We have done it in the past; we put the actual items that they request for on the ornaments. It has worked out great. Send a note with the child home and believe me lots of teachers appreciate it. These items are being purchased with their own personal money. Not only that but I have heard great comments that they are items they can actually use instead a coffee mug or pefume they don't like; they prefer it better than a personal gift. Now what ever items were not selected the PTO secretary will go around and put each item not selected off the tree and the items are purchased during the holiday break with PTO funds and are put into their classrooms their first day back. When we do start to do this there are several teachers that do decline not to participate because they feel that children won't be able to purchase a item. I find that it is not right to judge that opinion believe a child wants to purchase a gift for teacher and whether it's 3 boxes of penciles worth $5.00 or a personal gift worth $5.00 they are going to buy it. The ones that do not particpate I feel that it's their loss. Now, when we did it the first year we had 6 out of 32 participate. The second year we had 12 out of 32. The good thing is that we give them a list and they check it off and that's how they select what items go on their. Good luck this is a project that needs to start right at the beginning of November when you give the teachers the letters and if they want to partipate this way the committee will know how many trees to make. The trees are put up the week right before the Thanksgiving holidays and up until the last week of school before the winter holidays.
While we are on this topic, one thing that irks me a bit...
When my family donates bigger items (sets of books, $40 pencil sharpener, refrigerator, bookshelves, supply cabinet, etc.) I try to diplomatically indicate that we are donating these things to the grade or the school rather than the person.
We have wonderful, fabulous, creative, caring teachers. Yet, inevitably, a year or two later, if that teacher moves on - she takes those items with her. I don't mind if it's small stuff, a book or a game here and there. But the bigger stuff bothers me.
All of our teachers have boom boxes/CD players in their rooms (many personally owned). But a couple years ago, one 2nd grade teacher decided she need a special CD player that held SIXTY cd’s and automatically changed them in and out. I think it cost about $169. She sent a note home asking for cash contributions (with a reward system for those students who participated). Some parents were offended, others contributed and she ultimately bought the item. However, in her mind I would imagine it’s “hers†and if she leaves our school, the item will go with her.
Other parents have had the same experience, and I know there’s no way to fully control it. These aren’t like computers that the school inventories and actively manages ownership. But it does make some of our parents stop and question helping to buy the bigger items.
So if you DO ask for donations to a bigger item, I’d at least ask to whom it will belong when purchased. It may be pointless, but I’d still go through the motions.
The only area where i could see in exception in this case would be if the teacher was wanting a LeapPad type product or accessory. Since they tend to be a bit pricy, the gift card would be a way to share the "burden"
That's fine, then that needs to be on the gift card or mentioned she would like help with the purchase of a .....
LOVE the idea, hope we can do it next year as we only have two weeks of school when we get back from Thanksgiving! Maybe we can plan this for back to school! HHUUUUUUMMMMMMMMM
The only area where i could see in exception in this case would be if the teacher was wanting a LeapPad type product or accessory. Since they tend to be a bit pricy, the gift card would be a way to share the "burden"
I agree with the above posters. I would be afraid if I gave a teacher a gift card to Toys r Us they would use it for their personal use. I would much rather give an actual gift.
On another note at our school we give Christmas gifts that are for their own use. We don't buy items for the class, its something for them personally. Thats probably why I would have a hard time letting them tell me what they want me to give them. At the beginning of the year they have a wish tree of items needed for parents on meet the teacher night.
I'd agree with Crystal. As a parent, my family fully supports the teacher's wish lists. We proactively BEG the teacher to tell us what she needs. But I'm much more comfortable giving tangible items, especially non-consumables. I love seeing kindergartners playing with a game my family donated 5 years ago or knowing books we bought will help classes for years to come.
Personally (just my opinion) asking parents only to donate gift cards (i.e., money) would be as tacky as these weddings where the couple requests cash in lieu of gifts. Note - I wouldn't mind as much if the class were trying to raise donations for a specific, identified item.
I would really encourage the teachers to list specific items. And you could put as an alternative that gift cards from XYZ store would also be appreciated. That let's it be the parents' choice.
