It’s gift giving season and like most of you, I’ve made my lists and I’m checking them twice. I try to purchase gifts throughout the year, but no matter how well I try to prepare, I’m always left with a bunch of names as the big day approaches.
Our gift list changes some from year to year as new babies are born or new coworkers emerge. But this year, for the first time, I am adding a large chunk of names to my gift list… My son’s teachers.
My son started pre-k this year and for the first time, I have a new gift giving dilemma. Do I get a gift for every teacher? Before this, he only had one teacher in daycare. My son sees 5 teachers weekly. We have his lead teacher and co-teacher, religion, P.E., and music. Do I really buy 5 gifts?
This stumped me, as I wasn’t sure what was typical. I polled some of my mom friends and the most common response was yes, they get a gift for every teacher.
Some do bigger gifts for the classroom/homeroom teachers and smaller ones for ancillary teachers. Some go all out for everyone. Room Moms collecting donations for a large gift from the group was also a common response.
I’ve decided to gift each teacher. As a first time mom of a school aged child, this first semester has been life-changing for my son and myself. And his teachers and school are the core of those changes. 
- His lead teacher is the reason his confidence has skyrocketed and he’s learned so much in such a short time.
- His co-teacher is the reason he’s so excited to go to school each day and is greeted with a smile.
- His music teacher is the reason he spends car rides home proudly singing and telling me about instruments.
- His religion teacher is the reason he continues to grow spiritually and enthusiastically prayers for his loved ones.
- His P.E. Teacher is the reason he will give just about anything a try.
There is no denying that it is already a challenge to budget for the holiday season, and adding 5+ gifts can quickly add up. But I don’t think gifts have to be big or expensive to be thoughtful and to show appreciation. I don’t know about you, but anytime my kids are out of school I am reminded just how hard a teacher’s job is. Teachers don’t expect gifts, but I think it’s a small gesture that can mean a lot to acknowledge their hard work. A handwritten card from you or your child likely means more than any physical gift.
