We've cut way back on the amount of junky stuff we buy for the teachers, members and the kids.
We stopped the pins, magnets, pens, keychains and jar openers and have actually made a statement about it.
We set a note with our membership forms saying that we opted to not spend $500 or more in PTA funds to buy a little token gift to send when asking for their membership. We're being more conservative both with the money raised as well as our impact on the environment.
People were very welcoming of the idea.
For the teachers, we used to do some mug or plastic apple full of candy or what-not, but found they were more appreciative of a candy bar or something consumable.
For something inexpensive, I've always liked the candy poam. Ten or so bags of candy, which does play into the whole Halloween concept, can be used to pull this off, and most of the staff will enjoy it.
One year, we did votive candles with a bit of seasonal ribbon tied around them. Very easy, inexpensive. I think we added a card thanking them for "lighting the way" for students.
If you have to do indiviual gifts, I would go to your local Dollar Tree or other everythings a dollar store. There you could get some nice fall themed coffee mugs and then you could buy a couple packs of hot tea and get each teacher a coffee mug, tea bag and maybe add a small lotion or bath salt or something else that might be appropriate for a male teacher. Just some suggestions. Depending on how many teachers you had you could put together a whole gift bag at the dollar store for hardly nothing.
"Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."
Hello!
I am a new volunteer to our school's PTO. And I have been tasked to come up with a October gift idea for our teachers and staff. Our PTO has very limited funds for hospitality, and I was wondering if anyone has any inexpensive and simple ideas. Thank you for all of your input!
