End of year teacher gift

It depends on if you are a giving person or not. If you don't want to, then don't do it. Do you appreciate the skills that the teacher is teaching your child? I would just out of respect, plus, I know what a teacher goes through at work. Also, I want my child to know how to show appreciation. I'm sure the teacher appreciates the thought of giving back to her. Doesn't every employee want to be appreciated?
If you went and taught one day, I bet you would consider changing your attitude about giving to the teacher at the end of the year. Whether its a few dollars to pitch in on a gift, a gift card, a card created from your child, etc. A teacher deserves it in my opinion. It is not the job where you sit behind your computer. BELIEVE ME!

One Happy Mom in Arizona.

It's always a nice gesture, but I don't think any parent should be required, whether the requirement is implied or not, to give an end of the year gift. Especially if you have several children in different grades, if you give gifts at the holidays in addition to the end of the year, and there are multiple teachers and aides in the classrooms. It gets expensive, and sometimes I think its better just to let the kids make the teacher something or write them a letter than to buy them something in our budget, which often isn't much. And I certainly don't think that the parent who chooses not to give a gift is sending a message that they don't appreciate the teacher's contribution to a child's education.

Susan & Neil Hampton have three spectacular children, Alexander, Isabel and David, plus one amazing teenager, Eric. Susan does community outreach for arizonamoms.com.
“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” - Margaret Atwood

Of course it's not necessary. Personally I do usually do a small appreciation gift. A few times I have done thank you notes and a picture. For example I have included pictures of the class on field trips.

Jennifer is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com and mommy to four beautiful girls who range from 9 to 4 years of age.

Yes, we do end of the year gifts. Don't feel bad if you don't, not everyone does. A nice note from your child stating something maybe they learned, liked or did would be just as nice if not nicer. It is from the heart. I think it is fine to say no and then just state we do something on our own, thanks. That is if you feel you need to justify not going in on a gift. But I wouldn't worry about it.

KarilouMomof2 is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Tempe. Her daughters are 9 and 6.

I usually do something too, but it doesn't have to be elaborate. I do know that not all moms do so, so it is really up to your discretion.

Hobbymommy, 38, is a discussion leader from Mesa. She is a happy stay-at-home mommy to a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son.

I normally give a gift every year to show my appreciation.....last year when my son was in first grade was the only year I didn't do anything......and that was very deliberate, because I did not have any appreciation to show his teacher. She was terrible - a very insincere person, even my son felt it was obvious she was bored with what she was doing, and she made little comments to me all year long making it obvious that she didn't approve of me as a working mother. So, when the end of the year came she got a big fat goose egg from me.
I am happy that his second grade teacher has been a thousand times better...my son adores her..... so I am planning to give her a very special gift.

It's optional. My mom is a 3rd grade teacher and she does appreciate when parents and kids show their appreciation. I would suggest no stuffed animals, trinkets etc. instead some fruit or even school supplies (or teacher store gift certificate) appropriate for the teacher's grade since they usually have to pay for that stuff out of pocket.

I agree its a nice gesture, but not necessary. I think you can also do this in a creative way. Have the kids work on a project together (maybe a few from the classroom) say something ceramic that they all get to paint on. Or as simple as a homemade card - paper, crayons, stickers. It's always nice to be recognized, I'm sure she'd love it.

LisaMommy is a discussion leader in Paradise Valley/Scottsdale area for arizonamoms.com. Her two boys are ages 5 months and 3 years old.

I only think you should do it if it's truly heartfelt. So far, I've been extremely fortunate to have wonderful teachers and have been sad to see the year end. However, now that your son is in first-grade, you may want to keep in mind that it's his teacher who will help determine which teacher - the good one or the meanie - that he gets next year!

Karina Bland is raising her 9-year-old son in Tempe with a lot of love, humor and support from her friends and family. A longtime journalist covering child welfare and education issues for The Arizona Republic, she blogs about raising good kids.

Seems all the teachers gifts are being organized by organized parents, and all we need to do is send some money. We try to remember the bus driver, reading aid, recess aid, etc. with a little something. (like the cute, mini pedicure kits I picked up after Christmas for a song.)

Lovemy4 is a discussion leader for North Central Phoenix, tired mother of 4 great kids and wife to one great husband.

I have only given a gift once and that was because the teacher worked extra with my child and she was very patient and extremely nice. I feel that if the teacher goes over the normal teacher duties it is nice to show your appreciation but if you help out during the year you should not feel obligated. It is a nice gesture but today everytime you turn around you have to get gifts for people, your sitter, your hairstylist, your landscapers, where does it end?

OK, I feel like a cheapskate! But thanks for the input and good suggestions.

Susie is a discussion leader in the east valley for arizonamoms.com. She has two sons, ages 6 and 2.

You DO NOT have to feel obliged to give a teacher an end of the year gift!! They do not expect it and don't remember from one year to the next who did what for them. Don't worry about it!!!

Paz