Today was my dd's school Christmas parties. They both had to have a $7.00 gift to do the gift exchange and a few other things and we couldn't afford a teacher gift because things are really tight. So I got some little Christmas orniments that they could paint and put there name and dates on them. This morning they got up and we wrapped them and put cards on them that they had made. As I was sitting with my youngest DD we were watching her teacher open her gifts and she got some really nice nice gifts my Daughter whispered and said that she wasn't going to like hers because we didn't get her something nice. and my heart just fell. I didn't know what to say to her and I whispered back that I bet she will love it because you made it and it came from the heart. She got to her gift and unwrapped it and read her card and she had big tears in her eyes and thanked everyone. Well we got ready to leave she came up to Dd and picked her up and gave her a big hug and said Thank you that she will put that on her tree and look forward to seeing it every year. It made Dd feel alot better. and myself.

By Kate on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 02:16 pm:

Awwww, what a great teacher!! And you're a great mom, too! Teachers don't need 20 gifts each year! Yikes! MY daughter (third grade) has SIX teachers! They switch classes. Can you imagine all the gifts they'll be getting?? We just put a bunch of individually wrapped truffles in itty bitty gift bags for them. Your idea is much sweeter, though! What grade was this?

By Amy~moderator on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 02:16 pm:

That is wonderful that she took that moment to let your dd know how special her gift was. Moments like that will show your dd that it is about the thought, not the money, spent on a gift.

By Colette on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 02:16 pm:

Gifts from the heart are the best gifts of all. I am so glad she made your daughter (and you)feel better.

By Trina~moderator on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 02:39 pm:

As a former teacher I have to tell you that those handmade gifts are very special. I still have a felt bookmark decorated with glitter that little Jared B. gave to me my first year teaching (Kindergarten) in 1986. It makes me smile every year when I unpack my Christmas decorations.

By Bea on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 03:39 pm:

I'm so glad her teacher recognized the true value of her gifts.

By Paulas on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 10:47 pm:

As a teacher I feel the same as Trina. My favorite mug, the one I use EVERY morning, was given to me by a student a few years ago. It is just a cheap mug but she painted it. I have used it so much I am beginning to wear off the writing.
Today, I was given an apple dumpling! How cool is that? I have never seen an apple dumpling. I can't wait to eat it.

I don't get many gifts anymore b/c I find families just don't have the extra cash and that is totally fine. Reading to your children and taking an active role in their education is a good enough gift for me!

By Melanie on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 10:56 pm:

What a great gift that teacher gave to your daughter. I don't think your daughter will ever question the value of gifts from the heart again. Thank you for sharing.