Gifts from students

[pistolchick]

So, the holiday treats and little gifts are rolling in this morning - not so much for me, the sub, but lots for other office staff - what are some favorites you've been given over the years?

As a parent to an elementary aged child, I often wonder what I could give that isn't triplicate of other things they've received, and also won't break the bank.

[Eleven011]

This is my first year, so not really sure what to expect. I have gotten a couple cards, one with a candy cane in it so far. There are always goodies in the offices for all to enjoy.

[100kids, BSN, RN]

I am very lucky in that I have a lot of interaction with all the parents in school because of the different roles I fill so I am often surprised with little gifts at Christmas and at the end of the year. My favorites have been an insulated coffee mug, a best school nurse ornament for my tree, a collapsible container filled with first aid supplies (I still use the container in my office), nice hand lotion, homemade bath soap and a gift certificate for a manicure at a local nail place. I have even had a few parents bring me a bottle of wine (those parents knew me outside of school as well). Ever since I became a School Nurse I always send in some homemade goodies (I bake a lot at Christmas) to the Nurse's at me children's schools even though my kids don't go see them. I know they still have to handle immunization reporting and paperwork for sports clearance and I know it's nice to be appreciated.

[Farawyn]

My wife is making caramel corn for the staff. Our P.O. asked for a list from staff for gift ideas, most chose to pass, but I understand that the parents want to get staff something they will use.

And she's making some for your new AN friends as well, yes?

[A&Ox6, MSN, RN]

A gift that I received and now give because it works so well is a sampler box of teas with a pretty jar of honey or sugar sticks.

I give it now because it is elegant and affordable. I buy Bigelow, Wissotsky, celestial Seasons or anything else nice for a good price. Sometimes I can find it for a dollar a box. I order small jars of honey in bulk from Amazon for about $1 each as well. Wrap it with twine or raffia, and it can be really nice.

I get good feedback, and as a nurse I feel good that I am giving something that can be healthful. Sometimes I will attach my homemade spiced cinnamon peach tea recap as well.

In fact, I once ran a health workshop before the holidays and we practiced healthier replacements. People liked using tea to replace the high calorie hot cocoa and high calorie/high priced drinks from *********(name brand coffee house).

[zombieghoast]

My school is very gift giving so I typically get stuff from bath and body works and chocolate. I thought I was good with my christmas shopping but I forgot about the staff at my school!

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

And she's making some for your new AN friends as well, yes?

Ah, yes.

[Farawyn]

Ah, yes.

Purple guy.

ETA: Oops!

Shoulda stuck to fuuuuuuudge.

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

I honestly don't remember getting gifts FROM the students. I think some brought in gifts for teachers though - most likely instigated by parents.

As co-workers, we did give gifts though in a gift exchange. And everyone brought in some kind of goodie during the last week. When I visited one campus a couple of days ago (with my gift of chocolate/cinnamon bark) the table in the break room was covered in goodies.

[amoLucia]

Just got to thinking - people give cards with lottery tickets inside. I wonder - does anyone know of anyone who actually won something from a 'gift' ticket?

[pistolchick]

Actually, I scratched two today and won $2. Woohoo! Still going to work tomorrow, despite my winnings. :)

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

I make homemade Baileys and give little treats to faculty that I see on a regular basis. In a little canning jar with a twist of raffia and maybe a pretty straw (usually candy cane striped-found at JoAnnes)

I seem to to fall off the radar from admin who usually gives poinsettias to the office staff... we'll see... new principal this year...sometimes some cookie or candy treats for kids via their moms

[ohiobobcat]

I had one student make me a cinnamon baked ornament last year in his Life Skills class (special needs). And his sister made me a card (also special needs). I see these 2 students every day.

Other than that, nope. No gifts for me.

The other nurses in my district and I did a Yankee Swap at our last meeting. That was kind of fun.