Is This Tacky?

[melilley]

I could maybe see if they had a list handy in case parents ask, but to just give parents a list, tacky.

[midaycare]

I don't think it's tacky, because it's not the teacher's idea to give you the list, it is the school's idea, and often they have the appointed "classroom parent representatives" do these types of things. So it's absolutely not the same as us giving our clients a wish list, which would in fact be tacky.

Don't teachers see everything that go in backpacks? My ds's does. I suppose an aide could pull one over on her, but wouldn't their be a note attached like, "Shhhh... Don't tell the teachers but we have secretly asked all of their favourite stores ..."

[Josiegirl]

Totally tacky IMO
The only way something even remotely like that would not be tacky is if an establishment were to send home a notice stating 'in lieu of buying presents for the holidays, please consider a donation of a game, book, or toy for the children to enjoy'. I know this is supposed to be for the teachers there but maybe a conversation before the holidays would be appropriate. Otherwise, I truly believe nobody should send home a list like that.
1) It's basically asking for gifts or making you feel gifts are expected.
2) It's implying any other gift wouldn't be appreciated or needed as much.
3) A gift is just that, a gift. It's given from the giver's heart, without rules and expectations.

JMO

[Laurel]

I don't think it's tacky, because it's not the teacher's idea to give you the list, it is the school's idea, and often they have the appointed "classroom parent representatives" do these types of things. So it's absolutely not the same as us giving our clients a wish list, which would in fact be tacky.

In that case it is tacky of the school to do it in my opinion.

Laurel

[hope]

I teach my children to never ask for anything unless it is a need like water, bathroom. It's crazy that adults don't understand how this is rude also.

My one difficult dcm puts my weekly pay for the week i have off paid to me (which is clearly stated in my contract) in a card each year and hands it to me as a present. I feel like its like getting a toothbrush as a kid on Christmas morning. She is supposed to pay for that week off. It is not a gift to me.

[Thriftylady]

Hey, I'd be thrilled to get a tacky coffee mug, even though I don't drink coffee.

Well I do drink coffee, and I have broken most of my favorite mugs, I could use a new one or two .

But I am still thinking the school compiled this list. Not that the teachers are complaining I am sure.

[Josiegirl]

I teach my children to never ask for anything unless it is a need like water, bathroom. It's crazy that adults don't understand how this is rude also.

My one difficult dcm puts my weekly pay for the week i have off paid to me (which is clearly stated in my contract) in a card each year and hands it to me as a present. I feel like its like getting a toothbrush as a kid on Christmas morning. She is supposed to pay for that week off. It is not a gift to me.

See, I was brought up that way too! Always knock before going into someone's home, never ask for anything or to borrow anything, never walk on somebody's grass, always say thank you for a kind gesture or gift no matter what(well except for your payment in a Christmas card) Lol
Maybe it's becoming old-fashioned thinking to some but I taught my kids those same principles.

[Kabob]

What if they wrote letters to Santa and posted them for the parents to see? I mean...it's not like they don't get Santa letters from their kids....why not their daycare providers?

Dear Santa,

I would like a new set of pots and pans to cook all the healthy and delicious meals I make for the children. I also would like new carpeting or flooring to replace my well worn carpet...especially on my steps from little feet coming and going. And if it isn't too much to ask, I would love a new set of children's books to replace the ones that have been worn or torn apart from being read or played with too roughly so I can continue to be the bestest story teller ever.

Thanks!

[Hunni Bee]

We do that ....

But it's not given out. Its in a book called "Get to know your teachers" or something, and the parents can use it as a reference. Plus we use it for our Secret Santa. It doesn't just say "I like these stores" but our fave desserts, scents, colors, movies, etc.

I see no point in giving people gifts they aren't going to use, so I don't think its tacky. No ones obligated to buy anything.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Yes, I think that's tacky. I'm sitting here imagining writing out a list of all my favorite things for my clients ::

I'm just... :confused: .... why would they think that was a good idea? I'm seriously perplexed ::


ETA:

Miss Beth's favorite color is orange and she loves Diet Coke. She also likes iTunes, Wal-Mart, and Amazon.

Geez.. so bizarre.

I agree!

The only time I wrote a similar list was when one of my clients ASKED ME FOR IT and she supplied the list for me to fill in!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

wait.....

Show of hands, how many daycare providers get "tacky" coffee mugs (or reindeer plates) every year?

I thought it was just a "thing" or something... like "ugly" Christmas sweaters

.... must. rethink. everything..... ::

Never have before!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I teach my children to never ask for anything unless it is a need like water, bathroom. It's crazy that adults don't understand how this is rude also.

My one difficult dcm puts my weekly pay for the week i have off paid to me (which is clearly stated in my contract) in a card each year and hands it to me as a present. I feel like its like getting a toothbrush as a kid on Christmas morning. She is supposed to pay for that week off. It is not a gift to me.

Whaaat? I would say, "Please include it in your regular tuition payment as that is what it is. THANKS."

[KiddieCahoots]

What if they wrote letters to Santa and posted them for the parents to see? I mean...it's not like they don't get Santa letters from their kids....why not their daycare providers?

Dear Santa,

I would like a new set of pots and pans to cook all the healthy and delicious meals I make for the children. I also would like new carpeting or flooring to replace my well worn carpet...especially on my steps from little feet coming and going. And if it isn't too much to ask, I would love a new set of children's books to replace the ones that have been worn or torn apart from being read or played with too roughly so I can continue to be the bestest story teller ever.

Thanks!

......I'm game! ....::......

And what's wrong with toothbrushes in your stocking!? A healthy smile is a happy smile ::.......
Santa still brings toothbrushes for us here .....::.....

[DaveA]

I can see how it comes across as tacky, but I can also see how a center would send it out. One center I was at had a very active parent group. They asked for a very similar list from all teachers for Christmas, birthdays, and teacher appreciation week. All the parents got the lists every year.

As for "tacky gifts", sometimes those are the most fun. When I worked at my Mom's center tins of popcorn were the "in" gift. I got 23 of them. ::::::

[sugar buzz]

I can see how it comes across as tacky, but I can also see how a center would send it out. One center I was at had a very active parent group. They asked for a very similar list from all teachers for Christmas, birthdays, and teacher appreciation week. All the parents got the lists every year.

As for "tacky gifts", sometimes those are the most fun. When I worked at my Mom's center tins of popcorn were the "in" gift. I got 23 of them. ::::::

Those popcorn tins are like nap-time crack to me! My youngest always picks out the tackiest gifts for her teachers.:: This year, she's been eyeing a snow-globe. It's chosen with such pride and love, though. I always throw in an apologetic gift card, but sometimes those coffee mugs are far from an after-thought...I swear!!!::::