What would be a good gift card for teachers?

amother ↓

Mon, Jun 07 2010, 8:28 pm

I'm collecting for my ds and dd's Morahs and would like to buy gift cards. Aside from The Yellow Door what would be a good idea? I was thinking VISA gift cards so they can buy whatever they want is that tacky?

the world's best mom ↓

Mon, Jun 07 2010, 8:39 pm

I usually get visa or American Express, unless I know that a teacher likes a specific store- then I would give one for that store.

soldat ↓

Mon, Jun 07 2010, 8:44 pm

I hate to disagree but I HATE those visa gift cards. I’m a teacher and I’ve received quite a few. First of all they actually cost extra money than just the gift. Second, you need to know exactly how much is on the card in order to use it. Many stores will not allow you to pay with two cards, so about $3 always gets stuck hanging out in your wallet, until they deduct because you had it for too long.
my idea would be to a store such as Target, you can also get an Amazon e-gift card which is nice because you can order almost anything.

↑ the world's best mom

Mon, Jun 07 2010, 9:10 pm

soldat wrote:

I don't see why a target card would be any better. And being that there is no target anywhere near where I live, I'm not rushing to get their gift cards for my kids' teachers.

↑ amother ↓

Mon, Jun 07 2010, 9:16 pm

If any of u r my students, I'll take any. lol. Seriously, from experience, any gift shows appreciation. Sad to say, most parents don't give anything! Even just a card would be nice! Confused

ValleyMom

Mon, Jun 07 2010, 9:18 pm

OMIGOD THIS POST CRACKS ME UP!!!!
I taught in Brooklyn YEARS ago and someone gave me a gift card for The Yellow Door---There was NOTHING in the store I could buy without adding a substantial amount.... The gift which was supposed to make me happy just BUGGED me!

IF the teacher likes to read--which I do--get her a gift card to a good local book store or if she is Techie get her a gift card to the Apple Store. Then she could supplelement and get an ITouch or an Ipad.

I would LOVE that!!!!

Would one of you please contact my Room Mothers!!!
Very Happy

de_goldy

Mon, Jun 07 2010, 9:57 pm

Never heard of The Yellow Door.

I say visa is the best. The parents in my class got the 3 of us $150 visa cards last year. The year before that we each got $110 to macy's which was also a good one. Most places DO let you pay the rest in cash or other card so it doesn't matter if you buy something not the exact amount.

mltjm

Mon, Jun 07 2010, 10:44 pm

I like manicure pedicure gift cards. If there is a nice place to go in your area and they are the type to like it, if you get one with a big amount on it they could go back a few times, or get one of those expensive pedis you never get for yourself, or get a massage.... Smile

manhattanmom

Mon, Jun 07 2010, 10:50 pm

I'd stay away from the Yellow Door and stick with something a little more practical--
as a teacher, I wouldn't appreciate someone giving me a gift card that I would have to supplement to buy a fancy knick-knack for a curio cabinet that I don't have. And who really needs another fancy serving platter?

I'd stick with an American Express card--
OR anything where the recipient does not have to supplement to buy something.

Barnes and Noble, a Judaica store, amazon.com, etc. are good options too.
If the teacher has babies or young kids--diapers.com or babies r us.

↑ amother ↓

Mon, Jun 07 2010, 11:08 pm

op here -thanxs for all your suggestions they are very good. I meant to say I want to avoid The Yellow Door and people always suggest that. As a teacher myself, I have received many gifts from the yellow door. I have $45.00 credit from last June sitting in a purse somewhere, I received a huge platter while absolutely beautiful I have no use for it. Some of these teachers live in Flatbush and Boro Park and most are very frum not sure whether they have internet or into techi stuff ot read seculer books but I will think over everything and hope all the moms send in the money soon!

apple24

Mon, Jun 07 2010, 11:14 pm

you can also give bed,bath, and beyond. many things there are things I wouldn't buy with my own money, but will buy with a giftcard.

I have gotten many giftcards to macys, but keep in mind the prices can be high there, so a lot of money wont buy you very much

sofaraway

Mon, Jun 07 2010, 11:35 pm

I would buy a gift card for a Judaica shop, especially for these areas. the good thing is that she can then buy something for the house, or toys for the kids, a present for her DH or whatever!!!! I think it has many practical options...

cranberry

Tue, Jun 08 2010, 12:01 am

A few years ago we gave gift cards to Publix, the main grocery store chain around here. We couldn't afford to give much, and this way they had the option of either using it for their regular grocery shopping trip or supplementing with something extra for a treat.

Last year we went to Home Depot and bought each teacher a flower (the kind you can plant) and a small ceramic plant pot that we put it in.

↑ soldat

Tue, Jun 08 2010, 7:26 am

the world's best mom wrote:

soldat wrote:

I don't see why a target card would be any better. And being that there is no target anywhere near where I live, I'm not rushing to get their gift cards for my kids' teachers.

sorry - I meant a Target-like store - by the way you could also buy onlline. but the idea is you don't have to worry about it being accepted, and calling b/4 hand to know how much is left.

↑ chocolate moose

Tue, Jun 08 2010, 9:56 am

If the gift card doesn't carry a substantial savings, then the cash is a much better gift, even if it's an odd amount (since OP says she's collecting).

babygirl

Tue, Jun 08 2010, 12:14 pm

I really think that every teacher would appreciate something else- I wouldnt really want a gc to barnes and nobles I think the best is a visa card with money on it since they dont shop online, or money with a nice card. One mother got me nice hand towels which I really appreciated another got me a really nice platter. the nice thing about giving something and not just money is that they remember it more...Good luck!

↑ amother ↓

Tue, Jun 08 2010, 10:25 pm

The thing with a gift card to a bookstore is I can just imagine the teachers using it to buy supplies for school, and spend the money on their students, not on themselves...

As for spas, it's a good idea, but not everyone likes that.

Maybe there's a mall nearby that sells gift certificates that can be used in any of their stores?