Gift Ideas for Young Toddler Day Care Teacher

Updated on May 01, 2008
K.P. asks from Ballwin, MO
9 answers

Hi everyone. I am looking for some creative, thoughtful gift ideas for my son's daycare teacher. I don't know much about her. He is brand new to the school. So far things are going really well and I want to give her something special for Thanksgiving. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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So What Happened?

Thanks everyone for the great ideas. I am going to take several bits of your advise. I am going to give her a gift card to a restaurant and a small assortment of lotions etc. Thanks for the advise.

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D.T.

answers from Atlanta on

Something edible, or usable like the bath things one person suggested, is the way to go. Teachers get so many trinkets that they eventually run out of room for them. Or, give her something she loves. One year I had a mother who gave me a questionaire to fill out that asked me about my favorite color, candy, flowers, and place to shop. Throughout the year she gave me various gifts based on my answers. Also gift certificates to places like Target, Bath&Body, or someplace good to eat are also nice.

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C.R.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi K.,
I am a veteran preschool teacher. What a nice gesture on your part!!
I wasn't sure if he is in public or private (I am in private) preschool. Preschool teachers make very little money for their loving efforts. I always laugh and say that is is a "Labor of Love". I have been at the same school in Roswell for 19 years.
You didn't say if the gift was for a birthday, end of the year, classroom donation, etc.
Try notto be too personal with gifts. Hand lotion is appreciated, small gift cards to Target or Walmart or Dollar Tree, where we shop for classroom supplies, lunch gift certificates to a restaurant like Nirvana or Moe's for $10.00.
My school has the teachers fill out a "favorites" list at the beginning of the school year. This usually has the restaurants that they like, where they shop, what they eat (dark chocolate, etc). Inquire about this in the office. If she has a teaching partner, ask that person, or the Director.
Keep it small, nothing lavish. Just a token of your appreciation for the fun-filled day that she has given to your child.
Hope this helps.
Cathy

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A.J.

answers from Atlanta on

I was a young toddler teacher for about 5 years and I have to say the best gifts from parents were gift cards because it was great when the holidays were coming up we had a little extra to spend on our families. But something I also would have loved would have been a parafin hand treatment kit or a really good hand cream. We washed our hands until they were ready to fall off. So thats something I know she would appreciate. Good Luck.

A.

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T.B.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi K.,

You might try making a thank you card and personalizing it with your son's picture and thanking her for specific things she's helped him accomplish and learn thus far. Good luck.

Laura

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B.L.

answers from Atlanta on

Homemade cookies wrapped in colored cyran wrap paper. Your little boy can help too!

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C.H.

answers from Augusta on

You could make a small gift basket with a few cookies, maybe some bath wash or soaps. U can even buy those eye mask VERY cheap. Like a dollar or 2. Were all so thankful for those who watch our kids (personally not there yet) and allow our kids to drive them crazy so think soothing! Just put a bunch of soothing things...maybe a book and those little scented bath balls with a few of thos mask u can buy at wal-mart.

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A.S.

answers from Atlanta on

As a previous teacher of over 10 years, I wanted to just weigh in here. As for food, unless you know exactly what she likes or is/isn't allergic to skip the food. Honestly, most food gifts are either thrown away by the days end or given away to the "staff lounge". Same with coffee stuff. Each year I ended up with 3-4 large baskets of coffees and the key was I am not a coffee drinker and neither is my hubby. so, it was always given away by the days end so as not to waste it. As with Bath soaps, bath beads, and lotions, again unless you know of a specific fragrance she prefers don't go this route. I can't tell you how many bottles of fragrance I have tossed out over the years because I couldn't swap it or return it for something I liked the smell of day in and day out. Be sure if you go with bath stuff to make sure she doesn't have allergies. One of my coworkers is allergic to certain oils and ended up having to throw out or give away bath products.

the one piece of advice I will throw out is make sure your teacher is not from a religion that doesn't accept gifts. There are some people who are not allowed to accept them per religious beliefs. It can be a very uneasy situation for this person to have to refuse your gift and risk hurting your feelings OR to have them give it away to someone else so as not to offend saying something to you.

The best gifts I ever got were gift cards to movies, places to eat, or various other stores. That way I got to choose something I liked or preferred.

C.H.

answers from Atlanta on

I don't know why this is just now showing up, but I make all natural soy candles (paraffin candles are very toxic and should never be burned in the house- esp if there are young children!). I would be more than willing to send you some pictures of candles I make. I can also make custom candles per your request!

C. Hiebel
www.candlewealth.com/soy4u
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K.H.

answers from Macon on

Hi K.! I know you've already received responses, but I had some other ideas. How about some personalized stationery? Or if there is a gift boutique in your area that sells monogrammed tote bags, key chains, etc. even if you just purchase a gift certificate. I am an assistant director at a childcare/learning center and we always receive candy, cookies, lotions/bath products. I thought this was a different idea.

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