Teacher gifts?

     This is one of those risky posts.  One, I may seem greedy.  Two, I may seem presumptuous.  Three, I may seem judgmental or demanding.
     You can tell me shame on me after you read it.
     I always got my son's elementary teachers Christmas gifts.  I wanted to.  I liked to.  Even when money was tight, I thought it was important to scrimp elsewhere and spend a bit on them.  They, each and every one of them, were important to my son and his learning.
     (In middle school, Mac selected the teachers he wanted to buy for. We used to give them lottery tickets! I should have done more for all of them.)
     It's been my experience some of my students give me Christmas gifts.  It's been my experience that some of you wonder at what to give your kids' teachers.  Since some of you have asked me for suggestions, I'm giving them. 
     I keep EVERY gift of writing I receive.  That's the best gift.
     My class usually selects a service project to give to and I ask that the kids give to it instead of me.  (Admittedly, when they did this at Mac's elementary school I gave to both, service project and teacher.  I had to.  I couldn't ignore the teachers!)  This year, we hope to bring gifts to the Elder Day Center.
     Here comes the risky stuff...
     When it comes to choosing a gift for your child's teacher, realize your child is one of 20+ kids who may be sharing a present with the teacher.  Avoid trinkety things, even though some can be quite touching to receive. Twenty plus trinkets is a lot of stuff.  Multiply that by 20+ years of teaching, and you've got an episode of Hoarders in the making.
     When I was single, I lived in a tiny condo.  I couldn't keep much.  Right before I moved, I went downstairs and visited a retired teacher who had kept EVERYTHING any student had ever given to her.  Her unit was beyond cluttered--and that was in May, who knows how many teacher ornaments she pulled out in December.  Yep, she bordered on a hoarder.
     One teacher I know once got 17 candles for Christmas.  Seventeen.  When something like that happens, I donate the duplicate gifts to a local thrift store.
     Anything "teachery" or "appley" isn't the best plan.  Being a teacher defines who I am.  Absolutely.  I don't need to decorate with or further adorn myself with my job--I wear my job with my exhausted expression and my colored fingers--dyed by overhead marker on a good math day!
     Lotions or similar can be allergenic.  Avoid.
     Avoid jewelry unless you are familiar with the teacher's style.
     Services, a gift of a manicure or pedicure would be such a welcome indulgence!
     Never give a mug.
     I get mugs even though I drink only diet pop (I wish I could say water) in front of my kids. One year, a mom said, "I almost got you a case of diet Pepsi."  I wanted to say, "And you didn't because?"
    Gift cards are wonderful.  To get a gift card to just about anywhere?  What a treat!
     Class gifts are great. Things for the class.  Ask your child's teacher what she needs.  Some teachers spend a lot of their own money on their classrooms.  Games in my game closet and books on my shelves have been given to me by students and enjoyed by many.
     Class gifts are great.  Collect five dollars or so from each kid and get something from the class.  A gift card to TJ Maxx, Target, a restaurant.  My first year in 5S, my 29 kids collected (with the help of a mom), and I received gift certificates to the teacher store, a bookstore and dinners out.  After Christmas, I brought in much of what I bought, and we had Christmas all over again!
     Two years ago, I had a mom who sent in a personal questionnaire and had me answer all sorts of neat questions about what I did for fun, my favorite colors, and favorite foods.  I felt so cared for!  She wound up giving me a thoughtful gift of payment for one month of Netflix and some movie watching snacks.
     Snacks...just like any holiday, too much food is, well, too much food.  So unless it's something special and homemade, maybe not.  I share mine at my family Christmas celebrations, but I usually wind up throwing some things away because we can't eat them fast enough.  I hate that.
     Pretend you are buying for a male teacher.  Most of the gifts on this list that we get too many of are never given to our male peers. Because they are hard to buy for, they get more practical things.  Sometimes, we women teachers are a little envious...
     Truth, it IS the thought that counts.  I can tell.  My kids love me to open their gifts in front of them. They are excited.  And when it comes down to it, really gets down to it, that's all that really matters!
  

