Need a gift idea

[RoniMan]

what's a good gift for a new teacher?

any help would be appreciated...thanx

[eSDee]

college, elementary, hs?

[p3rsian]

*smack*

[RoniMan]

elementary...1st/2nd grade combination class

need something <$40

thanx GAM

[kimchicowboy]

something for personal use or something she could use in the classroom?

[cheapie]

your teacher? :heh: an apple always worked for me.

[RoniMan]

something for classroom use.

i went to "things remembered" and they had this apple paperweight that i could have engraved. but it's ~$40. i would be paying $40 for deadweight...wtf?

[caribiner23]

Male or female?

I've gotten female teachers things like little gift baskets from The Body Shop or Bath and Body Works.

The guys are a little tougher. I gave one dude a Hickory Farms cheese and crackers thing.

[Kevster]

Probably something they could use - maybe several good sets of markers since most schools skimp on materials?

[RoniMan]

female

the gift basket thing is cool, but it's a gift i can give anytime...

i'd prefer it to be teacher/educational oriented

ok...instead of 20 questions, here's the background story: a friend of mine (female) got a job, finally, as a teacher, after a long/arduous search (and a few rejections). just wanted to congratulate her.

....and yes, i am interested in her, but it shouldn't be a factor in finding the gift.

[Jenny]

Definitely a gift basket with all new teaching oriented stuff. :) Depending on grade level & subject of who/what she is teaching, markers, #2 pencils, cute sign with her name on it for her desk, pencil sharpener(s), cute "school" border for her room, etc

[cheapchinese]

I usually give A/X gift card

[p3rsian]

*smack*
ahhh wtf is this !!!

i said BMW as a joke for a laugh , why did u change my post :throw:
(and im 100% sure no one would start flaming me for this one)

[RoniMan]

that's a good idea jenny! now where can i get such a basket?....:P

[chadlnc]

...cute sign with her name on it for her desk...
This is a really good idea, something she can use for a long time. That is until you marry her and she changes her name :) (If she decides she wants to changer her name)

[ufcrusher]

A riding crop....she needs a way to keep those kids in line!




j/k - I would suggest a neck/back massager of some sort as she will be under all sorts of tension from her new job. They sell nice ones at Sharper Image/Brookstone that would probably work.

[brainsmile]

aromatherapy. bath salts/soaps

[Jenny]

that's a good idea jenny! now where can i get such a basket?....:P

Go to any craft store (maybe even like Walmart) and buy a cute basket.

For example:

http://www.stacksandstacks.com/html/85051_basket-espresso.htm
Cute basket for $14.99

I'm sure you can find ones cheaper if you just go look around in the craft department of Walmart or craft stores. :) Buy some cute fabric if you want to line it, and hotglue it onto the inside of the basket.

Then for the nameplate, it all depends on how much $$ you wanna spend. You can get a really pretty wood one for $20-$30 or a regular metal one for $10-$14, I think. Online or at like a local trophy shop maybe.

The rest of the stuff just get at Walmart. ;)

[Kim]

Stampers (with "way to go, good job, nice work, etc, for stamping homework), ink, gc to a school supply shop, software with cute fonts and clip art, children's books for her classroom, an educational software title for the class, a nice plant, I'll keep thinking.

[Agent Plissken]

an apple is <$40

[Kim]

This (http://www.homeroomdirect.com/product.html?t_q=CQ352) book looks like it would be helpful. Lots of other useful things at this site, too.

What about classroom decorations, games, a nice calendar, puzzles.

[BrewMaster]

i think jenny is on the right track. go with her idea.

...but you're on your own if you start using the hot glue gun...

[RoniMan]

that's a great idea, but i ended up getting an apple paperweight, with an inscription "i can make a difference".

i'll keep the other idea, b/c i have another friend trying to become a teacher.

[Showtime]

Take her out to a nice dinner. Young teachers are always broke. Maybe not all, just the ones who have to live off that small paycheck. :)

-j