[babyruth]

I really want to send a letter home to say gifts are not necessary. Does anyone have a letter they send home? Maybe something that states they can donate something instead?

[Tea"cheer"]

I did this a couple of years ago. It was well-recepted by the parents, though as I quickly reread it, I think I might change a bit of the wording.

[Recess]

We have a skinny pine tree in our entry way called the Wish Tree. All the teachers have a punched out number indicating their grade level or some other shape for Music, PE, etc. For instance, I teach third grade so all the third grade teachers have green threes. We write our last name and our wish for our classroom on the three and then one of our paras is in charge of hanging them on the tree. Parents can pick one or more "threes" from the tree and give those gifts. I've put markers, tissues, disinfecting wipes, or gift cards to discount or craft stores to buy supplies for classroom. Parents really like this idea. Our tree has been up for a month now. More wishes will appear as we get closer to the holidays.

[Smurfyteach]

Hi, do you have to do that?

Whilst I think this sounds like you're being a Christmas party-pooper, why don't you just ask for NO CANDLES??!!

I can recognise why you might prefer it, but I wouldn't ever do that to my firsties, and take away their opportunity to make their cute little choices.... because they love to give Christmassy things!! Yes, even if it means another coffee mug or candle....

[NCLATeacher]

Does your school do a toy drive (our's is this year)? You can send a letter asking that a toy donation be made instead of giving you something.

Just a thought.

[Ideabaker]

I'm with SmurfyTeach and think the children get a lot of joy out of doing something special for their teachers for the holidays. I teach in a low economic area, and when I heard children whispering about "buying" me something for my birthday a couple of months ago, I said something like "I really enjoy cooking, so you don't need to buy a thing. Just write out your favourite recipe for me, and I'll save it in my special cookbook!" .

Now the kids always know that when gift-time comes, they can simply write down any recipe for me that they enjoy- grilled cheese, whatever... and Ill be thrilled with a nice selection of tasty treats to pick from if I'm feeling up for cooking something different.

The best part is that no child spends a dime, but they get that personal touch in giving and the gift is useful and doesn't take up much space!