What to get for the new principal

[brigita]

Hi there,
Does anyone have some ideas on what to get the principal for Christmas? The teachers are not pooling their money together like they usually do and I don't have much extra cash as my husband has been laid off. He's new to our school. He is very supportive and is well liked. Should I just get him some fancy cashews or something?

 

[SwissTeacher2]

I would never buy my principal a Christmas present or any other present for that matter (especially if funds were low...I feel like teachers need the money more than the principal needs a gift but I'm not sentimental ) but I think a food/treat type gift is a good choice if you know what he likes.

 

[Zia]

In my experience, you don't gift "up."

Write a nice message in a card. If you really feel you have to gift, then a $5 Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts, etc.

 

[readerleader]

I, also do not purchase holiday gifts for the principal, but if I did want to give a small token, it would be a holiday plant, coffee, maybe a tie, or something with the school mascot.

 

[prechrswife]

I usually give chocolate. Not too expensive, and most people appreciate it.

 

[KT_203]

This is interesting. I always grew up with the message that gifts go in the opposite direction the money flows. Which in my eyes would mean buying for your boss. I got my boss a candle this year. Not super creative but just something.

 

[Zia]

This is interesting. I always grew up with the message that gifts go in the opposite direction the money flows. Which in my eyes would mean buying for your boss. I got my boss a candle this year. Not super creative but just something.

To me, this means asking an aide who makes $13k (or even a teacher who makes $40k) a year to buy a gift for the P who is making upwards of $75K. That doesn't sit well with me. But just my opinion.

 

[Munchkins]

A card?

Our staff has a social committee and the P's gift comes out of that, from everyone. If you give something, maybe some homemade cookies? He could share them with his family. Or if you donate to make a wish foundation for as little as $5.00, you can print out a certificate in his honor.

I don't get my P anything for Christmas.

 

[Smurfyteach]

Remember

Principals do not directly pay anyone, so I first put aside obvious thoughts of what anyone's income is..... to me, not doing that is wrong.
It's about thanks, generosity of spirit, joy and happiness. It's Christmastime!
Normally, even if there is a collection where I put in $10, I give as much as I can afford. Personally, I give mine enough chocolates for his whole family to share, a nice card and his fave beer!
Be Smurfy