Teachers Appreciate

     I follow a few craft blogs, and I can't help but notice lots of buzz about teacher gifts. It makes sense, I suppose, as we're rapidly approaching May and with that comes teacher appreciation celebrations and the end of  the school year for some.  (We end in mid-June.)
     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:

     I kid you not, they gave me a T.J. Maxx gift card, and I just used it last week for this much-cuter-on-than-on-the hanger-not-school-appropriate-halter-dress.  Whoa, right?  Better than an "apple gift," to be sure.
     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...

Teacher Gifts

(My friend Tina asked me for teacher gift suggestions, and then Laura wrote about it at Catholic Teacher Musings, so I kind of had help with this concept--

but the list is all mine.)

At this time of year, some thoughtful parents and students are looking for end-of-year teacher gift ideas. It's nice to be remembered with anything, however here are some of my all time favorites:

1) A note from the student and/or parent. I keep all of those, and I will reread each and every one someday. I have a special box reserved for such written expressions. They are the best!

2) A gift or service to charity, and to me a letter describing it. Last year I got some great ones, from Judah, Melanie and Chasen. See, I do remember.

(International Justice Mission, Peyton's Fund, and Hesed House.)

3) Gift cards to bookstores, restaurants, or in my case--Crate and Barrel--those always bring a, "Yee ha," albeit a silent one.

4) Annuals for my yard.

5) Things for the classroom, bean bag chairs, books, stickers, or games for rainy day recess. No, they may not seem like gifts to me, but since I spend my own money on such things, they really are!

6) The longest lasting gift I got was from my first class, a tall director's chair personalized by each one of them (and there were 29 that year). I sit it in to read aloud every day. My kids are always fascinated at the signatures of those who came before them.

7) When one resourceful mom takes up a collection, a small amount from each family, that can make for a special gift. That same year I received a gift certificate to downtown Naperville good for great stores and lots of restaurants.

8) Note paper. Alec gave me a pad of paper so thick and groovy that I had it all of last year and well into this year. On the last sheet, I sent another thank you to his mom (let's face it, moms do most of the picking).

9) Chocolate.

Need I say more?

10) I once had a mom joke she was going to give me a case of diet Pepsi, and you know what? That would have been okay! (Diet Dew would be too!) Simple pleasures!

11) Another mom and son gave me three bottles of Bath and Body Works hand soap. At first I found it curious, but it was really practical, and it lasted forever, so I wound up loving it!

12) My friend Annemarie has been known to give her kids' teachers scratch off lottery tickets. I did this when Mac was in H.S. and he got the funniest thank you notes in return. Quite the bang for each buck.

13) Added Thursday, 5/21, after showering...salon quality shampoo and conditioner. Two parents have presented me with "curly" products. Thoughtful and practical, gotta love it!

This year, a few weeks back, a super generous mom had me fill out a questionnaire asking what my hobbies were, how I planned on spending my summer days, where I like to eat out, etc. I just found that so thoughtful--it doesn't matter what she and her daughter may choose for me, that ask was a gift in itself. They want to know me, and I found that touching.

And an aside...Gifts to avoid:

Coffee mugs

Paperweights

Apple crap (anything "teacher-y)

Candles (only because one of my friends got 17 one Christmas)

Bubble bath or scented body lotion--I've pretty much an "unscented" gal, and so I usually regift this type thing to a friend or donate it to a thrift store right away. Plus, who has time to soak in a tub?

Two Gifts

I have received some thoughtful, generous and cute gifts from my kids. It's obvious most have come from the heart--either the child's heart, a parent's heart, or both. I have been blessed so richly in my life, there's really nothing I need. So, early on in my career, I opted to take a chance and find a way to carefully share my wish for "alternative" gifts. I love a gift of writing, we've needed games for our indoor recess cabinet and books for our class library, and some classes have taken on special services projects.

This past year, for some reason, it felt more awkward to make this ask. Assuming families might want to get me gifts is a little weird, so I made no such request until after Christmas. Then before Valentine's Day, I sent home a gently worded letter requesting my classroom families do something for someone with less if they ever wanted to present me with a gift. Always the teacher, I asked the student tell me about the gift in a note.

For Valentine's Day, along with chocolate and flowers, I received a few such gifts, and at year's end, I received more gift-to-others gifts. I was so touched. Two in particular have come back to touch me throughout this summer.

The first was a gift from Judah and his family. They made a monetary donation to The International Justice Mission. This human rights organization serves those with much less by rescuing victims from oppression: slavery, prostitution, police brutality, and illegal property seizures.

