Score An A+ With These Thoughtful Teacher Gifts
December is the season of giving, and nobody deserves a little love more than our New York City teachers.
Let’s face it, they’re underpaid, spend countless hours working at both school and home to enrich the lives of our kids, and (in most cases) wouldn’t trade what they do for a million bucks.
Those gifts can add up quickly, though, and trying to figure out what to give can sometimes be overwhelming. This is especially true for families on a tight budget, or those who add therapists, counselors, and paraprofessionals to their child’s teaching team.
Luckily, it doesn’t take a large bank account to show that special teacher just how much they mean to your family.
“I truly appreciate any gift that a student gives me,” said kindergarten teacher Liz Bradstreet. “Sometimes they will give things they have found around the house, a picture they drew, or something they made with their parents just to be able to give something, and those are the ones that really touch you.”
Classroom supplies are always appreciated – and oftentimes – desperately needed.
“I think the most useful gifts,” Ms. Bradstreet said, “are always things you can use in the classroom – books, gift cards to book stores, teacher stores, Amazon, markers, toys, etc. A lot of us spend a lot of money out of pocket, so gifts like those always help relieve some of those costs.”
Fellow kindergarten teacher Frances Delgado agreed.
“Teachers never have all the materials they need to provide their students with a wholesome learning experience,” she explained. “For me, it’s definitely multi-sensory materials to help my diverse group of learners.
“Amazon is always my go-to,” she added. “They always have everything I need and free two day shipping! It doesn’t get better than that.”
Really getting to know your child’s teacher, and taking the time to put together a gift that reflects their personality is also a meaningful way to say thanks.
“Something like a gift card to my nail place, my favorite snack, flowers, something that represents my college (I’m the stereotypical fanatic), or a treat for my dog shows they really thought about me and what I personally like.”
When considering holiday gifts, keep in mind that while the Department of Education does not put a specific monetary limit on educator gifts, it’s best of keep those dollar amounts low.
Parents and/or guardians may wish to make gifts to officials and employees at the end of the year and at similar occasions, such as holidays, weddings, and the birth of an official’s or employee’s child. However, discretion must be used to ensure that officials and employees do not accept gifts of value from individual children, parents, or guardians. Only those gifts that are principally sentimental in nature and of small financial value may be accepted.
Group gifts from the entire class offer a bit more flexibility, but note that the gift must be from every student – whether their family was able to contribute or not.
Officials and employees may accept gifts from whole classes, their parents and/or guardians, provided that each student, parent or guardian in the class has the opportunity to sign the card or note that comes with the gift, whether or not the student, parent or guardian contributed to the cost of the gift. In addition, students, their parents and/or guardians may not be asked to contribute more than a small amount of money toward such class gifts.
Some schools also have individual policies regarding gifts, so it’s always a good idea to check with the front office for specific guidelines.
When push comes to shove, there’s no need to stress over teacher gifts. Write a note, send a sweet treat, share a gift card, have the kids work a little art project magic – just show these special individuals that your family cares, and you really can’t go wrong.
“It’s always nice to feel acknowledged at the holidays,” said principal Amy Rodriguez, “and even the so-called worst gifts bring a smile.”
