I never know what to do around the holiday time about gifts for my children's teachers. Some don't celebrate the holidays, and I don't know if I am expected to give gifts or not. Can you help me? - Giving
Answer: Teachers always appreciate gifts, but they never expect them. Overall, about 50 percent of the children in an elementary-school classroom will typically give gifts. Whatever your children's friends do is probably what they will want to do. Before you and your children think about giving a gift, check to see if the school has gift guidelines. Some require teachers to return gifts over a certain cost. Typically, the expenditure for gifts ties closely to the economic level of the school community.
It is definitely thoughtful to express your appreciation to teachers during the holidays for what they do in the classroom every day no matter how they might celebrate this season. Instead of giving an actual gift, you and your children can just write a note of appreciation. Teachers really enjoy getting these notes anytime during the year, and many keep these treasured letters. Many also enjoy receiving homemade gifts that children or parents have made for them. Besides, parents and children can have fun planning and making gifts together. Food items are a good choice, as teachers don't always have the time to prepare holiday goodies.
If you want to buy a gift, something for the classroom is one that will be appreciated and used. Many parents simply don't realize how much of their own money most teachers spend on items for their classrooms. A gift certificate to a learning shop or a bookstore is a good choice because it lets teachers select what they especially would like to have. At some schools, there are even teacher wish lists that can offer helpful suggestions.