Thank You Gifts for Teachers and Counselor

Parents Forum
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<p>I just asked my english teacher to send another teacher recommendation. she was really hesitant because she is swamped with stuff but she still took the form (she got my letter saved on her computer) and said she would try. i feel really guilty...</p>

<p>anyway--</p>

<p>i was already planning to buy gifts and thank you cards for my three teachers and counselor who wrote my rec letters to show my appreciation. afterall, they didn't have to do it.</p>

<p>Gifts for my APUSH teacher (3 recs)
Cliffbars (he is healthy and everyone gives candies)
coffee mug</p>

<p>Gifts for my Trig teacher (2 recs)
Cliffbars (he is on a diet :))
a baby album since he just became a grandfather last year but i am not very sure about this... </p>

<p>Gifts for my English teacher (4 recs... i feel so bad)
a chinese cherrywood jewelry box
music CD but I need ideas (i know she likes reading/working with music, any suggestions?)</p>

<p>Gifts for my counselor (i bug her almost every other day about colleges :p)
photoframes
cute post-its </p>

<p>any suggestions? ideas? when should i give them these? it will probably take me a while to get everything together since i am writing my college essays this weekend.</p>

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<p>I am assuming that you are applying RD? Then the recs will not be needed until some time in December. After the apps have been sent along with the rest of your application materials would be an appropriate time to bring gifts to your teachers and GC.</p>

<p>I don't think you need feel badly about asking for multiple recs from your teachers. Most probably, they will be sending the same rec. Make sure that you fill out as much of the information on the rec form as possible and include a stamped and addressed envelope. </p>

<p>We just got a copy of the illustrated Strunk & White, Elements of Style. It should make for a nice gift for a teacher.</p>

3

<p>Where in Cal?</p>

<p>Here's why I ask. I think they would all like a bit of "out of the norm" gifts, and non-cal, non-alc gifts that I would REALLY appreciate would be CDs of music that might be close to their mainstream but a bit of a challenge to them. Gotta guess they are at least exploring some forms of what was once known as "classical" music, either actively or more passively. Try and get them something that is recent and with a regional hook and I think they will certainly appreciate it! And if it is from a living, breathing composer, all the better (assuming, of course, that the stuff is at least semi-approachable). Finally, you can pen a note of gratitude inside the CD cover for them to always remember you by!</p>

<p>Oh, and FYI, Amazon is one of the world's greatest solutions when employing this approach, as they would have all this stuff...</p>

<p>If you are in NoCal, seek out a recent Michael Tilson Thomas/SFO Sym recording that is a bit off the beaten path. There must be a few recent releases that, if you went to a <em>real</em> CD store, would be able to direct you to some choice offerings. Even if it were, oh, "Thomas duz Gershwin," I think the recipient would really appreciate the exploration it would provide, even if they played it once and offered it to the Used Records store on the corner.</p>

<p>The composer John Adams has made quite a name for himself over the past decade, and is a NoCal native/resident. A bit of a crossover work that would appeal to many is his "The Chairman Dances," pieces from an Opera focusing on Nixon's visit to see Chm Mao. Or, go for one of my faves, his "Harmonium," which includes the SFO Symphony in a supporting role. A great choral work.</p>

<p>If in SoCal, I am on somewhat stonger ground in my thoughts. The LA Master Chorale has an unbelievable CD of Morton Lauridsen choral works, entitled "Lux Aeterna", that received great acclaim globally when it was released. Some of the NPR stations used it as a gift for subscribers while doing their fund-raising, so it had to pass muster with the PC Police and the marketing department (!).</p>

<p>The LA Chamber Orchestra has a great CD with Hilary Hahn playing the Bach Violin concerti (on Deutche Gramaphone, or DGG) that would rev up the heartbeat of anyone hwo disdains Bach and <em>that old stuff</em>. This has some of Bach's most famous "tunes" and they would quickly be feeling very comfortable with this music once they have listened to it. LACO anf Ms. Hahn really move along thru the works, and, given that Hilary is not yet 20 (IIRC), the teachers might think of you (hopefully) when they get revved.</p>

<p>I suspect if you hit Amazon with the SFO Symphony or the LA Phil (or the San Diego or Orange County Phils) you might get some hits. I can assure you they would be appreciated, and a bit dfifferent from what they normally receive (and best of all, non-cal!).</p>

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<p>I like the CD idea. Possibly would help if asked one of the teacher's friends for a recommendation, or enclose a gift receipt so teacher can exchange.</p>