Coincidentally, the founder of IJM, Gary Haugen, spoke at the Leadership Summit this week. He was gentle and so funny, and he told us from 8:30-9:00 every morning his staff, no matter how busy they are, stop everything to pray and read the Bible. It was a powerful reminder to me and somewhat of a challenge--if these people can do this wherever they are, with the work they face, so should I. So can I. He told us they could not do the work they do without God. Isn't that true of all of us?

Thank you Judah.

The other remarkable gift, was from Melanie and her family. Melanie shared the story of Peyton Elizabeth Rudd, gave me her web link, and made a donation to her family in my name. Peyton lives in Arizona, loves Build a Bear, her little brother, and Disney princesses. She has an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Above you see Peyton before she was diagnosed just last year, and below is the most recent photo of her from her parents' blog. Her daddy writes about her condition and events of her life, but more importantly, the family's faith shines forth in every post. They love and trust in God so much it is evident. They chronicle the medical decisions they face each day, the pain and discomfort she's experiencing, but also the daily joys of their life with their daughter and son. Their faith is deep, and it reaches this stranger far away. My favorite photo was of Peyton being baptized!

Each time they post, I am given a gift. Thank you Mel.

Belated Christmas Gifts

     My friend Adam posted a link for these bags on his facebook wall yesterday, and I had to check them out.  Apparently the designer has something to do with Glee, but I don't care about that.  What I do care about is:  1) these bags are adorable, 2) they are affordable, and 3) they are reusable.  The thing I LOVE about them is part of the proceeds go to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  So I bought ten.  It was quite a deal.

     My friends and I don't exchange gifts, and in fact this year, I have stuck to a tight budget and bought gifts only for some children and college students I know.  But...some of my teacher friends are getting late Christmas/Happy New Year gifts around Jan. 3.  So look out P.C., B.D., A.B., and M.N.  (The last two are for me.  Did I mention I like reusable shopping bags?)  We teachers are always schlepping something...

Wondrous Wedding Gifts!

Yesterday, my student teacher and I were talking about her bridal registry, and it made me think of this post from my early blogging days, September 2008 to be exact.  The comments the first time around were so fun but few, I'd love to hear from my newer readers!

When Brad and I were married last summer, we were overwhelmed by the generous gifts we received. The people we love and whom love us were incredibly generous, and it touched us deeply.

We sat on the couch the evening after the reception opening the gifts and dozens of cards, and Brad read each card to me. His voice broke many times due to the loving words that were shared with us. We could picture each friend or family member reading a number of cards before selecting just the right card. Each sentiment was so thoughtful. We tied the cards with a ribbon and we have them still.

But we did have one laugh, a card that essentially read, "Lotsa Luck", with the implied meaning "You're going to need it!" Its message makes us smile wryly, till this day.

So, the question for this week is:

What's the most unusual wedding or shower gift

you received or know of someone receiving?

Some examples:

My cousin Michael and his wife Nancy received two oddly shaped Steuben drinking glasses unlike anything they were registered for. Since they were from Mike's friend, Nancy asked him to write the thank you note. When the friend received the note thanking him for the glasses, he called Mike laughing, and said, "Turn them over." Only then did Mike notice the candle divots in the bottom of the "glasses."

At a shower for my first wedding, many years ago, I received a decorative wire basket. It was shaped like a chicken and filled with plastic straw and eggs. Country was all the rage at the time, true, but I had registered for all contemporary items. I employed my best poker face (I hope) as I opened that gift and tried to figure out what it was!

I know of one groomsman who talked all his fellow groomsmen and other attendees of a bachelor party into buying toasters for the couple. So the bride and groom received at least a dozen of the same gift on their wedding day.

That must have taken some explaining at the Bed, Bath and Beyond returns desk.

But the topper just might be...a friend from my women's small group tells me she received marijuana from one of her new husband's friends! Ah, now there's some wicked sentiment...

(Coincidentally, they aren't married any more. And, no photo needed!)

Disclaimer: This isn't meant to be a mean post, just a fun on

Please have fun with it!

Like Emma wrote, our "good for the world"

A number of years ago, I decided to ask my kids to do things for others at Christmas instead of presenting me with gifts. This wasn't my own "lightbulb" of an idea, I copied it from my son's elementary school where, back in his day, each class adopted a family in need and the students were asked to buy gifts for them instead of their teachers.

