Graduation gift to 8th grade student from teacher?

Question

I am a middle school teacher and have been invited to the graduation party of one of my 8th grade students. Is a gift appropriate? If so, any thoughts without spending a fortune. I was thinking a $10 gift certificate to a book store---or is that too cheap? I am thinking I might be invited to more than one and I don't want to buy one student a more expensive gift than another.

Answer 1

I think a gift certificate for a bookstore is very appropriate. You want to attend the party because you are pleased for them, but you also want to maintain that teacher-student relationship.

Yup - I think a simple book token is perfect, actually.

Answer 2

I gave all my students books as presents this past winter break. Books are a good gift because they're appropriate and educational; you can choose books that you know your kids will be interested in; they are more personal than a gift certificate; you can find plenty of good books for under $7-8.

Depending on what you teach, you can get books that tie into a topic you covered during the school year.

Answer 3

a gift is appropriate

the present should be under $20 but meaningful to the student

book certificate perfect, but only for a person who likes them

Answer 4

Or perhaps a picture frame-- graduation frames, of course-- and put in one picture of the student and you.. or the student and his/her classmates.. Just get a cheap one from Target. They've got really nice Graduation picture frames for under $10. It can be "Cheap" but it's also PRICELESS.

Answer 5

Hi,

When I taught 8th grade I always gave students the book "Oh, The Places You'll Go," by  Dr. Suess. Then I would write a special sentiment in the book for each of my students. It does cost more than $10 at most places but at Costco  you can get it for $9.99. (I just checked their online website to see if they carried it again this year.) I have also purchased it at bookstores when they have had specials where you purchase 2 books and get the third free. Or perhaps you could also find it online.

My students always loved receiving it and so I branched out and gave it as a graduation gift to my volleyball players when I coached. I hope this helps! :)

Answer 6

When I graduated, I invited one of my previous teachers to my party.  He got a book that he really enjoyed and that he thought I would enjoy, too.  It becomes more personal that way, but I guess it only works if you knew things that this student enjoys learning about.