Chanukah gift for playgroup Morah

Silver Member Joined: Apr 10 2008 Posts: 861

Any ideas for a Chanukah gift for my son's playgroup Morah. I would have loved to chip in with all the other parents, but I do not know them. I would spend up to $20.
(Should I do a gift certificate..which is probably most appreciated, or does it look like I put in no effort?)

Executive Member Joined: May 17 2011 Posts: 261

Gift Certificate is better than a gift- but cash/ check is best even for $20. My mother has been a playgroup teacher for over 30 years- she always says the best gifts are $$$- she doesnt need junk- but anything you do is nice - a note/ card attached is also always appreciated!!

Executive Member Joined: Oct 04 2009 Posts: 323

It is hard to give ideas when you don't know anything about the Morah. But I a "Morah" and I can tell you things I've gotten and liked. Just remember, the note that goes along with the gift is way more meaningful! I once got a small cake in an aluminum pan with a beautiful note. I will never forget that note!
Everything is always appreciated.
But here are some of what I honestly used/didn't use:

-Gift cards I only end up using it if it is something near me. Not some far out place to get a manicure.

Cake trays/trifle bowls/glass trays (every year I get like 5!) huge glass things that take up space and you wouldn't use on an ordinary shabbos. Something like a bowl that you would use every week is nice. but has to be useful otherwise no room in house for them! I liked I got some nice glass bowls with lids. something smart and convenient and pretty.

-Originals and I loved them:
Tablecloth
napkin rings
napkin holder with chocolate bars inside (was shaloch manos)
a fake beaded piece of costume jewelry (hard if don't know taste)
hand mixer
silicon package of cakes and cupcake holders, all wraped nicely
I once got a really nice outfit for my then baby (was shaloch manos so I was happy they didn't waste money on food. but in genral I like gifts for my kids like from mom/mom in law but for playgroup, I appreciate gift for myself)