As a teacher, I have received some beautiful, thoughtful and generous gifts, but I have found it IS much better to give than receive. During our first service field trip to the elder day care center in Batavia, the town where I teach, I decided they would be recipients of this year's Christmas benevolence.

So I wrote a letter of explanation to my parents, and I was overwhelmed by their generosity. My students are a blessing to me, as are their families, and so I did what I've been reminded about in church, I took my blessings and blessed others with them.

Funny thing, I feel most blessed! Go figure...

Today we presented the staff and clients at the center with:

Dozens of homemade cards

A Michael's gift card

A Best Buy gift card

Various kitchen utensils

An electric hand mixer

A "crooner" CD (Too fun explaining that term to my kids, Dean Martin was an early crush of mine, and by early I think I fell in love with him when I was 5!)

Arts and crafts supplies

After the kids opened their presents to the clients, we played Bingo--my kids never tire of that, had cookies and visited with the folks there. We sang a couple of Christmas songs altogether, but then we were out of time. We had to walk back to school in the sunshine and snow. We sang ourselves out of the room,

"We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

It was quietly good.

Matthew opens his gift to the center. The center is in an old elementary school, so we used the stage as a counter.

Chris takes on the task of calling Bingo numbers. Note his finesse--boot in the air. Lauren's checking off the numbers he calls.

Lauren's turn to call. She was not shy. And no, we don't always wear football jerseys, but today's "Wacky Wednesday" was Team Shirt Day. Were there any photos of me, you'd see me sporting a Peyton Manning shirt. (My husband's from Indy.)

Mark and his mom, Cindy. She's walked on each trip with us--today's was a gift as she's Florida born and hates the cold (it snowed about 4" last night)! Thanks Cindy!

Anna's job was passing out the prizes, but she'd scoot back to her seat to play, too! This game is cutthroat, and it's not the kids who are most into it!

Harold, Anna, and Kylee's dad. Harold was cutting up with Kylee's dad. Chris called "I 29," and Harold called back, "I wish!" Kylee's dad left wondering what else he could do to help. Don't I have wonderful "parents"? See, Anna got back to her seat between delivering prizes. Don't you love that sunshine streaming through the windows? Bright sun and 20 degree temps today.

Josh passing out cookies. These kids have such loving servants' hearts.

So Fragged Off!

Oy.

On the way home tonight, it's Friday Fragments time but I'm writing on Thursday, I was listing the things I need to get done, and I found myself pretty certain it was time for me to take a blog break.  It's been a weird week, and I just can't seem to find the time to pay attention to this blog.  May is going to be busy, super so, and I might need some time off.

So these fragments are a look back and a look ahead, and we'll see about the break.

Birthday Fragments:
My husband turned 60 on Tuesday, but I celebrated him all month.

He received a card a day from people who love him and he loved it...

And we had a surprise party on Saturday.  He was really surprised.  But what I found out is...I didn't like keeping a secret from him.  It was too hard.  We talk about everything.  And I had to censor myself for over a month.  Not fun.

Party?  Fun!

Would you believe he wouldn't let me light his candles?  He didn't want to ruin his Portillo's chocolate cake!  Not sure what our Jeanette is doing in that picture.  And...even though I said no gifts, our friend Walt brought a box of "clay pigeons."  Yee ha!  (And other friends brought candy which I've been nibbling on tonight.  So wrong of me!)

Work Fragment:
My student teacher's time is coming to an end, today was her last teaching day, so I'm back in the saddle.  May is so fragmented due to field trips, assessments, art mom visits, read ins, mom's day gifts, assessments, a huge project (they will be shocked those kiddies will), field trips...not a normal day in the month!

Family Fragments:
My son graduates from the MLIS program at LSU in BR LA in three weeks.  Woo hoo!  Can't wait to wear a sundress in May!

My niece is still with us, and she just got a job at Gilly Hicks.  I'm not sure how I feel about her "uniform" of really short shorts and a tank.  Sorry, no photo available!

Fundraising Fragment:
Our annual annuals sale is going on at school, and I'm in charge of that.  Time to figure out what our yard needs...

Flower Fragment:  
One of my tutoring parents gave me five hydrangeas.  Five! Keeping them alive inside has been tough, they're in such little pots they just dry up.  But we're hoping they hold on until we can get them in the ground.  If you live somewhere where hydrangeas actually stay this color, you are blessed!

