From a teacher to couponers regarding "teacher gifts"...

[hellokittygirl]

When my 3 sons were in school, I showed my appreciation to their teachers by volunteering whenever I could and in anyway I could. Whether it was just typing up a note that was going home to the parents, chaperoning a field trip, helping out with classroom projects or planning and organizing the class parties. You might be surprised how much giving some of your time can mean to a teacher.......and the kids.

That's so true. My mom was a "room mother" when I was in elementary school and she really helped make my early school years fun for the whole classroom. She'd help out with holiday parties and do organizational things, or make cupcakes once a month for that month's birthdays, etc. It didn't take that much time, but everyone appreciated her for it, especially the teachers.

Now my mom IS a teacher herself! I know from what she tells me, she spends a lot on special supplies and "extras" for her kids, and it comes out of her pocket. Maybe a good gift for a teacher would be a book on her wish list that they want for the classroom book shelf, for example.

[sadetom]

Basically it comes down to how you feel either you do it or you don't. I don't feel guilty about not sending anything in. I send in different things throughout the year to help out the classroom or school. I don't like that people make other people fell obligated to give gifts just because they are doing it. Don't get upset because of what 1 or 2 teachers wrote, that is their opinion and you are most likely still going to do what you normally do anyway. We are all couponers here and love free stuff we get, just remember if the teacher has a smile on his or her face when they get their presents, because I can almost betcha there is not a teacher in this world that would look at "Lil Johnny" and say " I would of really rather you brought me some pencils instead" but then again maybe there is. I know that the teachers my kids had last year LOVED that I gave them the glade flameless candles for christmas with some chocolates. I got a letter from all of them men and woman, that it was nice to have something like a candle in their class that they had a pleassent smell to it instead of just old air freshners gels. So do it if you want and don't if you don't want to. Whether it is free or not doesn't really matter, MOST TEACHERS will be appreciative regardless:):shrug7:

[MariaT]

OP, I think that is an extremely ungracious response to receiving a gift of ANY kind. The last time I remember having a "wish-list" of what I would like to receive as a gift, I was 12, shopping out of the sear's catalog. Thoughtlessness is when you don't receive a gift at all, cause you never crossed someone's mind. The fact that a parent thought of you at all, should tell you otherwise. I bet if the parent's read your post you wouldn't have to worry about all those "thoughtless" gifts coming your way, they would dry up real quick. Everyone would like to think that they're hard earned money (or time in a couponer's case) would at least be met with some appreciation. I for one would certainly not continue gifting to someone so ungrateful.

I completely agree with this post.
While I'm not a teacher, I'm also in the position where everyone in my office will get me a little something at the holiday time. And it's the same type of candles, wine bottles, lotions, etc. I don't mind at all. I'll burn the candles and be grateful to the person that gave them to me. I'll drink the wine happily with dinner and be grateful to the person. And I'll be smelling my best everyday thanks to a generous person in the office. I don't care in the least how much was spent. It's just SO nice to know that someone thought of ME.

[scissorbill]

OP, I think that is an extremely ungracious response to receiving a gift of ANY kind. The last time I remember having a "wish-list" of what I would like to receive as a gift, I was 12, shopping out of the sear's catalog. Thoughtlessness is when you don't receive a gift at all, cause you never crossed someone's mind.

I think the OP meant 'classroom wishlist' which for my son's class included:
tissues
Clorox wipes
Ziplock bags

[Niddi]

My children attended a small private school and we never tried to give expensive gifts like some of the partents did, we simply could not afford it. The week before Christmas break we would fix up a large platter of homemade cookies, fudge, breads, etc. and place it in the teachers lounge with a note of appreciation to all the teachers. They seemed to really enjoy that.

[#1RobThomasfan]

I can say that having been a parent volunteer before ever teaching that you'd have to be in that classroom to see the love and dedication many teachers put forth everyday not to mention using their own money for things. I watched DS's Kindergarten teacher juggle a full class with a child in it with behavior problems so bad it required medical intervention. One behaviorally challenged child can change the classroom dynamics for students and teachers. I can't imagine not appreciating my sons teachers even if it is just with a glade candle or chocolates. I try to give small "have a great day gifts" to lift a teachers spirits. Teachers work hard don't let anyone fool you. Just remember while your being kind ask if a teacher is allergic to lotions,perfumes or any foods. :)

[supershopper1980]

I see both sides of the issue. I am always grateful for any gifts that my students and their family choose to give me. I always make a big deal in front of the child and send appropriate thank you notes. That said: the 2 most common gifts I receive, perfumed lotion and candles, can not be used by me. I have severe allergies (as well as my husband), so the candles can not be burned in my home. I also have eczema so I am unable to use most lotions, especially those that are perfumed. It's not that I am ungrateful for these gifts, it is that I can't use them and must find someone who can.
I just wanted to mention that during my 8 years in the teaching profession the greatest gift I have ever received was a hand written letter from a parent noting specific things that I had done for her child. It was written from the heart and even had a sentence from the child. I will treasure that note always. It means more to me than all the gift cards, lotion, candles and treats combined. The second greatest gift was that of time. I had a mother who came to me and asked every monday what I needed help with that week. Sometimes it was simply sorting some papers, sometimes more. She was reliable and was doing it to help me, that I appreciated.

[Lori63]

Do liquor stores have gift baskets? What better way to show appreciation for teachers than gifts of alcohol.

Sounds good to me! I've always thought my ID should get me a discount there~

Seriously, back to the OP-I never thought of it that way. I work in a mostly low/no income school, 85% free lunch, etc. I would LOVE a free candle or basket.
Something I never realized when I was a parent and not a teacher-sending in an extra box of tissues, hand sanitizer, etc. throughout the year is extremely thoughtful.
Of course, there's also a huge need for chocolate-a little Hershey's Kiss is just what teachers need at 3:00 (and 9, 11, 1) on most days-might save someone's sanity.

[hbaqueen]

OP, I think that is an extremely ungracious response to receiving a gift of ANY kind. The last time I remember having a "wish-list" of what I would like to receive as a gift, I was 12, shopping out of the sear's catalog. Thoughtlessness is when you don't receive a gift at all, cause you never crossed someone's mind. The fact that a parent thought of you at all, should tell you otherwise. I bet if the parent's read your post you wouldn't have to worry about all those "thoughtless" gifts coming your way, they would dry up real quick. Everyone would like to think that they're hard earned money (or time in a couponer's case) would at least be met with some appreciation. I for one would certainly not continue gifting to someone so ungrateful.

I agree with this 100%.

[nurseannette]

I should have been a teacher. Summers off, lots of free candles. Fudge
during the holidays.
I personally like to think anything I send with my child to give to the teacher
would be very appreciated and recieved with a grateful heart.
Probably investing yourself in your child's education would be the best gift of all.