Moms Talk is a weekly feature on all Lehigh Valley Patches in which local parents, caregivers and other members of the community are invited to share opinions and advice on parenting topics.
This week’s Moms Talk question relates to teacher appreciation gifts.
The end of the school year is fast approaching. And, for most parents, that poses a special challenge – finding the “perfect” gift to thank those special people who have spent the better part of the last 10 months shaping the minds of our special little people. After all, there is only so much space in the kitchen cabinet for “World’s Best Teacher” mugs. (I was raised by a teacher who didn’t drink coffee or tea, so I know first-hand.) When you add Sunday school teachers, day care teachers, coaches and other care-givers, the task of end-of-the-year gift-giving can seem daunting. So, here’s where we need your advice:
What are your tips for finding, making and otherwise handling end-of-the-year “teacher appreciation” gifts?
Our Moms Council members include:
- Lisa Amey of Upper Milford Township is a stay-at-home mom to an 8-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl. A past president of the MOMS Club of Emmaus and longtime member of MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers), Lisa is an Independent Consultant for Arbonne International.
- Lisa Drew of Emmaus is a certified nutritionist and personal trainer, wellness and fitness coach with more than 17 years of experience. She is the mother of a 13-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy.
- Jennifer Elston of Emmaus has almost two decades of professional experience in child development and counseling. She is currently a stay-at-home mom to two beautiful girls. Together with her husband, Chris, she owns Christopher Elston Photography.
- Jeanne Lombardo of Nazareth is the mother of a 10-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl. She’s new to the Lehigh Valley, having moved to Nazareth from Bergen County, NJ in January.
- Lisa Merk of Lower Macungie is a stay-at-home mother of four boys – a 12-year-old and 6-year-old triplets. Lisa is a past president of the MOMS Club of Lower Macungie East. In her “spare” time, Lisa teaches piano to school-age children.
- Zoila Bonilla Paul of Bethlehem is a stay-at-home mom to two girls – a 5-year-old and a 14-month-old. Zoila is a member of her local “moms’ club” and says she is “well-versed in the fun that children can bring.”
- Beth Sharpless of Emmaus works part time in a local emergency department as a nurse and part time from home as a customer support specialist. She has two children -- a boy who is almost 2 and a 5-year-old girl. She says they love spending time outdoors and dancing.
- Jennifer Willenbrock of Nazareth is mom to two beautiful daughters, ages 5 and 6 weeks. She was previously employed by Catholic Charities, where she worked in a girl’s group home in Phillipsburg, N.J.
If you would like to become a part of the Moms Council and/or have ideas for future Moms Talk questions, please email jennifer.marangos@patch.com.
What suggestions do you have for end-of-the-year “teacher appreciation” gifts?
Tell us in the comments.
kristen lockett
2:35 pm on Sunday, May 27, 2012
This is a pretty new one for me as my son is only 5, so I'll be picking something out for the pre-K teachers. There are several of them, which includes a few who are only there for an hour in the morning/afternoon, etc. Please leave suggestions!!!
Tim Killimaji
4:44 pm on Sunday, May 27, 2012
would have preferred a topic about explaining the true meaning of holidays to kids... many do not know what memorial day is intended to be about, they just know there is no school. Ask the youth of america the meanings of memorial day, independence day, labor day, veterans day and christmas are and 50 percent will give off the wall answers. really sad and as a society we are doomed to be a consumer enriched society easily influenced by marketing.
Beth
5:34 pm on Sunday, May 27, 2012
I think at least a nice "Thank you" card is sufficient in most cases. When a teacher consistently goes above and beyond something more than a card might be in order. I realize it's altruistic, but I'd like to think teachers do what they do because they enjoy it and want to do it-they don't do it for the gifts. I know that's why I do what I do (I am a nurse). I don't do it for gifts or recognition. I do it because I enjoy it.
Jim Kahle
7:31 pm on Sunday, May 27, 2012
I agree with you Beth. A nice card with sincere praise and appreciation has a better chance at ending up in the teacher’s “memories” box than any “tchotchke” ever could.
