Do you guys get anything for your students for the holidays? I've often scoured some places on black friday for little trinkets and things to give out, but I'm not sure that's even very appropriate anymore. And I don't really have the energy, which people here seem to relate to...

I teacher HS & have over 100 students.
For Halloween, they got a dumdum sucker. For Christmas, they'll get a candy cane.

I have elementary teacher friends who struggle with Christmas gifts for their own families, yet feel obligated to buy gifts for each student. I think it's gone too far due to social media. You're under no obligation to get a gift for students. If you feel the need to do so, a nice personalized note and a candy cane or small bag of candy is sufficient.

One year, I gave each student a candy cane with a message connected to it (130 students). Tied the message on and curled the ribbon. Spent hours on it. I maybe got two thank you responses. Never did it again. I don’t think they realized how much time I put into it. Wasn’t worth it lol

Over half of the kids in my class have always brought me a little gift -- usually a Christmas ornament, coffee cup, pencil set, etc. -- so I always have a little something wrapped for each child to hand out on the last day before Christmas break. Children love the holidays and they are so happy and proud to exchange gifts with me. If anyone tells me this is no longer "appropriate," I'm afraid I may have to show them just what "inappropriate" really is with a verbal blistering.

I am elementary teacher and I always get my students something simple. I enjoy doing it and the simplest thing they are thrilled with. Usually I make them something from an idea I get off Pinterest. Typically cost me $2 a student.

I'm thinking of coloring books and crayons 🖍 with candy canes, and maybe some stress balls or puzzles for my 2nd graders.

I've always been hesitant to give my students physical gifts, simply because I didn't want to create any unnecessary expectations or pressure. Maybe just bake them cookies or something?

I teach high school, so I have nearly 200 students. They get a candy cane. I do give Halloween candy bags out, and I give a personalized card to my seniors with cookies for graduation.

When my class size was smaller, SDC, I’d get them a book that interested them and was near their level. When I’m teaching RSP, the numbers are too high for even something like a book but I get cookies, candy, etc and may show a movie or educationally fun

I have a very small class, so I’m going bigger this year. In years past where I’ve had 50+ students, I got something small, if at all. I mostly gave out holiday spirit. 😂 it’s free!

I have fewer students than normal, but I’m still over 120. I tend to fill a bowl with bulk bin candy and tell them to help themselves on the last day of the semester.

I was thinking that today. I’m not sure what I’m going to do.

I don’t give them anything. Don’t really like to give out more sugar than they are already getting. I have 415 students. But if they want to make a card or something to give to somebody, I will be happy to have those supplies available.

A candy cane, unless the grinchier side of me wins.

I’m getting the kids on my caseload Therapuddy- they’re constant pulling it out of my calming box to use. Maybe it will help them.

TEMU is your friend for trinkets. I always get my journalism class a gift, and this year, I bought from TEMU. I got 12 gifts for under $20.

My students are middle schoolers, and they know that MY favorite holiday is Halloween. That’s when I give each student a Treat bag full of forbidden candy, chips, gum, and a sugar-filled drink. I also prepare different bags for any students who may have dietary restrictions because of medical issues.
This is when we have that one conversation WITH each other AS WE WORK. I find that Bigs, just like Littles, love a special day.
As for the other days, I will say that I am fortunate to work in a building with colleagues who will FIND or MAKE a way to get our students what they NEED. We see our different races, cultures, and ethnicities as OUR village, and it is our responsibility to nurture it for as much as it will allow.🥹