Gifts for pre-school staff and trainer?

[Nika]

I am trying to figure this out.

Do you give gifts to your child's pre-school staff? How much?

There are 2 classes, 2 teachers with 2 helpers each... about 6-8 people that deal with my son.
Plus admin, and back-up admin, cleaning lady. This is getting way out of control.

Plus, what should I be gifting my personal trainer (she did gift me a free session for my birthday.)

[rennigade]

Arent you already paying for these services? Why would you need to provide gifts to everyone?

[Nika]

Arent you already paying for these services? Why would you need to provide gifts to everyone?

I am already paying for all the services where tipping is expected.
Such are the cultural expectations in this country.

[Mjenn]

I would not tip cleaning staff or admin, but I would and do try to do something for the preschool teachers and assistants in my child's classroom. In the past I have given gift boxes of goodies from a local French bakery, I have made a charitable donation in the teachers' name that they had fun with (gave a village a goat) - and the teachers made that fun for the kids as well.

At the end of the year we do a parent round up and everyone who wants to and we give an agreed upon amount and then pool the money and get the teachers gift cards or something -- we usually just say 'from the parents' and don't specify who has given and who hasn't

But you are in NYC and I know things can be a little over the top there, so probably a different set of standards.

[rennigade]

When has it been expected to tip a teacher?

If this is now the norm we should also be tipping doctors/surgeons...especially specialists. I cant think of anyone else we depend on more in times of need or ailment. If we're now tipping pre school teachers to help our children finger paint, make cotton snowmen and learn the most basic of math and letters...we should be writing a blank check to skilled professionals after the standard bill has already been paid.

I know this all may sound sarcastic but it really is the truth. Whats considered the norm for tipping has gotten way out of control and really needs to stop.

If you want to get them something out of the goodness of your heart, go for it. But do not feel obligated. This cultural expectation crap only exists because people no longer have backbones and are afraid people will judge them.

[Mjenn]

Also want to add that I don't see it as 'tipping' more than giving something to some really great teachers in thanks for the hard work they do. I don't see it as obligatory either, I do it because we like the teachers a lot.

[bjl584]

I am already paying for all the services where tipping is expected.
Such are the cultural expectations in this country.

I don't think that it's expected that you tip a pre school teacher. At least, if it is, I'm not aware of it.

If you insist, then I'd keep it to the main teachers and their helpers only. Maybe something small like some gift cards or something.

[Frugalmommy :)]

I used to teach preschool- students would give me things that they made or Christmas ornaments. We are going to give those that work with our daughter tote bags or pins. I think it's important to show them that you recognize and appreciate all that they do! But, don't have to spend a lot. Give gifts with meaning vs expensive. Those are the ones that they will remember.

[ua_guy]

Tipping, no. A small gift, why not? We know these people don't make a lot of money. That in itself is not a reason to give a gift, but they are someone who spends a considerable amount of time with your child. That makes them a piece of your family and an important person in your child's upbringing. Friends/family typically exchange gifts, however small, as tokens of appreciation.

[snafu]

I think it would be lovely to send a box of homemade cookies or individual small cello bags of home made peanut brittle for each teacher. They are usually exhausted by the end of the day and sugar boosts energy. I've sent small gifts to special teachers who made a difference in DSs lives. These days I'd likely send a Starbucks gift card.

[hamchan]

I don't know if this is true for preschool teachers but I know that public school teachers have to put out a lot of their own money for classroom supplies. A gift card to JoAnn's or Michael's, or a book store, is always appreciated.

[scfr]

There are 2 classes, 2 teachers with 2 helpers each... about 6-8 people that deal with my son.
Plus admin, and back-up admin, cleaning lady. This is getting way out of control.

What about a group gift like a basket of fruit that they can put out in the break room (if they have one) and share? They may be inundated with baked goodies, candy, etc. over the holidays, and some nice healthy fruit may be very much appreciated.

[FrugalFish]

I've given gift cards in the past. This may go against others' feelings, but I don't give gift cards to places where teachers generally buy school supplies- that doesn't feel gift-y to me. One year we gave a gift card to Trader Joe's- which is a specialty grocery store- not sure how widespread they are so others here may not have heard of them. Recently someone suggested gift cards to Panera, though I'm not familiar with the place I believe you can buy things like loaves of bread there so it's not just a restaurant.

This year we are giving spa kits made by a womens charity. They were $12 each for bath salts and a candle which is well within our price range since we only have 3 to think about this year. Even a lovely $5 candle would surely be appreciated. Last year we gave DD's teacher a little Burt's Bees kit of lotion and lip balm. So far these type of things seem to be appreciated, while not real expensive, they are nice quality, thoughtful, and ultimately consumable (but without a short shelf life like food).

I'd also just stick to the main teachers and assistants- people who work with your child on a regular basis. Of course if it's a small tight-knit school, I can see where you might choose to do a little something for a few more people.

[hamchan]

A few of my DD's teachers have specifically asked for classroom supplies or gift cards for places they can be purchased in lieu of the usual candles, food items, bath and body goods, that they normally get a glut of.