Need Suggestion for Giftcard Amount (or other gift) for 1st Grade Teacher (home, tenant)

[Alltheusernamesaretaken]

Tipping is handing someone cash. Giftcards for teachers does not qualify as "tipping."

As far as too many mugs, lotions, etc., this is why I give Christmas cookies. =)

[smagid]

We do gift cards ($25 to a restaurant or store like Target or Kohls) for the main teacher and small items for the bus driver and other speciality teachers. It's to show your appreciation. I do something at the holidays and again at the end of the year.

[CaliTerp07]

As a middle school teacher (different than 1st grade, I know), the best gift I could be given right now is a basket full of pencils, erasers, eraser caps, mini sharpeners, tape, etc. I think in the past 3-4 months, I've spent $50-75 on just pencils for the kids who come daily without them.

[HereinVA]

Originally Posted by CaliTerp07

As a middle school teacher (different than 1st grade, I know), the best gift I could be given right now is a basket full of pencils, erasers, eraser caps, mini sharpeners, tape, etc. I think in the past 3-4 months, I've spent $50-75 on just pencils for the kids who come daily without them.

Wanted to rep you for this but it told me I have to spread more around first.

Thanks for the suggestions! This is the first year I am the parent of a middle schooler, and wasn't really sure what to do!

[CaliTerp07]

Originally Posted by HereinVA

Thanks for the suggestions! This is the first year I am the parent of a middle schooler, and wasn't really sure what to do!

The other thing I would LOVE is a handwritten card from the student--because I know how difficult it is for them to a) write anything and b) think about someone other than themselves (ohhhh 13 year olds).

[michgc]

I gave $10 toward a group gift card for my daughter's 4th grade teacher and did the same for my daughter's 1st grade teacher. I will give each of my son's preschool teachers a $10 giftcard - usually to Trader Joe's or Safeway - somewhere useful but they can indulge in a treat, too. I also give a $10 giftcard to the mail carrier and the school bus driver. I do this at Christmas and again at the end of the year. Unfortunately, I do not have a cleaning woman. :-(

[Flamingo13]

Originally Posted by tgbwc

Just make sure the teacher drinks coffee. I guess they have other drinks too, but I think of it for primarily coffee drinkers.

Agreed - I don't like coffee and personally wouldn't want Starbucks.

[marie5v]

Originally Posted by bellasdad

My daughter adores her 1st grade teacher. Whenever we see her, we make sure to let her know how appreciative we are of all her efforts.

We'd like to give her a giftcard (or other gift) to show our appreciation of her hard work. In addition to being great with all the kids, she uses her own money to buy books, etc. for her students.

We were considering getting a gift card to Target in the amount of $20-$40...tho I wouldn't hesitate to give her much more. I realize that there is an amount that's too high..an amount that may leave her feeling uncomfortable or leave her feeling obligated to give our child preferential treatment. We absolutely don't want that.

All that said, what is an "ideal" gift or an ideal giftcard amount for a 1st grade teacher?

Thanks, in advance, for any input!

I have been a teacher for a long, long time. I have gotten gift cards from 5-50, all appreciated regardless of the amount. The thing is, I don't require a gift like that - I am more than happy with a letter or card that expresses appreciation, or even better, is addressed to my boss. This is really the best gift. If you have to do a gift certificate, then I think 20 is just fine. It really isn't the amount - it's the thought. That's why I recommend just giving the thought.

[bellasdad]

Originally Posted by marie5v

I have been a teacher for a long, long time. I have gotten gift cards from 5-50, all appreciated regardless of the amount. The thing is, I don't require a gift like that - I am more than happy with a letter or card that expresses appreciation, or even better, is addressed to my boss. This is really the best gift. If you have to do a gift certificate, then I think 20 is just fine. It really isn't the amount - it's the thought. That's why I recommend just giving the thought.

Point well taken, thank you!

[LVMYDACH]

Originally Posted by Flamingo13

Agreed - I don't like coffee and personally wouldn't want Starbucks.

Starbucks has other things besides coffee which include other drinks, muffins/pastrys, sandwiches etc. So I'm sure if a teacher got a gift card from Starbucks it wouldn't go unused!