I (HEART) My Teacher
In case you missed it, last Friday marked the start of the holiday gift-buying season. It started early this year, experts said, so that retailers could reel consumers in before the economy slid even further.
These same experts say that people will buy fewer gifts this year. For some people, that might mean Great Aunt Mae doesn’t get a fruitcake this year — not that she wanted one anyway.
But there are a few people that are must-gets in my world. The hair stylist — she has scissor-wielding control of my self-esteem, and my daughters’ teachers, because I really appreciate the job they do.
Usually the teacher gifts are small gestures — a nice candle or a box of chocolates. But what do teachers really want?
Here’s what a story by the Associated Press suggests:
Avoid the No. 1 Teacher mugs and other gimmicky trinkets. The teacher already has many.
Most teachers love hand-made items, even a card handcrafted by your child.
You can’t go wrong with gift certificates, but keep the amount modest. Some districts have rules restricting the monetary amount of gifts.
Chip in with other parents and get a larger gift for the teacher.
I’m not sure what I’ll buy this year (no mugs!) but I usually try to find items that make the teacher feel a bit pampered, nice hand lotion for example.
The hair stylist is another story. She’ll probably get another bottle of wine. For drinking after the hair cut — if I like it.
Susan Simpson, Education Writer
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A suggestion. Go in together with other parents in the classroom and find out what the teacher wants- sometimes that makes something affordable to all and it is something that the teacher really needs. (Maybe something for the classroom?)