I will simply not give them a gift next time.  It's really a simple matter.  If the person cannot look beyond themselves to be thankful at the gesture, that's their problem.

YMMV

I think it would be interesting to poll a group of folks who DIDN'T celebrate Christmas and see if they would be honestly offended or not. A good majority of the country is either Christian, or at least secularly celebrates major Christian-based holidays (Christmas and Easter). So of course, we don't see it as "offensive". But perhaps some of those other folks do...just a thought.  

i once was given a hanukkah gift and was not offended at all. 

i'll also accept kwanzaa, solstice, and any other non-christian holiday gifts, thanks.