All of these blogs feature thoughtful and creative little gifts, and I do get a kick out of looking at them. Such neato ideas. But...would I really want any? After 13 years in the biz, I have received a lot of knick-knacks but have given away a lot more than I've kept...
Disclaimer: I never expect gifts from my students. I used to always give gifts to Mac's teachers. (Okay, got that off my chest.)
That being said, this is one of my favorite Christmas gifts from a student and her family:
So now, instead of reinventing the wheel I will link you to two teacher gift posts I've published in the past. Both received comments, and they're worth reading too.
The first is from this past Christmas time. I'm happy to say by the way, I ONLY drink water in class now. I stand by this post, and I like what it has to say. (And I laughed when I reread the comment from my lurker son who wants you to know snacks ARE a good idea, since he hoped to come home and eat any I received.)
The second is from a bit longer ago, and I'm pretty sure I don't contradict myself in this one. Oh, except I do welcome soda pop in that one, but would no longer do so. Oh so healthy me!
Please don't think I'm greedy...even the positive feedback I received because of these posts cannot suppress the nerves I feel when I hit "publish post" for this one...
12 comments:
I haven't gone back to read your past posts...but when I read "apple gifts" I cracked up! I have been saying that for years! I am in Secondary building and really don't get gifts...but I know what you are saying!
I so appreciate this honest and helpful look into what teachers really want. I would totally be suckered into buying the nicknacks because that just seems right...
Plus I don't have access to the cool stuff my mom used to give. (She'd give fifths of real cooking vanilla from Mexico. We'd spend less than $7 & the teachers all LOVED it)
I went back and read both of the older posts. Super informative! But now I'm going to actually have to put some thought into their end of year gifts....sheesh, thanks a LOT Ellen! ;)
Dweej, the more thought the more it all counts!
;)
I get gifts from students on the bus, too, and the candy is nice, the "dust-catchers" not so much...I really like and appreciate the gift cards for local restaurants or coffee shops. I did notice this past Christmas a trend of cutting back, due to the economy, I'm sure. Not so many gifts, period, but definitely more stuff than gift cards.
I'm a former teacher, and like you, I never expected gifts. I would get aggravated at my coworkers who would hint for gifts.
Some kids just can't afford anything, and those sweet cards made from notebook paper are still in my saved items.
As a teacher, I loved getting desk supplies. That is something everyone can use.
We often do things for a service project, and I call that my gift.
I, too, have every note ever given to me from a student. Someday I'll sit and reread them all.
Desk supplies ARE nice gifts!
Hi I wanted to let you know that I really enjoy your blog and I've chosen you for the Versatile Blogger Award! You can stop by http://hisperfectpromises.blogspot.com/ to pick it up. Have a blessed weekend!
I used to buy classroom gifts ~ books for the class, supplies, helping kids who couldn't buy things at the book sales and things (I'd see the kids go to their teachers and ask for money). While my gifts didn't go directly to the teacher, I hoped that it alleviated some of the pressure from budget cuts and things.
Now to read your past posts...
off to read your posts. i need help in the gift giving dept.
You know, it is a tough call. There are some trinkety things that mean a lot to me. Things like your apple Daenel.
My husband calls me Lucy, because when I'm thinking or irritated I scowl like Lucy Van Pelt. One of my fave students, Emma, gave me a Lucy statuette two years ago, so that one came home for us both to laugh at. She sits here in the office.
Check in tomorrow to see what my kids gave me today!
THanks for the advice... I need to get my kids' teachers some gifts...
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