It hit me this weekend: I have to get gifts for Max's teachers, therapists and babysitters soon. And suddenly, I was dreading December. There are 463 people I need to do something for. OK, it just feels that way. I get a little overwhelmed because I am so deeply grateful to all of them. They do so, so much for Max, they're very much largely responsible for his progress, they're basically saints and Max and I couldn't get by without them.
Last year, plenty of people got the same thing, I'll admit. I cashed in American Express points for Barnes & Noble gift gards. I gave some people Am Ex Gift Cheques, essentially a form of money that come printed on gold paper and, note, are spelled "cheques." I also did the holiday candle thing. I know, I know, people just don't get much more creative than me. On that note, what do you guys do?
We take the cheap way out...the kids make presents. We have done this for a few years now, and although their works of art generally don't make it on display, a few have. But only because I framed them myself!
ReplyDeleteWe also do cookies and fudge. YUMMY! Who could resist some incredibly homemade goodies? And I am a fantastic cook and baker (really, I am) so it is a lot of fun for me. I get cute little bags or tins, wrap it all up, and presto, instant gift.
I can totally relate. We have 4 therapists this year, daycare, babysitter and everyone else too
ReplyDeleteTravel coffee mugs and bags of coffee. Gift certificates to starbucks. I figure almost everyone likes that stuff. Actually, I don't drink coffee, but pretty much everyone else does.
ReplyDeleteLast year I made craft aprons for D's teachers and did Starbuck's cards for her therapists.
ReplyDeleteThis year I'm going to do rice pillows and totes, I think....
i didn't know you were supposed to get gifts for therapists....i'm glad you posted this, lol...
ReplyDeleteI struggle with this every year. We have 3 therapists, a teacher, 3 aides, a bus driver and aide, and that is just for one of my 3 children. When you add in all my children's teachers I have 12 teacher gifts... even if I only do something for about $10 each that is a whopping $120... not that they don't deserve it, they do, but it is not really in the budget especially this year. I like the cookies and baking ideas, throw in some packets of hot chocolate and you have a mini pampering session. I was a teacher, so I try to do things they can use, enjoy and be done with. I still haven't figured out what to do with the three dozen coffee mugs I received over the years.
ReplyDeleteWe've never really done the presents thing for therapists.
ReplyDeleteI know it might sound mean, but as wonderful as they are, they are after all, just doing their jobs.
I am a teacher and never expected gifts from students either.
What I ALWAYS do, is write personalised Christmas cards in which I express our utmost thanks and appreciation and always mention a few particular things that they have done that have touched us and helped us in some way.
This year, we're doing personalised Christmas cards with a picture of the boys.
Sephora gift cards are a girl's best friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the thoughts/ideas, all. I think I have it in me to make fudge. And get Starbucks gift cards! It wouldn't be the holidays at our house if our presents didn't involve gift cards. :)
ReplyDeleteWe go the baked goods route, and it's never complete until Josh(the little bro) draws something cute in their card! Voila!
ReplyDeleteThis year I plan to also go the biscuit and chocolate route, easy and always welcome.
ReplyDeleteI understand the delema. Well last year I gave the teacher and aides a joint gift. I called it "The till June survival kit". I got a basket and filled it with hot cocoa, tea, instant coffee, chocolate, kotex pads, hand sanitizer, tylenol, cough drops, instant oatmeal, gum etc. They loved it! It was practical and I could pick up a few items a week.
ReplyDeleteThe drivers I do candy or baked goods. Sometimes a 5 dollar coffee card.
The therapist although wonderful, I usually don't do. I did wait until the end of the year last year and gave them a little something(bear soap on a rope). This way I didn't feel the money crunch.