I completely forgot to send a contribution for the end of year present for my sons teacher (male, young and married), so now I have to go and buy a gift card for this afternoon, so here’s my question: for you teachers out there, what type of GC would you prefer to get, something from like Target or Walmart or something like for the Movie theater or maybe Starbucks? Anything else? What would be a good amount?
Thanks again!
Thank you ladies, I ended up buying a GC for the Movie theater; I figured that it had to be something generic because I don’t know him too well (or at all for that matter), but I wanted something that he and his wife could enjoy and I guess everyone goes to the movies at some point or another! Next time though, I’ll remember to send my contribution because buying a present on my own ends up being more than double $ ;-)
Sorry I'm late to the party! But here's a post I wrote about this very topic just today!
http://educationmom.com/2012/06/01/em-gem-12-what-a-teach...
I am a teacher and was pleasantly surprised at the gift cards I received this year! I got a $25 visa which is wonderful (never received something this big before!) and a Starbucks and Cold Stone. I also had students personalize the gift by getting something they see me use on a daily basis. This year was really an exception as I teach middle school and rarely get the gifts (I teach American History and it just isn't a fav). Anyway... I was really touched.
As a teacher for low income students/families, I never got anything of this sort. I never expected it. Simple thank yous or small gifts (usually dandelions picked at recess or an old toy brought from home) was enough for me...of course I couldn't keep the toys - sometimes it was all they had. I displayed it on my desk for the day and played with it "one last time" before encouraging them to take it home and keep it.
However, I think anywhere you choose would be a nice gesture and any amount you give will be appreciated...
Do you have any idea of what he likes?
My daughter's AP History teacher is a HUGE TX Longhorn fan and wears something Longhorn to school daily. She got a $25 GC from Academy Sports where he can find Longhorn gear and she clipped it with one of those heavy duty magnets that was a TX Longhorn. Just make sure the magnet does not get close to the magnet strip on the GC
Her Algebra teacher never comes to class without some drink from Sonic. She got him a $25 GC from Sonic, since he is there daily. SHe put it in a Sonic cup. He thought she was bringing him a Sonic drink, LOL.
A couple years ago, we were at a Blue Man Group performance and she bought Blue Man drumsticks for her orchestra director because he loves the Blue Man Group. (about $25)
Those are just few things we have done for male teachers.
I would say that anything from a store or theater that has many choices is a good idea. So, maybe not Starbucks if the teacher doesn't like overpriced coffee or doesn't have one in his neighborhood. And nothing at a small or specialized store, just in case that isn't his taste - so not the golf store if you aren't sure he plays golf, you know? But anything that is general is fine (e.g. Target or WalMartt) unless (here we go....) you have any reason to think he doesn't support their corporate practices. A safe thing to do is a local merchant that you know supports the schools at fundraisers, or the movies where he is sure to be able to find something he can enjoy.
Target, definitely. You can get yourself (or family) something fun, or just buy groceries if times are lean.
My goto's have been Barnes and Noble and Cold Stone Creamery. I think Target or a Movie Theater would be nice, as well. Anything so that it's actually a bit of a treat for the teacher.
Like others have said, something that isn't too specialized, but is still a treat for the teacher. Restaurant cards that have 2-3 choices on them? or a VISA card (although you have to pay a $5 fee).
Super nice of you!!!! I also had low income families, and loved the cards and flowers (picked on the way to school).
I gave Subway cards to the preschool teachers. It is one of the closest quick lunch spots around here.
Cold Stone Creamery or other ice cream type shop for the summer is nice, gift card to Office Max or Staples, Walmart or Target (school supplies or any other item can be purchased here). A printed Mixbook of the school year of their students (parents can all contribute, be invited via email to contribute photos then order one themselves if they'd like).
