Tuesday, May 18, 2010

It Takes a Village

... to raise a child.  And it takes a large bank account to buy them all gift cards at the end of the school year.

I have to say, though... I am in love with the kiosks that you find in most grocery stores that have gift cards to all manner of places in all manner of amounts.  I know this trend started a few years ago and I would like to kiss the feet of whomever's (Mom - leave a comment so I know that you haven't had a heart attack at that particular grammatical atrocity) idea it was.  Ok, not really... you may not know this about me, but I pretty much abhor feet, and I don't like anyone touching mine, and for the record the idea of kissing someone else's pretty much makes me want to die.  But anyway...

I do wish that I had the time and energy to do something extra special and handmade for my kids' teachers, especially since, being a teacher myself, I hate to send in lame gifts.  I'll interrupt my own post to say that I don't think that teacher gifts are necessary... I don't expect them from my students, and what I swoon over the most is something like a card that one of my kiddies writes themselves, misspellings and all, just to say that they had a good year.  Because I do get a paycheck and, trust me, I'm not in this crazy profession for the coffee mug. :D

That said, a one-stop shop where I can get a Barnes & Noble gift card for Tootsie Roll's second grade teacher, a Cold Stone Creamery one for their instructional assistant (wish I had one of those!), Ticketmaster gift cards for her dance teacher and Curly Jones' preschool teacher (she is on the young, hip side), iTunes gift cards for the dance teacher assistant and the two young preschool assistants, and a Visa gift card for my class mom is pretty much the bomb in my book.  I wish I had the time to make you all pretty little gifts, but since I don't, I heart being able to thank you all in one trip. 

'Cause otherwise, it may have been boxes of Fruity Pebbles all around. ;)

21 comments:

MTeacress said...

Fruity Pebbles would be a very memorable gift.
You've got a great blog, and your kids teachers are going to love those gift cards. Are there any gift cards for foot rubs? *kidding*

Lydia Kang said...

I'm in the same boat for getting teacher gifts for my kids' teachers. Gift cards are so handy...too handy!

Jemi Fraser said...

I try so hard to discourage gifts that cost money - but it's an awkward thing to do. I teach in an area where a lot of kids don't have anything extra - and often not even all the basics.

I treasure the cards they make as well. It really and truly is all about the thought behind it all.

Hannah said...

Fruity Pebbles are BOMB!

And I too abhor feet. I don't even want anyone to look at them!

Stephanie Thornton said...

Mmm... I do like Fruity Pebbles!

I'm with you- I don't expect gifts and my favorites are when students take the time to write me a letter to tell me how much they've enjoyed my class. That just makes my day.

Anonymous said...

I love gift cards. I use them right away so that I don't forget about them.

I saw some time ago on the news that many people don't use them, therefore stores make a fortune off of people's carelessness.

Old Kitty said...

Awwww hooray for teachers!!! And they do deserve lovely things too but a handwritten card by a student does sound so precious and lovely!

take care
x

Talli Roland said...

I am all about gift cards! Just makes life that much easier. And for the person you're giving it to, it's a guarantee that you can get exactly what you like!

Christine Danek said...

Thanks for reminding me about teacher gifts. I knew I was forgetting something and gift cards are a great idea.
Thanks!

Aubrie said...

My husband is an elementary music teacher, and he doesn't expect gifts, but he's touched when he does get them. Cards written by students are the best.

Wendy Ramer, Author said...

If ESL professors got end-of-year gifts like teachers do, I'd be rolling in exotic cultural treasures from all over the world. One can only dream.

Unknown said...

Wendy, about 85% of my school's population is Asian (mostly Indian, but also Chinese and Korean). We also have a percentage of Spanish and Russian children. You'd be amazed at some of the gifts that their families bring from around the world. It's astonishing, I do have quite a collection of exotic cultural treasures, from Chinese silk scarves to jewelry and purses from India, to a set of Olympic mascots directly from Japan. A lot of my kids cannot afford a lot, and as I said, I certainly don't expect it, but I have really been floored by some amazing worldly treasures!

Julie Musil said...

I just found out this week that my local grocery store has one of those kiosks. I had no idea!

Bethany Elizabeth said...

I always wrote my teachers letters at the end of the year, cheap little student that I was. But hey, I was young, I was broke, and words were (and have always been) my best tool. My English teachers always liked me more than my math teachers, may I add.
(Bethany, I don't want a letter, I want you to actually do the homework!)
:D

Elizabeth Mueller said...

PS--I can't believe that I wasn't a follower already!!! :( I'm sorry. But I am now!! :D

Jaydee Morgan said...

Thanks for stopping by and allowing me to find your blog!!

I love one-stop shopping as well and I definitely hear you on the feet issue...ewwww

Roxy said...

I say we buy a pair of sunflower flip-flops, Lindsey. (Sorry, sick twisted joke alert.) Hope you are doing awesome. I love those brilliant gift cards also! Yet cereal is always welcome.

Tory said...

I just love the nicknames for your children; Tootsie Roll and Curly Jones are too cute!

I found you over at Julie Musil's blog. She's great and very knowledgeable in regards to the publishing industry.

After thirty minutes of reading through your posts, I'm quite impressed with your ability to balance writing, teaching, and children. I can so relate as we have a lot in common: educators, mommy's, writers, and more.

If you get a spare minute, I'd love for you to check out my blog: Head in the Clouds. Have a great weekend, Tory

Amy Saia said...

That's really nice of you. I had pictures for Julia's teacher and her whole class, but the assistants failed to take it out of her backpack : (.

You know what this all really means? Summer is here. Whoop!

Lisa Gail Green said...

Thanks for the tip on what to get. I always worry I'm not getting the right thing, though I usually do end up going with the gift card. Teachers rock! And they deserve the end of year booty.

notesfromnadir said...

Thanks for bringing up this fact about the array of gift cards available all in 1 convenient location! I think the person behind this is brilliant. Gift cards are the most useful & all purpose gift imaginable! :)