<p>I think the note of thanks is most important. In past threads, many people offered suggesions for home made objects. In my area, gift certificates to local mall are appreciated by teachers (several friends/teachers have shared this). S gave his GC a beautiful pen. S himself has a collection of fountain pens, and GC does to. Also, she got everything done in 24 hours. I don't think its the cost, its the personal touch. A book that fits the person is great.</p>

<p>I haven't seen the new illustrated S & W book yet--must make a point of it. Not as interested in hearing the opera.</p>

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<p>Well, this is one of those "trust me" comments. The John Adams work I cited will most definitely not sound like what you think of as an <em>opera.</em> It is infectious, has a great beat to it, and is addictive. It ain't Verdi's Aida (which I love, just so ya know)...</p>

<p>Amazon offers these things (like "The Chairman Dances") thru their affiliates as used items, and you ought to try it yourself! I just went to Amazon and the used Chairman CD can be had for NINE Bucks! The Lauridsen is less than that (by forty cents). Whaddya got to lose (ditto to all you parents out there ereading this! Go try some non-pop fer once...OK, I'll get off the soapbox)???</p>

<p>View it as one of those things <em>kahledges</em> are trying to do to folks like you...expand your horizons, painful as it is.</p>

<p>Oh, and I'll bet there are more S&W books in that school than you can shake a stick at! LOL</p>

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<p>Palidad I'm cutting and pasting your suggestions for my own music library and Xmas wish list. Thank you!</p>

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<p>i want to bump this thread, b/c I'm struggling as to what to get my english teacher fo doing A LOT of work on essays, recs, etc. I was thinking maybe something with her name on it, pen or something of that sort, though I'm still unsure. </p>

<p>Any other suggestions?</p>

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<p>After being on the giving and receiving end of holiday/thank-you gifts for many years, my advice to all of you is do not agonize. Giving a nice card with a heart-felt expression of thanks and appreciation accompanied by any gift (OR NONE!) will make your teachers feel great. Just don't try so hard to think of the perfect gift that you forget to give the card and the thanks. It really is the thought that counts here.</p>

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<p>We found a very nice full leather copy of a great book. One of the greatest 100 books ever written thing. Pages are beautiful, silk sewn in marker etc. You can get them on line or at some of your more local book stores. Prices were all over the place so you can fit your budget, or not.</p>

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<p>I would give a small gift certificate..$5 or $10 to Starbucks or some place like that..I would not give a book or CD that I didnt know if they liked. Or I would give something that can easily be used like the lovely bookmark that was suggested or something like that.
For my one daughters thankyou gifts we gave chocolates. We went to Borders and purchased several small $10 boxes. We came home and I could not resist taking the ribbon off one and sneaking a peek. I assumed they would be sealed..to my shock they were not and the box I opened had one missing!
So we returned all of them and went to a local chocolate shop and had small boxes made up. Of course not everyone likes chocolate but its something they can share with others and easy to use.
The art teacher did an awful lot for D. so we gave her a basket with tea and some other niceties..again..if she didnt like it (though we thought she would it would be easy for her to share with her family or someone else.)</p>

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<p>No offense, but I think gift certificates are tacky. They are just like cash and it almost looks like you are paying them for what they did. I suggest a nice hand written note, something handmade or a small token of appreciation. I liked the bookmark idea that someone mentioned as well. I gave a set of large paperclips each in the shape of world landmarks that cost $3.00 at Pier One. I go to an IB world school so it seemed appropriate. Bottom line, these should be tokens of appreciation.</p>

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<p>I am against gift certificates and giftcards. Personal opinion.</p>

<p>If I am going to give someone a gift, I will put the thought and time into it. </p>

<p>Update of what I got...
A Chinese cherrywood box for my English teacher.
A cute package of stationary and post-its for my counselor.
A golf coffee mug for my math teacher (he coaches golf).
Cliffbars for my history teacher (he specifically asked for them) and probably something else after I come back from the break since I am going to the east coast.</p>

<p>Of course thank you cards and my senior picture.</p>

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<p>I would love getting a gift certificate myself and find them much more usable and enjoyable than another mug or a bookmark..I mean how many mugs can a teacher get! I do not think a small cutely wrapped certificate is tacky. I would love it. As a former teacher I can recall and yes they were trying to be thoughtful..but how many apple ornaments, mugs, pencils, candies, stationary etc can one use..I got oodles of it. Not to say its not a nice thought..but really its just not useful. (ESPECIALLY THE MUGS!!!!)
But to each his own!</p>