Fitness Fragment:
And, on top of all this, I've made a commitment to (continue to) exercise.  I purchased and swiftly received (Saturday order, Tuesday arrival) the Brazil Butt program.

The first time I've ever ordered something from an infomercial.  I like it so far, and I can tell if I stick with it (and for three payments of 19.95 plus shipping, I will) there will be changes.  (It takes up to an hour six out of seven days.  Eep!)

Health Fragment:
On NewsRadio 720 I heard a story like this one and the focus was on women who don't get enough sleep, but I couldn't find the link on-line for the exact story I heard.  Basically, I have always been selfish about sleep.  I need seven hours a night, no less.  The facts say it all. Women don't take care of themselves because they take care of others--at the expense of their health. So I do choose to sleep versus blog (as well as other things).

Do you?  Should you?

Faith Fragment:
Now onto a purer topic, my anniversary present to Brad was a copy of Jesus Calling.  On nights we're both home, we share a devotional.  We'd been using the library's copy, but you know, it's a lending library not a keeping library, and in time even with renewals, they'd want the book back so...

Friend Fragment:
My blog friend Stacy wrote about having blog ruts.  It made me think.  I always have something to write about.  Whether or not it's interesting or relevant to anyone but me is a wonder, but the time thing that's my obstacle.  With work, tutoring, commuting, devotionals, exercising and sleeping I just sometimes feel pressured to blog.  And I don't want to feel anything but enjoyment about this little web destination.

So if I'm absent a lot in May it's because life is good.  Not amazing, but just right and full--you know full of blog fodder I just don't have energy to share!

Thanks Mrs. 4444:

Go check out the other fraggers at Half Past Kissin' Time!

Why I Donate to Goodwill

     For years, when I lived in Naperville, I donated things to a thrift store that benefited a school for students with special needs.  I lived in a condo, and I couldn't leave my stuff on the curb for a scheduled pick-up, and I didn't like the idea of using always-overflowing-charity drop boxes.  The shop was quaint, but dropping things off was a hassle.

      Then a Goodwill store opened in my town, and I appreciated the ease of dropping off and the kindness of the people who would unload my goods.  They made giving easy.  Easy is inviting in our busy world.
     I'm always shocked by people who clean out their garages, basements or closets and throw things away versus donating them.  Such actions have a devastating impact on our environment.
    Just because I don't want something doesn't mean someone else won't.  I have to find a place for each thing I no longer need or use.
    I'm pretty analytical when I go through my belongings; doing so is a work in progress. There is always a Goodwill pile in my closet.  When it's big enough to fill a bag, I do so and take it over to the store that's closest to me now, in Montgomery.

     As a rule, I don't hold onto something until it's worn-out or unusable. If something is too small (why are things never too big?), I put it in the donate pile.  Someone smaller else can and will make good use of it, so why should I hold onto it?  If I come across something I haven't worn in a year or more, it goes in the pile. If I look at something and have doubts about the style, it gets donated.  I ask myself, "If I saw this in a store today, would I buy it?" If the answer is no, pile.
     As a library user, I'm pretty "green" in my book ways, but if for some reason I buy a book, it goes in the pile as soon as I'm finished.
     Even some of the gifts my students give me go into the pile.  Any one teacher can have too many trinkets, mugs, candy jars, and book bags, and since I'm an anti-clutter nut my re-gifting of new items benefits Goodwill.
     So why do I give?
     Purging things gives me room to move!
     It's green, if you go to the Goodwill website you will see a tally for over one billion pounds of stuff has been diverted from landfills through donations to Goodwill this year alone. Yep, I had to use my teacher place value skills to wrap my head around that number.  Especially since it's growing larger all the time!
     But what I didn't remember until recently, the profits from donated items are used to provide on-the-job training for adults with different needs.  I wrote "remember" because my mom used to give to and trust Goodwill for that reason alone.  You can go to their website and use a quick calculator to find out how many hours you've financed with your donations this year.  My total was 9.9 hours. You can also read about people who've been helped with that job training.  That's simply a feel good.
     And who doesn't need one of those?
     So clean, green, and helping people.
     The real question should be, How can we get more people to join The Donate Movement?