I’m a Teacher – Stop Buying a ‘Thoughtless’ Gift Dumped at Goodwill
WHEN it comes to showing appreciation to teachers, it’s important to say it like it is.
She described exactly which gifts teachers often throw away at the thrift store.
Reddit user Indochina explains exactly how to put a smile on the teacher’s face with a thoughtful gift.
She noted that gifts like lotion and scented candles aren’t as popular, but they’re not as bad as the gifts she and other teachers often receive.
She also gave recommendations for better gifts to show appreciation.
“Goodwill is full of mugs that parents lovingly give to teachers every year,” she said.
“In our staffroom we have about 50 mugs that teachers have thrown in for general use.
“Teachers get so much flak, it’s ridiculous.
“I really think parents who give mugs don’t really think about the gift.”
WHAT YOU SHOULD GET INSTEAD OF YOURSELF
She suggested some better alternatives that are sure to put a smile on any teacher’s face.
“Personally, I wish I had a budget that allowed me to buy all the new books I wanted and replace the ones that get damaged or broken every year,” she said.
“Unfortunately not, so I use the Amazon and B&N gift cards I get for that.”
She named her three favorite gifts.
“A nice bottle of wine or a gift certificate to a restaurant, I normally wouldn’t be able to afford that,” she said.
“As sad as it is to use a gift card at Ruth’s, Chris, I can’t afford to eat there on my teaching salary, so that’s a bonus.”
Invodkaveritas also described what gifts she would like to receive.
“My dream is that all the parents pool their money and instead of mugs and Starbucks gift cards, they contribute and get me a weekend away to a local resort/spa,” she said.
“So that I could have a nice weekend away with my partner, as a mini-vacation.
“I live on the border of the wine region.
“A gift certificate for a bed and breakfast or a wine tour with dinner is much more valuable than some trinkets and D-candy, like Hershey’s Kisses.”
Other Redditors gave their opinions on the teacher’s response.
“I normally give my children’s teachers a dinner worth $50 to $75,” one of them said.