Hi all, I just found out that our regular (couple of times per week sitter) who is very special to us will be taking a long-term temp teaching (3rd grade) position this spring. I'd like to get her something special for Christmas that she may use for her first "real" job out of college. Was planning on spending the equivalent of a week's pay for her Christmas gift- so up to $150. A special bag/briefcase? Something for her desk? Any general or specific suggestions? Thanks!
How about a gift card to Beckers Parent/Teacher store? She'll need items for her classroom and those things add up FAST.
I agree with the ladies that have suggested gift cards for a teacher's store, or a book series that she can read to the class, (I was given Nate the Great Detective, i think that was the name, and a fingerprint lesson that went with it, so it was a fun interactive series) or a gift card to buy some nice outfits. I think in addition to that she'd love something that you and the girls made just for her, a keepsake of somesort, a book about how much she means to them, christmas tree ornament with their picture in it... I don't think an expensive bag would be practical for her, most often you use a big canvas bag because you have to cart so much stuff back and forth. Good luck, I know it's tough to find something that expresses how much you love and appreciate someone!
S., Wilsons leather is going out of business and on line has been running 30% off & free shipping. Check it out, I think cash is the best though, she probably needs things that only she can buy. Merry Christmas!
Not sure where you live, but the Coach outlet is having great sales. You could get her a professional handbag that would send her off to her new job in style.
I was able to get our au pair a great bag for Christmas for about $140. Retail was $398.
Hope that helps,
-Jenn
ll new teachers are asuppreised to find that, in the real world, that they have to spend so much of their own $ to make a classroom run. Our Student teachers at school always get goodies bundles of items that they will need in a classroom.
Some really good ideas already. U.S Toys has a lot of teacher supplies, and gives good discounts for teachers. Maybe a gift card from there would be helpful. There is one between Lansdale and North Wales, I believe.
My first thought was that she would need a professional wardrobe. So maybe a mall/store gift certificate or shopping spree with you. Along those lines, she might appreciate salon services to get a professional cut and style.
Second thought would be a gift cert to a teaching store. OR perhaps if you know her special interests, go browse and find science kits, books, room decorations,motivational posters, Five minute time filler games like Brain Quest,rubber stamps, motivational stickers, grade books etc etc If you went there and asked they might be able to tell you the most popular items for that grade.
Lastly, i would consider giving her books to read aloud to her class room, I would think they would still do that in third grade right??? The Magic Tree House series is what comes to mind but that might be a bit young, Little house on the Pairie, Encyclopedia Brown, A google search might find a series that is more age appropriate. Just to calm the class after recess or to fill a few minutes at the end of the day. That would be an especially meaningful gift to me, if i had spent time reading to your girls.
Oh, one more idea, Flylady.net has a teacher control journal. I"m not sure if there is a cost or not, but the ideas there might help her to manage her classroom.
If you decide against a nice cash bonus, which I think would be best....how about a nice leather briefcase/messenger/laptop bag?