Better yet… send the card to the principal or head of the daycare etc… asking that it becomes part of the individual’s permanent file. THAT is a gift that keeps on giving (IMHO).
Jennifer Elston
10:04 pm on Sunday, May 27, 2012
I try to give useful gifts to the teachers. This year I used an idea I found on pinterest. I took a reusable travel cup and filled it with Lipton iced tea individual packets. I wrote, "Thank you for quenching my thirst for knowledge.". Then I added some Hershey kisses and a thank you card. Simple and to the point.
Rosemary B
8:42 am on Monday, May 28, 2012
And reasonably priced! Great Idea, Jennifer!
Rosemary B
8:46 am on Monday, May 28, 2012
I used to give something homemade and edible! I then put a nice home computer generated thank you tag or sticker on them with a picture of the kids on it. The last thing most teachers want is another mug or candle! One teacher thanked me because that day she was stuck in traffic and was starving. She had the bag of home made cookies I gave her and they really came in handy.
Jonathan Gerard
9:41 am on Monday, May 28, 2012
As a teacher (going on 42 years) I agree that what I appreciate most is a heartfelt card expressing appreciation. I often get gifts, however and I can say that, over the years I have appreciated quality chocolates less than in the past. My best gift (you can't go wrong here) is a book store gift certificate. Recorded books (great for summer vacation driving) are expensive so I often use my gift cards for these. If you know your teacher loves Starbucks, then a gift card for some joe will also be appreciated. Gifts ought to reflect one's values. A donation to ProJeCt of Easton or Safe Harbor, in honor of a teacher, expresses this.
Or... how about a homemade gift card offering to mow a teacher's lawn or water plants while the teacher is on vacation? Or change storm windows in the spring or fall?
Lisa Amey
1:45 pm on Monday, May 28, 2012
I have given a myriad of things over the years, from gift cards to Becker's (a teacher's supply store) to Giant gift cards to mini hand or foot creams. I've always included a personal note with it.
Nancy
3:06 pm on Monday, May 28, 2012
If your child attends Parkland School District, a suggestion would be to make a donation in honor of that teacher who has inspired your child all year to the Parkland School District Education Foundation. Your donation would be used to enhance and suppliment programs that benefit your child. You may make the donation on-line by visiting the PSD website, www.parklandsd.org.
Nrite71
7:56 am on Tuesday, May 29, 2012
I try to get my kids to do a little reconmission a few weeks out. Last year my one sone gave a playground ball since the classroom ball had a hole in it, my other son gave a classroom timer to his first grade teacher, since she had mentioned that she needed to get one. The boys made homemade cards and we gave them a small gift card for dunkin donuts as well. Not sure what we are doing this year, the reconmission has not been too productive so far.
Jeri Bonenberger
8:26 am on Tuesday, May 29, 2012
A nice potted flower and a book store gift card was our stand by for years, but there are many websites in which you can donate books, food, or even tuition to kids in need. I donated 2 years worth of education in my daughter's 5th grade teacher's name for less than $20 and printed out a certificate to give to her. She was so touched that she cried. I, also, write an email every year to the principal about wonderful experiences with our teachers and cc the teacher in. Whatever you do make sure that you appreciate these wonderful, hard working people for all that they do for our kids.
Lisa Merk
9:38 am on Tuesday, May 29, 2012
I always to organize or get in on a group gift. Usually a gift card to The Teacher Store or the teacher's favorite store. I simply cannot afford to give all teachers gifts from all my children. Although I really like Jennifer Elstons idea!
Jennifer Marangos
12:31 pm on Tuesday, May 29, 2012
I try to make gifts for the teachers along with my boys. I think one of the easiest, most cost-effective, most well received and most fun was when we made chocolate stirring spoons for coffee or hot chocolate. We wrapped them in saran wrap and tied them into a bouquet with ribbon. Beyond that, all you need are chocolate chips and plastic spoons. We made TONS! (You can Google this...surely not my idea!)
Molly Smith (Educationmom)
6:30 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
I love the sharing of ideas! Please check out my ideas, too! Thanks! http://educationmom.com/2012/06/01/em-gem-12-what-a-teacher-really-wants-not-another-mug/