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<p>And of course whatever gift is given should be accompanied by a very nice note. A handmade token of appreciation is really thoughtful but to be honest what handmade token is going to be appreciated. What do you make that is appreciated. Well you could bake and I think that would be great. But artsy craftsy things may be thoughtful but are usually just not that appreciated unless you are really good at what you make and make something other than cutesy knicksknacks..
and of course to each his own.</p>

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<p>As a school nurse, I get loads of gifts at Christmas time. Although I am appreciative of the thought, one can only have so many ornaments, mugs, trinkets, etc. I get gifts not only from the students, but from other staff and faculty. I have mentioned several times that I would much prefer any money that would be spent on me to instead be spent on adopting an angel from the angel tree. Nothing gives me more pleasure than giving to someone else, especially a needy child. Last year, our DD adopted two angels and bought them both loads of gifts ... in mine and my husband's name. She then wrapped the paper angel ornaments and presented them to us on Christmas morning. That was truly one of the best gifts ever!</p>

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<p>As a teacher, the last thing I want is Strunk and White's, since I already have a copy, and everyone I know does. The best gifts I received for doing recs have been homemade - brownies, baklava, etc., which show tremendous thoughtfulness. Others have been gift certficates to the local book store. Most teachers LOVE to read! Gift certificates to a local restaurant are nice, as well. And SplashMom's idea is also wonderful! We had over 100 angels in our school this year, beside the 70 odd Katrina kids.</p>

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<p>Kids (& parents) should feel free to give what they prefer, and can afford.
There is a great range of affordability, so one should not feel pressured to "keep up" with what others give.</p>

<p>As our youngest is a HS senior now,
her GC & both teachers who wrote her recomm letters also wrote for her older brother,
we want to give "bigger" gifts in this last year.
So we are giving gift cards to local restaurants/mall & stores.</p>

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<p>Hi evitajr1,</p>

<p>Now there is a new illustrated Strunk & White! ;)</p>

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<p>I agree the note & the thought are the most impt part!<br>
A gift is nice but not necessary!<br>
And worldshopper, the gift certificate idea seemed abhorent to me until I happened to be at a christmas/white elephant exchange party where several teachers were hoping to divest themselves of various student gifts. I cringed, but later thought about how difficult it would be to receive year after year the same wonderful gifts. The teachers seem to really appreciate a gift certificate... if you make it to a place somewhat interesting or special... all the better!</p>

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<p>I think its good to put ones self in the place of the recipient. Would you like that "golf" mug or that "teachers have class" apple ornament? And would a book someone else thinks you would like to read appeal (maybe yes, maybe no).
So YES the things are thoughtful..but if you want to give something someone would enjoy than a small gift certificate is nice. I think tea or coffee is usually appreciated also if you know the person drinks it..(like a Starbucks bag o coffee) many food items are also wanted.</p>

<p>This past year I got rid of about a dozen "golf" mugs that my hubby (who is NOT a teacher had received as gifts) If he had that many can you imagine how many the teacher has.
I can also recall a teacher friend of mine who taught 2cd grade saying that she got tons and tons of stuffed animals and she wished she didnt!
She didnt know why parents thought she would like stuffed animals just because she enjoyed 2cnd graders.</p>

<p>If you think of the gifts that are "made" for the recipients ie for the music teacher.music notes mugs, music notes stationary, music book mark etc..you can bet they have tons of it ..
So as I say it is a nice thought..but as KLC said..year after year of the same stuff gives you alot of the well the same stuff.</p>

<p>One of the gifts I received as a teacher was a handcrocheted candle.Ok I am not sure what I was to do with this item which was soft stitched and could be set up and stuffed with tissue to stand up like a candle on a candlestick.... Anyway my fellow teachers thought it looked like it would serve well at warming a certain part of the male anatomy. And there were loud guffows and hoots throughout the day after I recieved it.
I am sorry if that seems rude. I personally thought it was very thoughtful..but really what am I going to do with a hand crocheted candlestick that looks like a ....warmer?
As I said earlier..I would avoid crafty things also unless one is really good at it. However, if the child himself had made the warmer than I think it would be different. As adults making crafts..I think unless its a close friend its best to avoid giving what you make unless you are really good at it. </p>

<p>Yes it is thoughtful to give a gift..but if you truly want to give something someone enjoys than ...you may want to avoid certain things.</p>