End Of Year Teacher Gifts

Teacher gifts can often stress parents out. They worry about what to buy, if they should buy a gift, how much to spend and often put a lot of thought behind what is chosen.  I don't think that teacher gifts are necessary, but I do like to give them a little something at Christmas and end of year to let them know how much we appreciate them.  I don't spend a lot of money, it's normally only a $5 gift card along with a note.

This year I decided to do something a little different.  I am a member of many facebook groups, and in one of them another mom was asking for suggestions.  I always stay away from gifting items that take up space - I look at it that if EACH student gifted them the same item, they wouldn't be able to keep all 20 +. As cute as the little planters are, and the pencil signs with their name on it, you only need 1. If I have the idea, it's quite probable other parents will as well. I typically do a gift card, but one of the moms said that she went to the store and purchased food platters (fruits and veggies etc) and dropped them off for the staff.

I thought this was such a wonderful idea.  I always get a card for the admin staff as well as my kids teachers, but they have contact with most of the staff for various things.  I decided to do the same thing.

Last week I went to the store in the afternoon while the kids were at school. I bought a veggie platter, fruit platter, cheese and pepperettes, a cinnamon cake, pita and dip and I also made some home made cookies to go with everything.

I bought a card and wrote a note to the staff thanking them for all their hard work over the last year (we are fortunate to have an amazing group of educators and support staff) and wishing them a great summer.

The next day, the kids and I packed it all up and dropped it off at the office before school started.   I was so glad that the suggestion had been given in that group. This will now be my go to gift for the end of the year.