How Much Do Teachers Really Spend around the Holidays, School Stuff Only
It is the holiday season... so what are you purchasing for your staff and students? As if funding student projects, buying teacher supplies, and celebratory birthday certificates were not enough buying holiday items push teachers over the edge in debt. Every holiday season, teachers spend money out of their pockets for their principal, their colleagues, students, and the students’ parents. Although many times making items for their students’ parents is a little more cost-effective, it still costs money. Parent gifts can be expensive, especially if you had an extraordinary room parent. When I was a teacher, every holiday season I spent about $200. Yes, this seems like a lot but, gift-giving was a part of our school culture. Here is the breakdown below:
Students: $50- Sometimes I can get it down to $1 per 30 students but many times with tax and wrapping materials it would come out higher
Principal: $20- One time I got my principal a snack bag with candy filled with chocolate bars from Kroger simple but costly.
Parents: $30- Popsicles sticks glued together for an ornament, glitter, printing out pictures, laminating at Lake Sure because our school laminator was broken.
Room Parent: $20- My room parent received the same snack back the principal received but with chips, and crackers from Kroger.
White Elephant Gift for the selected Teacher: $20- Socks, coffee mug, and a Starbucks gift card for the remaining amount
Teacher Friends, my colleagues: $60- Yes, even though there was a white elephant exchange, there are still teachers that have helped me out throughout the year. Ie. Mentor teacher, Best friend (who helped me set up my classroom), and my instructional aid.
It is very difficult sustaining this culture of gift-giving but many times, you do not have a choice. Overall, its fun, exciting, and a joy to receive fun items but it can be a financial burden. Below are some common gifts you can buy for your staff; the season is upon us NOW!
Common gifts for your Principal:
1. Gift Cards
2. A Nice Thank you card
3. Wall Art, or shelve décor with their name on it
4. A fun Tee-Shirt
5. Wireless Charging Station
6. Water bottle, Coffee Tumbler, funny coffee mug
7. A Snack basket
8. Personalized Stationery
9. Portable Bluetooth Speaker
10 Wine
Common Gifts for Teachers:
1. A Book of Interest or a newly released book
2. Color pens, markers, Color pencils, or crayons
3. Wine glasses, wine, mug warmer
4. Their college lanyard or Classroom supplies/Gift Basket
5. Movie Tickets, Coffee Gift Card, or Theater/Concert Tickets
6. Personalized Nameplate, candles, lotions
7. Echo, Dot, or Alexia
8. Post its, stickers, stationery, personalized desk organizer or Candy jar
9. Personalized Tote Bag or a cute little Herb Garden Growing kit or succulents
10. Laminator
Common Gifts for Students:
1. Fuzzy Socks in bulk
2. Tree Ornaments or Class portraits
3. Books or Bookmarks
4. Holiday Cards
5. Microwave Popcorn
6. Snowman Soup- hot chocolate combinations.
7. Candy Cane Pens
8. Teacher Give-a-ways
9. Cheese Sticks
10. Stress Balls
Although giving is great, we must remember the reason for the season. It is okay not to give during this time due to financial constraints. Creative cards and hugs go a long way if you have the patience to write everyone in your circle and share why you are grateful to have them as a friend.
References:
https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/education-teaching-degree/18-teacher-gifts/
https://www.teachforamerica.org/stories/10-inexpensive-gift-ideas-for-students