So, I just thought I would start this topic. I'm always clueless as to what to give, is it necessary etc...What do you do? I usually get gift cards for ds3 teachers' but at a daycare / preschool it seems as if there are so many that interact with each class. DD7 usually has a gift from the class for her 2nd grade teacher and the same for her gymnastics coaches. My dd has been seeing a psychologist for over a year and we will be stopping treatment next month when the doctor retires. Would is be appropriate to give her a small gift? Her last appointment they will be having a "graduation party" to celebrate that she is done. Not sure what to do. Do you get gifts for your child's teachers / coaches/ care givers etc.? What do you like to get them?
For gymnastics coaches...you want to get the whole team...or her level...together to buy the coach or coaches something big. Our team (we are both coaches) always gets us the coolest stuff. Our babysitter is awesome...she will be getting exactly what she wants...a bonus.
At school I think that we'll just all contribute to a single gift (probably a giftcard) for the teacher. That's what we did last year for kindergarten. At the State meet last weekend, the parents of my DD6's L4 teammates discussed a gift for the coaches to show our appreciation for their hard work and encouragement of our gymnasts this season. It was decided that since the season is ending so close to Christmas that we'll give them a gift at the gym Christmas party with a very eloquent note thanking them for the season as well as wishing them a "Merry Christmas". Each family agreed to contribute $20 (12 families) and a designated mom will purchase 2 equal giftcards to be given to the coaches. We have 4 coaches -- Husband/Wife and Husband/Wife -- therefore 2 equal giftcards. The giftcards will be purchased at a nice mall just down the street rather than a specific store so there are tons of choices for them. DD6 and DD3 may give individual gifts this year that are handmade. We're deciding between cinnamon people (like gingerbread only non-edible) as ornaments and snowglobes. I just need to price out the supplies needed to make the snowglobes before I decide. I do believe that a handmade card of appreciation goes a long way! The kids don't need to be great artists either.
Last year I know they did a coaches gift by level. My dd just joined the day before the holiday party so we didn't contribute. One coach is the same as last year and one is new (for her level). Not sure what they would like at all from the girls. Gift cards? So for gift card that you are giving individually (not from a group) how much is appropriate? This is where I struggle with my son's teachers etc. DD's class does a group gift as well. I think all the kids give $5.
It does not matter...whatever you want. $5 to Starbucks is a coffee...great gift. $20 to Starbucks is 4 coffees...great gift also.
Any gift is appreciated, teachers and coaches are honored that you think enough of them to get them something and it doesn't matter the cost. I agree that gift cards are always a great option, we also enjoy getting movie tickets. Its crazy how expensive it is to go and enjoy a movie and then if you have to pay a sitter on top of that it almost doesn't seem worth it!
This is always a struggle for me. The gym is easy as they collect money and then buy gifts for the coaches and staff. I usually give my daughter's main coach an additional something as well. School is harder because my kids go to a small private school and there are lots of committed teachers! I used to do a gift for the homeroom teacher and student teacher and then something smaller (bags of chocolates, etc.) for ALL of the others. That can get overwhelming, however. This year we already purchased my daughter's teacher's gift. It's the sorting hat from Harry Potter. We bought it when we were at Universal's Islands of Adventure.
