We plan the whole week out. Monday morning we left a lottery ticket in everyone's mail box with a note "We are lucky to have you!!" Tuesday we did a before school morning breakfast (juice coffee muffins and bagels with danish) a nice lunch was for one day from a local restaurant and friday was sweets day (chocolate covered strawberries which were a huge hit and other assorted chocolates and cookies-- it was a nice break from the usual little trinkets that were given before. There are only so many mugs-magnets-flower seeds etc that a teacher can use.
On Monday we left a schedule in the teachers lounge so teachers and staff could sign up for 15 minute massages on Thursday. We hired two gals from a local spa who brought in their massage chairs, relaxing music, and candles. This was a HUGE hit. The teachers are already asking if this will happen again this year. Last year we did a whole 'zen' theme. The cost wasn't bad because we only have about 40 total teachers and staff. In larger cities, I understand it's possible to hire students who cost a lot less. Our cost was $7 for neck/shoulder massage and $4 for hands/arms.
We've done a daily bowl of candy in the teacher's lounge with a little note that relates to each one like: Hershey's Hugs and Hershey's kisses with a note that says something like, here are hugs and kisses for you today, thanks for all you do. or a bowl of "Smarties" sweet tarts saying, thanks for helping make our kids Smarties. Payday candy bars with....here's an extra Payday for you.....you get the idea.
We've done the lapel pins in the past which can be fairly inexpensive. In the same vein, this year we are doing custom lapel pins with the school's logo. I've worked with pin productions in the past. They do fine work and competitive prices, not to mention they are speedy with getting you proofs.
We've also done stress balls in the past. Last year, we also did a luncheon and raffled off some prizes donated from area businesses.
