I originally wanted to give gift cards to my LO's daycare teachers, but they are quite a few of them and I dont think I cant afford giftcards for them all. I wondered what you guys thought of purses for them? I would get designer purses from Marshalls or TJ maxx, that way it will be a nice gift for them but wont have to cost me the earth, and this way I can choose how much I want to spend on each teacher without making it so obvious that I prefer some teachers. What do you think
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I think purses are fine as long as you know their styles/preferences. Otherwise, it would be a waste of money if they don't like the purse and never use it.
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I'm pretty particular about clothes and accessories, so I wouldn't want anyone to pick out a purse for me. What about a makeup bag or clutch?
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Purses fall under shoe and clothes category for me - pretty particular and not good at faking that I like something like that if I don't. Maybe I'm biased cause i love monograms, but I think anything like coffee mugs, jewelry, bags, keychains, etc w/initial on it are nice personalized gifts for people you don't know super well.
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OKay thanks for the input so far, I'm gonna add a poll too
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well, I work in public school, so I'm not sure if it's different. But honestly, I don't expect extravagant gifts at all. I know some teachers claim they throw them away, but I love christmas treats, chocolate, the cheezy mugs that say "I love my teacher", or a $10 starbucks gift card. I mean, really. I think the most expensive gift someone gave me was 5-6 kids that pooled together and got me a $50 gift cert to Barnes and Nobles. I thought it was too much, but I sure loved buying myself some books!
I don't think you have to go all out.....but I guess it depends on where you live. I've heard of very ritzy neighborhoods having a very competitive atmosphere, even when it comes to how much money you spend on teacher gifts.
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I agree with people that purses are too particular. Some people love a bunch of different kinds of purses and it would work for them, but some like my little sister are super picky and only have one or two in the rotation and would never use something they didn't pick out. (I luck out from that sometimes since she gives me nice things that just aren't her style).
I do think nice makeup bags would be a nice idea along the same idea.
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I think purses are fine, only if you know the person really well. Too many people are very picky about their bags. I know I am.
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If you really have a good sense of their style, I think it's great. I'm also a teacher (and used to work in daycares). The gifts I really loved & still have are the ones where I knew thought was put into what I would like. I've gotten earrings, purses, hair accessories, and socks before (I LOVE socks). I do end up getting rid of "teacher" things; apple stuff or things that have teacher sayings. I just don't have a use for them.
Here's what I really love though: a note or card that truly expresses gratitude for what I do. I keep all of those. I've been teaching kids for a decade & actually have only a handful of cards that go beyond "thanks, you're great!" One year, a student gave me an ornament for my tree & I do cherish that!
In regards to gift cards, they don't need to be expensive. If you did $5 to Starbucks or $10 to Target, with a heartfelt note you'd be golden. Honestly, teachers don't expect anything so $5 is more than enough!
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I wouldn't get someone a purse because I can barely choose my *own* style. I don't see why gift cards need to be so expensive - you're probably going to spend $50 each at least on the purses so why not just get them a gift card to that store for that amount?
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As long as you know what they like...I got a purse as a "welcome" gift from a previous nanny family, it was a nice gesture but wasn't my style...I ended up using it for over 6 months anyway as to not make them feel bad.
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Thanks everyone for all your input!!
I always thought that daycare providers expected more as gifts than school teachers because its a different setting. I worry they may think I'm cheap if I give them $15 gift cards -
I think they should appreciate anything they are given. After all, they are already paid to do a job, and anything extra is just a bonus!
You could bring in good bagels or catered lunch one day, too, which is inexpensive and surely appreciated.
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I worked in daycare for around 3-4 years & very rarely got gifts. But you know your area best. Are you friendly enough with other parents in the room to ask what they're doing?
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Thanks everyone, @mewtill: I'm not super friendly with anyone there yet but I may ask someone if it feels right to ask lol. All depends on the timing, sometimes we strike up conversations
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How about a book bag or a lunch bag? Or even a cute reusable shopping bag? With those you don't have to worry about style.
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I would definitely rather a small GC than a purse--like others have said, it is so hard to judge style, especially for people that you only get to see when they work with kids! I would vote for a Sbux card and some bubble bath or something consumable!
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I always return the purses I receive as gifts. Purses are hard to shop for!
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17 comments